A door is much more than a simple object, it is an action, it is a moment, it is remarkable. It is the beginning and the entrance to a new story.


And thinking of the details, they are essential when we talk about the interior design of a house. Part of that is what we're going to talk about in this article, the best door handle materials and how to choose them.


What makes up a high-end piece after all? Certainly beauty and design, but these factors would not have come to life if it weren't for the base, the right choice of material.


This article will help you as a buying guide to discover the different types of materials and their indications, as well as choose handles with the best characteristics for you. With the correct choice, they will brighten up the chosen space.


1. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is an extremely strong door handle material, being a functional and practical choice, because of its durability and for being a natural corrosion-resistant, hard-wearing, and low-maintenance material. It will be perfect in a living room, or in the entrance of a house, for example, because it is a door handle material that no matter the frequency or force applied, it will not show up defects even after years of use. So, if you are looking for a durable and at the same time, discreet material Stainless steel handle is the perfect one to compose the interior design of your project!

Best Door Handle Hardware Materials - Stainless Steel
Our Pick: Olivari Ondo Door Handle on a Round Rose - Super Stainless Steel Finish

2. Bronze

Bronze can be considered a door handle material that is like wine, which always improves with time and gains more value, this is due to the properties of its chemical composition. And also if you enjoy an old-style material in a contemporary framework then you should look at a smooth bronze door handle which would work well with nickel or brass lighting and furniture. One point to consider when choosing this material is that hygiene can be a concern with bronze door handles, but there are some types of bronze that contain bactericidal properties that can eliminate this issue almost completely.

Best Door Handle Hardware Material - Bronze

Our Pick: Rocky Mountain Hardware Helios Pull Handle

3. Brass

Formed from an alloy of copper and zinc, brass has been used since ancient times. The appearance of your brass handles can be a traditional appearance, classic or original settings, in the heritage. It's a golden entrance for example. This material will react naturally to environmental conditions, causing it to corrode and develop a brown-to-greenish-grey patina. Metal in yellow tones will also add warmth to a room to brighten up a space.
Solid brass, for example, comprises pure brass through and through, which means it is a dense, highly durable and expensive form of metal. Pure brass pieces can cost a lot more than comparable zinc pieces, although the difference is justified by their superior physical qualities.
Original brass will look 'old fashioned' when exposed to air and will gradually change colour over a period of time. This can look very attractive if cleaned and carefully maintained. In fact, many people choose to purchase unlacquered brass knobs and knobs because they want to achieve this effect.

Best Door Handle Hardware Materials - Brass

Our Pick: PullCast Earth Collection - EA1084 Sonoran Door Pull - Polished Brass


4. Chrome

Chrome door handles are the go-to option for many homeowners as the neutral tone exterior suits many modern interior design styles. Chrome door handles on roses are particularly popular, due to their minimalist appearance on the surface of the door. Although you might identify chrome with modern designs, it has long been a popular finish.
Offices and commercial environments frequently employ chrome because of its industrial appearance.


On the other hand, chrome matches both conventional and contemporary tastes. Its mirrored look gives baths and kitchens more glimmer.


Choosing polished chrome hardware for your kitchen is a terrific idea if you like mid-century, contemporary design. For the ideal mid-century atmosphere, pair slab-style cabinet doors with sleek, streamlined pulls or knobs with strong, geometric lines.


Additionally, chrome and its variety of polished chrome look great in contemporary bathrooms and kitchens.

Best Door Handle Hardware Materials - Chrome
Our Pick: Art Deco Pair of Domed Ringed Mortice Knobs - Polished Chrome Plate

5. Nickel

Nickel door furniture, which imitates sterling silver in appearance, will give any doorway a premium appearance. This colour is warmer than other silvery metals since it has a yellow undertone.


It is a door handle material that doesn’t rust as it doesn’t contain iron. Pure nickel is very corrosion resistant, especially to a variety of reducing chemicals.


As a general rule, nickel is one material that will fare better outside than other finishes, like polished brass. As you may know, chrome is used extensively in bathrooms for this very reason.

Best Door Handle Hardware Materials - Nickel Plated
Our Pick: Henry Blake SK1000 Art Deco Lever on Rose - Polished Nickel Plated

6. Glass & Porcelain Finishes

Porcelain is a very useful and low-maintenance material that is typically used internally. It can be simply white, cream, or black, or it can have gold lines and brass, chrome, or bronze fixtures added to it. Porcelain door handles come in a variety of colours, but they are less common.
Particularly for kitchen cabinets and bedroom furniture, glass and acrylic knobs and handles are growing in popularity. There are now possibilities for glass and crystal door handles and knobs, including clear, vibrant colours, combination colours, and even bubbles.

Best Door Handle Hardware Materials - Porcelain

Our Pick: Monica Lever on a Rose by DND Martinelli

Designers should keep these qualities in mind as they select the material for their designs, taking into account factors like weight, maintenance, colour, aesthetics, sustainability, hygienic standards, and temperature. While many of these characteristics are inherent to each material, others are enhanced or added as a result of the differential production quality among suppliers.


So, we hope this guide on how to choose the best door handle material could help you to clarify what door furniture you choose for your home decor! One thing you guarantee with our architectural hardware brands you will always make the right choice in what it is up the quality and design of excellent handles and knobs!