Door Knob Choices

It may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re designing your home’s look, but it’s the first thing your visitors see before entering your humble abode. I’m talking about the door knob. If you don’t think that the door knob doesn’t play an important part in home design, just visit the door knob aisle at your local hardware store. There, you will see hundreds of different shapes, finishes, and designs of door knobs.

The Four Types of Door Knobs

The door knob on your home’s front door isn’t the only one that should be given proper consideration. In truth, each door in your home should be given individual thought as to what type of door knob would best suit its purpose. You have four types to choose from, including: keyed entrance door knobs, privacy door knobs, passage door knobs, and dummy door knobs.

Keyed Entrance Door Knobs

This type of door knob is almost exclusively used on an external door that leads into your home. A key is required in order to gain entrance. In some business situations, several interior doors can also be secured using locks that open with the same key.

Privacy Door Knobs

Privacy door knobs feature a locking mechanism that can only be locked and unlocked from inside the room. This type is traditionally used on doors leading into bedrooms, bathrooms, and other rooms where privacy is a concern. The locking mechanism is controlled by a dial or lever located on the door knob.

Passage Door Knobs

Passage door knobs are installed on doors to rooms or passageways that do not require any privacy. The knobs on either side can open the door, but neither can lock it as there is no locking mechanism featured on this type of door knob. This type is generally used in a playroom or a child’s bedroom door.

Dummy Door Knobs

A dummy door knob is one that is used simply for aesthetics reasons. This is normally the case with double doors where one is the primary and the other is just decorative. The dummy knob balances out the look of the dual doors, although only one is generally used.

Door Knob Finishes and Styles

The choice in styles and finishes of door knobs is nearly endless. Truly, there is a door knob for every style of door. Popular finishes include glass, pewter, polished brass, antique brass, wood, chrome, and bronze. Styles also run the gamut, from Victorian-era handles to retro, from art deco to modern.

Take the time to really consider what kind of atmosphere you want your home to exude. Just like the perfect tie brings a well-tailored suit together, the door knobs you choose can deliver a similar result.