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Types of Doorknobs for Any Use

When it comes to design, every detail counts. Explore the many types of doorknobs you can use to elevate your space. With practical tips and stylish examples, I have options to fit any and all of your doorknob needs!

It takes dozens of little pieces to make a room come together. And in my opinion, no detail is too small. 

While you may not think doorknobs hold much design power, they can provide a surprising amount of elevation to your space. 

It’s important to make sure you’re covering all of your bases before installing doorknobs – ensuring you’ve met all of your needs in privacy, function, and style. 

In this post, I’ll cover the 6 different types of doorknobs, and their uses, so that you have all you need to know before you hit the hardware store!

I’ve also included various style options with gorgeous finishes and unique shapes to put the finishing touches on your room decor. 

How to choose the right doorknob

The first step to choosing the right doorknob for your needs is to ask yourself a few guiding questions. Some questions to consider include: 

  1. Is this doorknob for an interior or exterior door? – Exterior doors need doorknobs with substantial locks for safety. Interior doors have less-pressing needs. 
  2. What function does this door knob hold? – Do you need a lock for privacy? Should it be quick and easy to open? 
  3. What style of doorknob will suit the space? – Which finish coordinates with the room? Are you looking for something that will blend in or make a statement?

Types of doorknobs

Not all doorknobs are made the same. 

Each of these different types of doorknobs has a specific function; learn these functions ahead of time to guide your pick!

Door Levers

These doorknobs are standard in function and can come with or without locks. 

Door levers are good for all interior doors. And because they’re flat, they’re also easier to operate than standard passage doorknobs making them more accessible for all users. 

Dummy door knob

These are one-sided doorknobs without a turn function. In other words, they’re more like a handle. 

Dummy doorknobs are good in room interiors for closet doors and pantries. 

Handlesets 

These are exterior doorknobs with a handle, thumb latch, deadbolt, and lock and key. 

Handlesets are perfect in both style and function for front doors. 

Keyed entry doorknobs

These refer to doorknobs with lock and key mechanisms, most commonly used for exteriors. 

Keyed entry doorknobs are good for front doors, garage doors, and any other door where you need an extra layer of security. 

Passage doorknobs

These doorknobs are classic in function, with a simple turning mechanism and no locking capability. 

Passage doorknobs are good for interiors without additional privacy needs like dens, home offices, closets, and communal spaces. 

Privacy Doorknobs 

These doorknobs have a single-sided locking mechanism with either twist or button locks. 

Privacy doorknobs are great for interiors that need a little extra security like bathrooms and bedrooms. 

Door knob styles 

Once you’ve determined what doorknob type is right for you, it’s time to have fun with it! These doorknob styles and finishes can help put the finishing touch on any room. 

Matte black 

A matte black door knob is neutral, on-trend, and looks good in just about any space; it’s quickly becoming one of the most common types of doorknobs.

Matte black would be a good fit for contemporary, industrial, and modern farmhouse designs. 

Brass

While brass doorknobs had previously looked a bit dated, I’m here to tell you that they’re back and better than ever!

Brass looks great in vintage-inspired rooms along with golden accents throughout. 

Note that brass doorknobs will eventually corrode so it needs to be polished (unless you’re going for a weathered look!). 

Novelty 

Nowadays, there are door knob styles in every shape, color, and pattern under the sun!

Choose a fun, novelty door knob to add a bit of extra character to your space. 

Polished chrome

There are few finishes as timeless as polished chrome; it looks clean and neutral and suits any space. 

For a doorknob that will never go out of style, opt for a polished chrome finish throughout your home. 

Crystal

One of my absolute favorite types of doorknobs has to be crystal.

Crystal doorknobs look simultaneously vintage and contemporary with an elegance that transcends time!

While home designers are going darker and darker with their doorknob choices, crystal additions offer a welcome difference. 

Vintage 

For a beautiful ode to the past, add vintage door knobs to your space. 

Hit the thrift store and get excited about the treasures you may find!

Copper 

For a trendy (and antibacterial!) doorknob option, opt for a copper finish

Copper is all the rage design-wise, so why not bring that trend to your doorknobs? 

Geometric 

While round doorknobs are standard, you can go against the grain with a geometric doorknob. 

Geometric types of doorknobs will add a hint of fun and whimsy to your space. 

Globe

I love these adorable, bulbous door knobs; they take the standard, round door knob and amplify it for a fun effect!

Choose them in a matte black finish for a contemporary look. 

Final thoughts: Types of doorknobs 

When it comes to doorknobs, you have a real opportunity to make a stylish impact on your space in an unexpected way. 

Once you’ve passed the basic mechanics, there is so much room to play with color, shape, finish, and more. 

I hope you’ve found this post helpful in teaching you the different types of doorknobs and their intended uses. 

But most of all, I hope you’ve gained a little bit of inspiration to help incorporate some unique doorknob styles into your space. 

Let me know your favorite doorknob trends in the comments down below. 

Happy decorating!

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Tania Griffis is an accomplished writer, blogger, and interior designer with a Journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. She started her popular blog, Run to Radiance, in 2011, demonstrating her design expertise through the personal remodeling of six houses to millions of readers across the globe.

Tania also owns The Creative Wheelhouse, a respected ghostwriting agency for bloggers, further showcasing her talent for creating engaging and informative content.

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