Door Knobs
Door knobs are a design feature in every home, yet they often go unnoticed. From their humble beginnings as wood and stone to the variety of styles and functions available today, door knobs have come a long way. In this blog post we’ll explore the history of door knobs, the standard functions, common finishes, and give you our picks of the 24 best door knobs in 2024. Join us now as we dive into the world of these small but mighty home accessories.
Table of Contents:
- History of Door Knobs
- Finishes
- Different Functions of Door Knobs
- Best Door Knobs
- More Information on Door Knobs
- Conclusion
History of Door Knobs
The use of door knobs dates back to ancient times, although the design and materials used have evolved over the centuries.
In ancient Egypt, door knobs were made of stone and shaped like a protruding boss or handle. In ancient Rome, door knobs were made of bronze and often decorated with intricate designs, including mythological creatures.
In the Middle Ages, door knobs were often made of wood and were simple in design. During the Renaissance, door knobs became more decorative, with intricate patterns and designs.
In the 18th century, door knobs were made of porcelain, brass, and glass. The Georgian era in England saw the rise of the mortise lock, which required a door knob to operate. This led to the development of the “rim lock,” which had a smaller door knob mounted on the surface of the door.
In the 19th century, door knobs were made of cast iron, and new styles emerged, such as the “beehive” and “Bun” door knobs. The Victorians also began using door knobs to display their wealth and social status, with ornate designs and expensive materials.
In the 20th century, door knobs were made of various materials, including plastic, and new designs emerged, such as the “lever” door knob, which is easier to operate than a traditional knob.
Today’s door knob market is full of exciting options ranging from antique collectors’ items like crystal door knobs to modern electronic smart locks that can be unlocked remotely via smartphone apps or voice commands – all designed for maximum convenience and security. No matter your preference, the doorknob market has something to offer that is sure to meet your exact requirements.
The history of door knobs is a fascinating topic that has evolved over the years to become more stylish and functional. Moving on, let’s explore the standard finishes and functions of modern day door knobs.
Common Finishes
Satin Nickel
Satin nickel has a matte or brushed finish with a subtle sheen. It is a popular finish for modern and contemporary homes, and is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of colors and materials.
Polished Chrome
Polished chrome is a highly reflective, mirror-like finish that gives a modern and sleek look. It is a popular finish for contemporary and minimalist designs and pairs well with a monochromatic color scheme.
Satin Brass
Satin brass has a soft, brushed finish with a slight sheen. It is a warm and inviting finish that works well in traditional and transitional homes. It can add a touch of elegance and luxury to a space.
Polished Brass
Polished brass is a bright and shiny finish with a classic look. It is a popular finish for traditional and colonial-style homes and pairs well with warm colors and rich textures.
Dark Bronze
Dark bronze has a dark, almost black finish with a slightly matte texture. It is a popular finish for rustic and industrial-style homes and pairs well with earthy colors and natural materials.
Matte Black
Black is a classic and timeless finish that can add drama and contrast to a space. It is the most popular finish trend in the last few years. Perfect for industrial and modern designs and pairs well with neutral and bold colors alike.
Different Functions of Door Knobs
Passage
Passage knobs are used on doors that do not require security or privacy, such as hallways and closets. These locks do not have a keyhole and can be locked by simply turning the knob or lever. The purpose of passage locks is to provide easy access and prevent doors from accidentally slamming shut.
Privacy
Privacy knobs are often used on bedroom and bathroom doors to provide privacy without requiring a key to unlock. These locks are designed to be locked from the inside using a turn-button or push-button, and can be easily unlocked from the outside using a small tool or pin. The inside knob or lever is always free, allowing for easy exit.
Dummy
Dummy knobs do not have a locking mechanism and are used purely for aesthetic purposes. They are commonly found on double doors, where one door is active and the other is stationary. Dummy locks are also used on cabinets, drawers, and other furniture pieces to provide a consistent look.
Entry
Entry knobs are commonly used on exterior doors and offer the highest level of security. They require a key to unlock from the outside, while the inside can be unlocked by turning a knob or lever. This type of lock is ideal for front doors and other entrances that require protection from unauthorized access.
Best Door Knobs in 2023
1. Schlage Custom FC172 ALX:
The Schlage FC172 ALX door knob is a great choice for homeowners who want to add a touch of sophistication to their home décor. It has a glass door knob with an aged bronze finish trim that will bring warmth and character to any room.
2. Emtek Providence Door Knob:
The Emtek Providence door knob is a decorative door knob that is designed to add a touch of elegance to any interior or exterior door. It features a classic round shape with a sleek and smooth surface, giving it a modern and minimalist look.
3. Nostalgic Warehouse New York Knob:
The Nostalgic Warehouse New York door knob is a vintage-inspired door knob that is designed to add a touch of traditional elegance to any interior or exterior door. It features a classic round shape with a detailed and intricate design, giving it a unique and distinctive look. The knob is made of solid brass or stainless steel, which makes it sturdy and durable. It is available in a variety of finishes, including antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, polished brass, and satin nickel, among others, which can be selected to match the overall style of your home.
4. Jade & Sage Harper Knob:
The Jade + Sage Harper door knob is a unique and stylish door knob that is designed to add a touch of luxury to any interior or exterior door. The Harper door knob features a round shape with a sleek and smooth surface, giving it a modern and minimalist look. The knob is made of solid brass, which makes it durable and long-lasting.
5. CLCTK Premium Glass Door Knob:
The CLCTK Premium glass door knob is a stylish and elegant door knob that is designed to add a touch of vintage charm to any interior door. The knob is made of high-quality clear glass, which gives it a unique and distinctive appearance. The glass knob features a classic round shape with a smooth and sleek surface, and is available in a variety of colors, including clear, amber, and blue, among others. The knob is mounted on a durable brass or stainless steel base, which makes it sturdy and long-lasting.
6. Kwikset Pismo Door Knob:
The Kwikset Pismo door knob is a modern and sleek door knob that is designed to add a touch of contemporary style to any interior or exterior door. The knob features a round shape with a smooth and sleek surface, giving it a simple and minimalist appearance.
7. Shiny Handles Vintage Glass Door Knob:
The Shiny Handles Vintage Glass door knobs are crafted with high-quality, genuine crystal and feature durable zinc alloy plates that are built to last. These crystal door knobs are perfect for use as privacy locks and feature a keyless design that is both convenient and easy to use. With their stylish and elegant design, these crystal door knobs are a great way to upgrade the look of your bedroom or bathroom doors.
8. NIZADO Diamond Crystal Door Knob:
The NIZADO Diamond Crystal door knob is a beautifully designed door knob that features clear glass knobs with a classic rose made from heavy zinc alloy. With its clear crystal style design, this door knob adds an artistic and elegant feel to any home. It sparkles and throws prisms of light everywhere when the sun shines through it, creating a look of luxury in your home.
9. SORWDUERM Brass Door Knob:
The SORWDUERM door knob is made of heavy-duty zinc alloy and is crafted with advanced electroplating to create a luxurious gold finish. The door knob looks very shiny and the gorgeous finish adds a touch of luxury to any home. It comes with complete accessories, ensuring easy installation and operation of the door knob.
10. Balin Designs Crystal Door Knob:
Introduce a Touch of Sophistication to Your Living Space with Black Crystal Door Knobs – Elevate your home décor with our exquisite black crystal knobs. These vintage glass door knobs are perfect for glass doors, bedroom doors, and closets, lending a unique and elegant look to any interior.
11. CoolNews Crystal Glass Door Knob:
The CoolNews Crystal Glass door knob is a beautiful and high-quality door knob that would make a great addition to any home. The matte black finish gives it a modern and sleek look, while the clear round crystal and mirror in the center add a touch of elegance and sophistication.
12. SORWDUERM Crystal Door Knob:
The SORWDUERM Crystal door knob is made of heavy-duty zinc alloy with advanced electroplating is a great choice for those who want to add a touch of luxury and elegance to their home. The use of high-quality materials ensures durability and longevity, while the electroplating technique adds a beautiful shine and luxurious finish to the knob. Crystal knobs are particularly popular because they reflect light beautifully and add a touch of glamour to any room.
13. Emtek Square Rosette Door Knob:
The EMTEK Square Rosette door knob is a stylish and modern door knob design that combines both square and round elements. The square rosette is a decorative plate that surrounds the knob and adds an additional element of style to the design.
14. HIEMEY Glass Door Knob:
HIEMEY Glass door knobs with locks are a great choice for adding both style and security to your home. The crystal material is not only beautiful, but it also reflects light in a unique and elegant way. The lock adds an extra layer of security to your bedroom or bathroom, ensuring that you can have privacy and peace of mind. These door knobs are designed to be easy to turn and grip, making them a great choice for those with limited hand mobility. They are also a popular choice for those who want to update the look of their home, as crystal door knobs are a classic and timeless design that can complement a variety of interior styles.
15. Dairazan Door Knob:
A Dairazan door knob is made of high-quality alloy material with a brushed gold finish is a great choice for those who want both style and durability. The alloy material is known for its strength and resilience, making it a great option for frequently used doors.
The brushed gold finish not only looks beautiful, but it also has several practical benefits. It is resistant to rust, oxidation, scratches, and chemicals, which means it will maintain its appearance and functionality for a long time. It is also resistant to smoke, making it a great choice for doors in areas with smokers.
16. NCL Hardware White Door Knob:
The door knob by NCL Hardware white porcelain knob with black rosette is a classic and elegant door knob design that can add a touch of sophistication to any room. The white porcelain material is not only beautiful, but it also has a comfortable and tactile feel that makes it easy to grip and turn. The black rosette is a decorative plate that surrounds the knob and adds an additional element of style to the design.
17. Schlage PLY Camelot Door Knob:
The Schlage PLY Camelot door knob is a type of residential door knob that is designed to provide both security and style. The PLY Camelot model is part of Schlage’s line of decorative door knobs. One of the key features of the Schlage PLY Camelot door knob is its ANSI Grade 2 certification for residential and light commercial applications.
18. Baldwin Carnaby Door Knob:
The Baldwin Carnaby door knob is a high-end residential door knob that is designed to provide both style and security. It is part of Baldwin’s Reserve Collection, which features premium door hardware with a focus on design and quality. The Carnaby door knob features a modern, square design with clean lines and a bold, geometric shape.
19. Emtek Norwich Door Knob:
The Emtek Norwich door knob with rectangular rosette is a type of residential door hardware that is designed to provide both functionality and style. The Norwich Knob is a round knob with a textured surface that provides a comfortable grip. It is made from solid brass and is available in several finishes, including polished brass, satin nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze.
20. Knobonly Crystal Door Knob
Budget friendly, the Knobonly Crystal Design door knob is a type of decorative residential door knob that features a classic clear glass knob with a satin nickel finished knob base. The combination of glass with a satin nickel finish creates a beautiful visual effect that reflects light and adds an elegant touch to any room or space in your home.
21. Delaney Santo Door Knob:
The Delaney Santo door knob is a residential door knob that features a sleek, modern design with clean lines and a minimalist look. It is part of Delaney Hardware’s Designer Series, which features high-quality door hardware with a focus on style and functionality.
22. Schlage Addison Door Knob:
The Schlage Addison door knob is a type of residential door knob that features a classic design with a timeless look. It is part of Schlage’s Decorative Collection, which features high-quality door hardware with a focus on style and functionality.
23. Emtek Egg Door Knob:
The Emtek Egg door knob with tectangular rosette is a type of residential door hardware that features a classic design with a modern twist. It is part of Emtek’s Designer Brass Collection, which features high-quality door hardware with a focus on style and functionality.
More Information on Door Knobs
What are some fun facts about door knobs?
1. Door knobs have been around for centuries, with the earliest known examples dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
2. The most popular material used in door knob construction is brass due to its durability and ability to resist tarnishing over time.
3. In some cultures, it is considered good luck if a door knob turns by itself when no one is touching it.
Do door knobs matter?
Yes, door knobs do matter. Door knobs play an essential role in both the aesthetic appeal and practicality of a door, as they can influence its ease of use, security against intruders, and visual impact. The right knob should be chosen carefully based on its size, shape, material finish, style and security features in order to ensure that it meets all requirements for safety and usability.
Conclusion
No single door knob is suitable for all scenarios; the selection process can be complex, considering factors such as function, finish, installation and maintenance. From the different functions and finishes available to installation and maintenance tips, choosing the right knob for your home can be a daunting task. Armed with this guide, you can now confidently choose the door knobs that best fit your requirements. Remember: quality matters; choose wisely.
Discover the latest trends and products in door knobs with Door Digest. Get informed on how to choose the best option for your home or business today!
