Selecting an interior door handle is an opportunity to personalize and define your home’s character. Whether you opt for gleaming solid brass, brushed stainless steel, or budget-friendly zamak, each handle adds a subtle accent to your décor—and can enhance security where it matters most.

I know that with so many materials, styles, and models available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. In this guide, I walk you through the essential criteria for selecting the perfect handle—combining the joy of choice, budget mastery, and bespoke elegance.

As an interior designer, let me guide you in choosing your interior door handles so they become true decorative and practical assets in your daily life.

Why I encourage you to choose your own handles

The impact on your interior decor

Choosing your own door handles lets you meaningfully personalize the look of your interior. Door handles become more than mere functional hardware—they transform into decorative accents that can completely reshape your home’s atmosphere.

By thoughtfully selecting the design, material, and finish of your handles, you craft a cohesive style that speaks to your personality. For instance, a solid-brass or stainless-steel handle lends a sophisticated touch, while a minimalist model brings a refined, uncluttered elegance to your décor.

Budget control & cost savings

By selecting your own door handles, you gain full control over your budget. You can compare prices and quality across the market’s offerings, unlocking significant savings. Plus, by cutting out intermediaries, you often benefit from better rates and special promotions—especially when you shop online or purchase directly from specialist manufacturers.

Maison Tchenio Expertise vs. Big-Box Retailers (Castorama, Quincaillerie, Bricozor)

When choosing your handles, the source matters. At Maison Tchenio, I apply my interior-design expertise to ensure every handle complements your overall décor. While big-box stores like Castorama, Quincaillerie or Bricozor may boast wide availability and occasionally low prices, they rarely deliver the bespoke guidance and curated selection that I provide.

Smart shopping: where & how to find your handles

Online shopping or in-store visits (Zara Home, Etsy, Bonnemazou Cambus, Leroy Merlin…)

Mesh-style door handle, Bonnemazou Cambus. Cliquez ici.

When you’re looking to buy door handles, you have several purchasing channels at your disposal, each with its own advantages. Shopping online—through platforms like Etsy or specialty websites—lets you quickly compare prices and styles without leaving home. You can also read customer reviews to gauge product quality and satisfaction.

On the other hand, brick-and-mortar stores such as Zara Home, Bonnemazou Cambus or Leroy Merlin allow you to see and feel the handles in person, which can be invaluable for assessing finish and design. Plus, in-store staff can often offer personalized advice and answer your specific questions.

Price Ranges: Entry, mid-range, and premium

The door-handle market spans a wide range of price points to suit every budget. Entry-level handles (€10–30), often made of zamak, are affordable but may sacrifice some durability and high-end finishing. Mid-range options (€30–80), typically aluminum or brass, strike a solid balance between quality and cost, making them popular for standard interior doors.

Premium handles (€80+), usually stainless steel or matte nickel, boast elegant designs and exceptional longevity—though they do come at a higher price.

Sets & Knobs on Plates vs. Rosettes

Choose between handles mounted on a plate (bold coverage over the lock) or on a rosette (sleeker, more minimalist base). When buying, consider the installation type your door requires: plates for doors needing a broad fixing surface, rosettes for a more discreet look. 

Don’t forget coordinating sets for both doors and windows to achieve a seamless visual harmony!

Always verify your door’s thickness and lock type to ensure the handle you select fits perfectly.

Essential Selection Criteria

Usage & Function (Interior, Front Door, Home Office, Security Door) 

When choosing a handle, consider its specific application. For a front door, opt for a reinforced, A2P-rated model with a security cylinder to ensure maximum protection against break-ins. Some models even auto-lock for extra safety—just don’t leave your keys inside!

For interior doors—bedrooms, offices, or bathrooms—the handle type varies by need.

Bathrooms and powder rooms often require a lock for privacy, while bedrooms and offices may do just fine with simple or basic-lock handles.

Ergonomics & Comfort (Shape, Diameter, Installation Height)

Ensure accessibility and ease of use by installing handles between 0.90 m and 1.30 m (35–51″) from the floor.

The shape and diameter of the handle must also be taken into account. Round knobs or “crane‐neck” levers are often chosen for their ease of use and elegant appearance.

It’s crucial to choose a handle that operates smoothly and suits all family members, including seniors and those with reduced mobility.

Technical Compatibility (Rosette vs. Plate, Lever vs. Pull, Backset, Spindle)

Technical compatibility between your handle and the door’s locking system is crucial. It’s important to distinguish plate-mounted handles from rosette-mounted ones.

Plate handles are a single piece that covers the lock mechanism and work best on doors requiring a broad mounting surface. Rosette handles consist of two separate parts (handle and small circular or square base) and suit doors where a more discreet fixing is desired. The backset—the distance between the lock’s center (the spindle hole) and the handle—must be respected to avoid extra drilling. For rosette handles, the standard backset between the rosette and the lock center is 38 mm.

Also verify whether the handle is designed for a lever mechanism or a pull (tirage), depending on your lock type and door operation. Ensuring this technical compatibility guarantees correct installation and smooth performance.

Materials & Finishes

Solid Brass & Noble Alloys (Corston, Buster & Punch)

Solid brass and other premium metal alloys are prized for their elegance and longevity. Brass—a copper-zinc alloy—offers a luxurious finish and exceptional corrosion resistance. Brands like Corston and Buster & Punch are renowned for their refined designs and impeccable quality in solid-brass handles. These are ideal for classic or vintage-style décors where material authenticity matters.

These handles are often used in classic or vintage-style decor, where aesthetics and material quality are paramount.

Stainless Steel, Zamak & Aluminum (Superfront, Thirard)

Metals such as stainless steel, zamak, and aluminum are extremely popular for their functional and aesthetic properties. Stainless steel is celebrated for its corrosion resistance and modern look, making it a top choice for entry doors and humid areas like kitchens or bathrooms.

Zamak (a zinc-aluminum-magnesium-copper alloy) is lightweight yet robust—perfect for installations where weight is a concern—and offers a wide range of surface finishes.

Aluminum, often anodized, resists oxidation and wears beautifully, making it excellent for both interior and exterior doors.

Crystal, Ceramic, Wood & Porcelain (Etsy, Bonnemazou Cambus)

For those seeking a unique artistic touch, non-metal options like crystal, ceramic, wood, and porcelain are highly attractive. A crystal handle brings a lavish, faceted sparkle; ceramic or porcelain handles can add a bespoke, hand-crafted feel.

Wood handles introduce warmth and are easily customized to match furniture or other décor elements. Shops like Etsy and specialists such as Bonnemazou Cambus offer extensive selections in these materials to reflect your personal style.

Styles & Design

Industriel & minimaliste (Buster & Punch, Superfront) 

The industrial and minimalist style is especially popular for door handles among fans of contemporary décor. Brands like Buster & Punch and Superfront offer handles that pair clean, pared-back design with premium materials. Often crafted in raw metal or stainless steel, these handles bring a modern, uncluttered touch to doors—perfect for lofts or designer interiors.

Art Deco & Art Nouveau (Corston Architectural Detail) 

For those who appreciate timeless elegance, Art Deco and Art Nouveau present refined options. Corstonfor example, creates door handles that capture the spirit of these movements with meticulously crafted architectural details.

These handles, typically in brass or bronze, feature intricate motifs and geometric shapes, making them ideal for vintage-luxury décor.

Contemporary & Sleek (Zara Home)

The contemporary, sleek look remains a top trend in door hardware. Zara Home, among others, offers handles that blend modern minimalism with practical function. Usually fashioned from aluminum or stainless steel, these designs are discreet yet sophisticated—suited to a wide range of modern interiors.

Rustic & Artisanal Pieces (Patinated Forged Iron, Custom Models)

For a more traditional, authentic appeal, rustic and handcrafted handles shine. Patinated forged iron, for instance, lends doors a charming, character-filled accent, while bespoke designs deliver one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect each homeowner’s personality.

Handmade by skilled artisans, these handles offer a level of craftsmanship and uniqueness that mass-produced options simply can’t match.

Handle Types & Applications

Levers: Rosette vs. Plate

When choosing lever handles, you’ll encounter two primary mounting styles: rosette and plate. Rosette levers feature a small circular or square base that leaves the lock mechanism partially exposed, for a contemporary, minimalist look. You’ll often find them in anodized aluminum, satin stainless steel, or solid brass.

Plate levers mount on a larger rectangular or oval backplate that fully covers the lock, offering a more traditional finish and added coverage—ideal when you need a “clean slate” look around the lock area.

Plate-mounted handle

Door Knobs: Classic, Designer, Crystal

Door knobs offer an alternative to levers and can be selected based on style and material. Classic door knobs are simple and functional, often made of metal or brass, and suit a wide range of interior décors.

Designer door knobs, on the other hand, may be more elaborate and are often used to add a personal touch to a room. They come in various materials, including crystal, which brings a sense of luxury and elegance.

Crystal door knobs are particularly prized for their refined look and their ability to reflect light, making them perfect for spaces where lighting plays a key role in the design. These knobs can be paired with different types of rosettes or backplates to create a cohesive, harmonious set.

Recessed Handles & Pulls for Sliding Doors

For sliding doors, recessed handles and pulls offer both practicality and style. Recessed handles are built directly into the door, providing a smooth, minimalist surface.

They’re ideal for areas where discretion is paramount and a modern aesthetic is desired. Pull handles, meanwhile, are specifically designed for sliding or pocket doors.

They are generally flatter and wider than traditional handles, making it easy to open and close the door without obstructing its movement. These options are especially useful in tight spaces that demand a functional yet elegant solution.

As aninterior designer, I encourage you to see the door handle as a true style accessory. Take the time to measure, compare materials, and harmonize every detail with your décor. 

Whether you choose plate-mounted or rosette-mounted handles, materials like brass, stainless steel, or aluminum, or a style—industrial, Art Deco, or contemporary—each decision should be made thoughtfully. Be sure to verify the backset, technical compatibility with your locking system, and consider ergonomics and comfort.

Finally, don’t forget to compare prices and quality among the various options to find the best balance between budget and satisfaction. With these tips, you’re now ready to select the perfect handle that will make your home unique, warm, and functional.

Feel free to explore the wide range of available options and take action to transform your doors into decorative, functional elements that reflect your personality and enhance your living space.