10 door handle ideas for every style

The door handle, serving as the gateway to every home, holds significant importance in shaping the overall aesthetic appeal of a house. Its role extends beyond mere functionality, as it contributes significantly to the elegance and charm of the entryway. Despite their seemingly small stature, door handles are indispensable elements of any door, adding a touch of distinction to the entire facade. With a plethora of options available, door handle designs vary in shapes, sizes, colours, textures, and styles. In this article, we present a curated selection of door handle ideas catering to every style, from contemporary to traditional, offering inspiration for both main entrances and backyard doors alike.

See also: Main door handles design to boost your home’s entrance

 

Modern handles

• Feel: Modern minimalist door handles have a sleek and simple appearance, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look for your home.
• Materials: They are typically made from materials like polished chrome, stainless steel, or black matte finishes, which add to their contemporary appeal.
• Options available: You can find them in various designs, including lever handles with straight lines and minimalist shapes, emphasising simplicity and functionality.
• Suitable places: These handles are perfect for modern homes or spaces with a minimalist aesthetic, such as apartments, contemporary houses, or offices with a sleek interior design.
• Benefits: They offer a sophisticated and understated look while providing smooth functionality for opening and closing doors. Their minimalist design also complements a wide range of interior styles, from industrial to Scandinavian.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Geometric handles

• Feel: Geometric lever handles exude a sense of sophistication and elegance with their bold angles and curves, adding a touch of art deco glamour to your space.
• Materials: They are typically crafted from chrome or brass finishes, lending them a luxurious and timeless appeal that harks back to the opulence of the roaring twenties.
• Options available: You can find them in various geometric patterns, featuring angular shapes and intricate details that create a striking visual impact on your doors.
• Suitable places: These handles are perfect for spaces aiming for a vintage or art deco-inspired look, such as old-world style homes, boutique hotels, or upscale restaurants seeking to evoke a sense of nostalgia and grandeur.
• Benefits: They offer a unique and eye-catching design element that adds personality and character to any door. The combination of bold angles and luxurious finishes creates a statement piece that enhances the overall aesthetic of your interior decor.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Knob handles

• Feel: Knob handles exude a timeless charm with their rounded, knob-like design, offering a classic and elegant touch to any door. They provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, making them a popular choice for both traditional and transitional decor styles.
• Materials: These iconic door hardware pieces come in a wide range of materials, including brass, bronze, stainless steel, and even ceramic or glass. This variety allows for customization to suit different design preferences and interior aesthetics.
• Finishes: Knob handles are available in various finishes such as polished chrome, satin nickel, antique brass, and oil-rubbed bronze. Each finish adds its unique character and can complement different colour schemes and decor themes.
• Suitable places: Knob handles are typically used on interior doors, such as bedroom and closet doors, where privacy and aesthetics are important considerations. They blend seamlessly with a wide range of decor styles, from traditional to transitional, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space.
• Benefits: Apart from their aesthetic appeal, knob handles offer a comfortable grip for effortless door operation. Their smooth, rounded design ensures ease of use and adds a touch of elegance to any room they adorn.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Gothic drama handles

• Feel: Gothic drama door handles evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue with their heavy black iron construction and ornate details. They make a dramatic statement in both traditional and modern locations adding depth and character to any door with their dramatic flair.
• Materials: These door handles are typically crafted from sturdy black iron, known for its durability and rustic charm. The weightiness of the iron adds to the overall dramatic effect, enhancing the sense of presence these handles bring to a room.
• Designs: Gothic drama handles often feature ornate scrollwork, intricate patterns, or even lion’s head knocker designs. The addition of these ornamental components heightens the door handles’ overall theatrical quality and produces an aesthetically capturing attraction that draws curiosity.
• Suitable places: These handles are ideal for entry doors or doors leading to grand, statement-making spaces. They are particularly well-suited for homes with Gothic-inspired or vintage decor themes, where they can complement other dramatic elements and architectural features.
• Benefits: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Gothic drama door handles provide functional benefits by offering a sturdy grip for opening and closing doors. They also serve as conversation starters and focal points, enhancing the overall ambiance of the space with their bold presence.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Hoop handles

• Feel: The hoop door handle is a unique and modern take on traditional handle styles. Its smooth, curved shape provides a clean and contemporary design that seems to those looking for a minimalist yet stylish door hardware solution.
• Materials: Typically made from durable materials like stainless steel or aluminium, the hoop handle boasts both strength and elegance. Its high-quality construction ensures longevity and reliability, making it a practical choice for everyday use.
• Design: The minimalist design of the hoop handle features a simple, circular shape that allows for easy gripping and effortless operation. This clean and uncluttered appearance contributes to its contemporary appeal, adding a touch of sophistication to any door.
• Suitable places: The versatility of the hoop door handle makes it suitable for a wide range of interior settings. Whether installed in residential homes, modern offices, or commercial spaces, this handle effortlessly complements contemporary decor themes and architectural styles.
• Benefits: Apart from its stylish appearance, the hoop door handle offers practical benefits such as smooth operation and easy maintenance. Its ergonomic design ensures comfortable gripping, while its modern look adds a touch of sophistication to any environment.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Electronic handles

• Feel: Electronic handles bring a futuristic vibe to door hardware with their advanced technology and sleek design.
• Features: They offer keyless entry, remote access, and integration with smart home systems for convenience and security.
• Operation: Users can unlock doors using keypad codes, RFID cards, or smartphone apps, providing flexible access control options.
• Suitable places: Electronic handles are suitable for residential, commercial, and hospitality settings, catering to modern security needs.
• Benefits: They provide convenience, security, and seamless integration with other smart devices.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Leaf shaped handles

• Design: Resembling the shape of a leaf, these handles evoke a sense of nature and tranquillity, adding a unique and charming element to your doors.
• Construction: Typically made from durable materials like metal or wood, leaf-shaped handles are crafted to mimic the delicate curves and details of real leaves.
• Variety of options: Available in various sizes, finishes, and styles, you can choose from sleek and modern designs to more intricate and ornate leaf patterns.
• Suitable places: These handles are ideal for both residential and commercial spaces, especially in areas where you want to create a serene and inviting atmosphere, such as bedrooms, living rooms, or nature-themed establishments like botanical gardens or eco-friendly resorts.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Letter handles

• Design: Resembling the shape of letters, these handles bring a stylish and personalised touch to your doors, making a statement while remaining functional.
• Construction: Crafted from sturdy materials like metal or acrylic, letter-shaped handles are designed to reflect the clean lines and sharp angles of typography.
• Variety of options: Available in various sizes, fonts, and finishes, you can customise these handles to match your interior decor or even spell out words or initials for a personalised touch.
• Suitable places: These handles are versatile and suitable for a range of settings, from residential homes to trendy cafes or boutique shops. They add a contemporary flair to any space, whether it’s a modern apartment or a creative office environment.

 

Thumb latch handles

• Design: Featuring a latch mechanism operated by pressing down with the thumb, these handles have a classic and timeless design that harks back to simpler times.
• Versatility: While commonly found on exterior doors, particularly in rustic or farmhouse-style settings, thumb latch handles can also complement interior doors, adding a touch of character to any room.
• Ease of use: The thumb latch mechanism provides a simple yet effective way to secure doors, allowing for easy entry and exit without the need for keys or complicated locking mechanisms.
• Suitable places: Thumb latch handles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, particularly on exterior doors of homes, cottages, and cabins. 
• Options available: Thumb latch handles are available in various materials, including wrought iron, brass, and bronze, catering to different architectural styles and design preferences. 

 

Source: Pinterest

 

Ballet flush handles

• Designs: The Ballet Flush Sliding Door Dressing Handle boasts sleek and minimalist designs that blend seamlessly with contemporary décor styles. 
• Ease of use: This handle is designed for effortless operation, featuring a smooth surface and ergonomic shape that allows for comfortable gripping. Its flush-mount design ensures there are no protruding parts, minimising the risk of snagging or catching on clothing as users pass through the door.
• Suitable places: The Ballet Flush Sliding Door Dressing Handle is perfect for sliding doors in modern homes, apartments, and offices, offering a sleek and unobtrusive solution for dressing up sliding doors.
• Options available: Available in various finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, and matte black, this handle allows users to match it with their interior décor. 
• Versatile application: Besides residential settings, the Ballet Flush Sliding Door Dressing Handle is also suitable for commercial spaces such as hotels, conference rooms, and retail stores. Its sleek and modern appearance complements various architectural styles and interior designs.

 

Source: Pinterest

 

FAQs

How to keep my door handles clean?

Wipe them down regularly with a damp cloth for dust and fingerprints. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage the finish.

How to fix loose door handles?

Check for loose screws and tighten them with a screwdriver. In some cases, the mechanism itself might need replacing.

How to fix broken door handles?

Depending on the severity, you can replace individual parts or the entire handle. Consider consulting a handyman if repairs seem complex.

Is there anything else to consider when choosing a door handle?

Think about accessibility, especially if you have young children or elderly family members in your home. Lever handles might be easier to use in such cases.

What's the difference between a passage handle and a privacy handle?

Passage handles allow access from both sides of the door. Privacy handles have a locking mechanism for bathroom or bedroom doors.

What tools are needed to replace a door handle?

Screwdriver, possibly an Allen wrench depending on the handle type.

How to choose the right size door handle?

Standard doorknobs are typically 2.375 inches in diameter. Lever handle backplates come in various sizes, but most are 2-4 inches wide. Consider the size and style of your door when choosing handle dimensions.

What are the most durable door handle materials?

Metal (brass, stainless steel) handles offer excellent durability and are easy to clean.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com