Door Knobs
Dress up your door
Chances are you've noticed that there are almost as many different types of door knobs as there are different types of houses. This underappreciated door accessory is a classic study in form meeting function – the four primary types of door knobs are brought to life by the nearly endless range of styles in which they can be found.
The Four Major Types of Door Knobs
Broadly speaking, the types of door knobs include entrance knobs, dummy knobs, passage knobs and privacy knobs. Entrance door knobs are found on both interior and exterior doors and have keyed locks. Dummy knobs are fixed in place; there are no moving parts attached to them. Passage door knobs turn, like entrance door knobs, but do not lock. Finally, privacy door knobs are those which can be locked but do not have a keyed cylinder; instead, they lock from the inside of the door and can only be unlocked by turning the knob from the inside.
It is important to note that there are other types of door hardware. Door handles, for example, are frequently used on certain styles of doors, such as French doors. They serve the same purpose as knobs, but cannot technically be called a knob because of their vastly different design; however, you may hear them referred to as "lever door knobs" rather than door handles.
An Endless Array of Door Knob Styles
Now that you understand the four major types of door knobs, you're ready to consider the many different styles available. Chrome door knobs and brass door knobs are common and standard; they look nice, last a long time and are inconspicuous. If you'd prefer something with a little more flair, you can get crystal or glass door knobs, many of which are specially made to resemble antique door knobs.
Of course, genuine antique door knobs are readily available, for a price. Online auction sites, antique markets and flea markets are all excellent places to start looking if you want to give your house a little of the homey appeal of yesteryear.
When you're shopping for door knobs, security should always be a primary concern. Just as with door locks, quality makes a big difference. Look for trusted brands with solid workmanship to get the best value for your money.
