Solid Renner
When it comes to adding doors to your newly remodeled room or home, choosing the right types of door knobs is always an important decision to make. One of the most exciting parts of interior decorating is the ability to choose between a great variety of finishing touches.
Thankfully, you don’t have to limit yourself to just a few decor options. There are countless types of door knobs that come in a number of shapes, styles, and colors for you to choose from. Below, we’ve listed some of the most popular door knob options that you can find at your local hardware store or through a trusted contractor. Take a look at the different designs and styles; you might discover something new that fits your renovation ideas perfectly!
Door Knob Functions
- Privacy Door Knobs (Bed & Bath) – Chosen for bedrooms and bathrooms and is equipped with a locking mechanism (button or turn) for privacy. Most privacy sets have an emergency hole on the outside to unlock and allow entry. These differ from exterior entry door hardware that has a lockset (for security) that works with a key on the exterior and a button or turn on the interior.
- Passage Door Knobs (Hall & Closet) – No locking mechanism. Commonly chosen for closets & hallways–rooms that don’t require privacy.
- Dummy Door Knobs – Don’t be fooled by the name–dummy door knobs are some of the smartest solutions around. If you are looking for something simple, and you don’t want a lot of installation requirements, these are the right door knobs for you. You don’t need to use a mechanical latch mechanism or a hole saw to install them. Most commonly used for pantries, closets, double doors and utility rooms. There are plenty of decorative dummy door knob options to choose from.
- Half Dummy Door Knobs – These door knobs basically work the same as the dummy door knobs, however, only one knob or level is installed. These are used where a knob or lever is not necessary on the inside of the door–functions as a way to pull the door open only.
Door Knob Finishes & Colors
There are a lot of finishes and colors to consider. We’ve highlighted some of the more popular door knob finishes below:
Satin Nickel
Baldwin
Satin nickel door knobs are some of the more traditional and simple door knob options available. If you’re looking to renovate quickly, or you want something that can easily lock and unlock, you can trust in satin nickel designs. Most of these door knobs come in rounded shapes, with simple latches that can be installed on any kind of door.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Baldwin
These door knobs can pair well with almost any interior decorating style. The oil rubbed bronze gives a dark, almost charcoal-colored look, although there are several metallic color options available with a typical purchase. This is another unique option for those looking to stray a little bit away from the norm.
Chrome
Baldwin
In recent decades, chrome has emerged as one of the most popular and affordable interior decor options for a variety of accents and appliances. Chrome door knobs are easy to find at your local hardware store, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Nothing is shinier than chrome! You can polish them every day or clean them occasionally to achieve a great and clean effect.
Glass/Crystal
Baldwin
Glass door knobs always provide an elegant touch to your door. Glass knobs will always be popular because they never go out of style. These classic options are guaranteed to add a touch of sophistication to your room or entryway. You can even add custom finishes to the handle to make the style your own. They can be affixed to a gold or silver backing, with a classic shank to complete the elegant look. Most of today’s “crystal” door knobs are actually glass. If you have a period home, you will need to take the original hardware with you to find authentic crystal door knobs. Authentic antique knobs will consist of a better quality metal. Be aware that crystal door knobs can start a fire when sunlight passes through due to the fact they act like a magnifying glass.
Brass
Baldwin
Brass is a reliable metal that adds a touch of sophistication to any renovation project. Brass is a little more “vintage” and will be seen in bright (shiny), satin and antique varieties. The silvery-gold color adds a lot of vibrancy to an otherwise stagnant room. Plus, brass is easy to clean!
Copper
The Copper Factory
Copper offers quite a unique color when it comes to interior accents and decor. It is unmistakable, and your door knob will surely draw positive attention when it comes in copper. This is a durable metal that can be polished to always look neat and clean.
Styles & Shapes of Door Knobs
Traditional Door Knobs
Nostalgic Warehouse
Traditional door knobs are always a classy option. Most traditional door knobs are made of metal, glass, crystal, or wood, making them elegant and timeless pieces. Antique door knobs can come with classic Victorian or medieval-styled entry handles, complete with Mortise locksets and rim locks to match your vintage doors. There are also craftsman/mission and rustic styles to consider as well.
Door Knob Shapes
Emtek
Common door knob shapes: round, ball, egg, octagonal and tulip.
Modern & Contemporary Door Knobs
Schlage
Most modern and contemporary door hardware comes in sleek designs, with simplistic mechanisms and easy-to-install latches. Slim handles and flat door knobs usually top the list of popular choices.
Door Levers
Emtek
If you aren’t into rounded door knobs, then lever door hardware is surely the way to go. These sleek and elegant handles offer a lot of diversity and variety to decorate your door with. Some lever door knobs are straight, while others offer twisted and snake-like designs. Common lever shapes: flat, round, scroll and drop. They can be embellished with bold finishes in a variety of metals and colors to fit the style you like the most. Don’t forget to consider handing: universal/reversible, left or right.
CRYSTAL BLUE
The door knob in this Seattle home boasts beautiful blue color and so much character.
MID-CENTURY
This mid-century custom home in New York features door knob sets and faucet sets by Sherle Wagner — so fun & unique!
KENTUCKY CHARM
This antique door knob includes a charming little sign that is displayed at the Malvern House, a historic home in Louisville, Kentucky.
Popular Brands
Emtek Door Knobs
This brand offers exclusive door hardware collections that can complete any modern or contemporary look. Emtek door knobs are unique in shape, with a variety of finishes and materials available. Square-shaped crystal knobs, circular bronze knobs, and elongated door handles with latch mechanisms are just some of the many options that Emtek has to offer.
Schlage Door Knobs
Schlage is a well-renowned brand, specializing in door knobs and other door-related hardware. Their knob options range from bedroom and bathroom doors to halls, closets, keyed entry doors, and more. You can even order a custom interior or non-turning knob to best suit your needs.
Schlage offers their door knobs in classic glass and chrome styles, as well as a variety of contemporary accents to choose from.
Baldwin Door Hardware
Baldwin was founded in 1946. Their premium line of hardware is specially hand-crafted. Their Couture Collection is inspired by a wide range of sources; such as French & Greek architecture, Japanese furniture, and Faberge eggs. Here are just a few samples of Baldwin’s diverse door hardware.
Handy Door Knob Choices Checklist
Decorate Your Door the Way You Please!
Choosing a door knob decoration is as important as choosing the door itself. While door knobs may just be an accent, they offer a powerful statement that can often tie together all the stylistic choices in your home. Whether you are looking for something as simple as a chrome knob, or you want to add an antique or vintage look to complete your rustic doorway, there are endless options to choose from.
A visit to your local hardware store will prove that you have a wide variety of door hardware options at your disposal. You can speak to your local contractor or renovation expert for more advice and information on which door knobs to install with your doors!
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