Door Knob Buying Guide in 2024

Door knobs can be considered as a type of door handle as it is used for opening and closing a door. It is an essential part of the door hardware that only provides the space to grab the door towards a side. The place of installation of door knobs on a door may vary between a few centimeters away from the edge of the door to the exact center of the door. This mostly depends on the individual's choice as well the decorative style. Generally, the distance from the edge of the door to the center of the door knob is called the backset.

Decorative door knobs may or may not have a locking option available with them. Majority of the modern or contemporary doors have door knobs that can be turned to operate a latching mechanism that usually holds the door closed. There are doorknobs which have a built-in locks in them.

DOOR KNOB MATERIALS

Materials used for making door knobs are numerous. We can classify the door knobs on the basis of materials used in a following way

  • White Metal Finish
  • Chrome Plated
  • Burnished Gold Finish
  • Brass
  • Iron
  • Bronze
  • Antique Bronze
  • Antique Nickel
  • Satin Nickel

DOOR KNOB DESIGNS

Appearance, cost, and availability are the major considerations for selecting the Door hardware but for preparing durable knobs manufacturers are concentrating more on designs. While designing more and more attention is now given on size, shape, and feel of each element of door knobs to make them user friendly. Door knobs must have following design features:

  • Sharp edges or ridges should be absent
  • They can be easily grasped or turned
  • Strong gripping should be provided by applying non- slip coating
  • Shaft should be long enough to fit hand behind knob

Coating

To provide extra protection to the knob, an organic or inorganic coating is applied by using various processes. Polyurethanes, acrylics, and epoxies are used in organic coatings. Organic coating however produces hazardous materials hence now manufacturers are applying inorganic coatings which are based on inert metals. Physical vapor deposition (PVD) or electroplating is used for this type of coatings.

Types

We can classify the door knobs on the following basis:

  • Door Knobs By Design
  • Antique Door Knobs
  • Dummy Door Knobs
  • Entrance Door Knobs
  • Georgian Door Knobs
  • Passage Door Knobs
  • Privacy Door Knobs
  • Victorian Door Knobs

By Materials

  • Brass Door Knobs
  • Bronze Door Knobs
  • Ceramic Door Knobs
  • Glass Crystal Door Knobs
  • Stainless Steel Door Knobs

BUYING TIPS

The entrance to your castle should be as grand and distinctive as yourself. Adorn your front door with a decorative handle that reflects your personality. They come in brass, silver, gold and black nickel finishes. Their basic material however, is usually brass. Depending on your taste, you could pick an ornate or a unique design.

These handles are also available with a locking mechanism. However, if you already have a locking system in place, go in for one of the decorative options. Pick a handle of your choice for anything between Rs.1600 and Rs.20,000 per piece.

With a captivating front door, you can't exactly leave the other rooms behind. There are several attractive handle options for your bedroom and bathroom doors.

Depending on your décor style, you can choose from handles with ornamental stones, ones with embossed designs as well as those with unique shapes. Here too, you have different finishes such as silver, gold, etc. Murano glass handles are another fancy option for inside rooms. They look classy and give your home a brighter appearance. All of these handles are priced between Rs.1500 and Rs.12,000.

If handles aren't your thing, try door knobs. For the main door, you could go with an elaborate, engraved copper finish knob. It will give your door a rich look. But the fun knobs are the glass ones for the inside doors. You can pick from an array of colours and designs in the Murano glass range. They are available at a modest price of Rs.300 - Rs.400. And if it is crystals that you crave, then go with a Swarovski knob. This should set you back by around Rs.3000 - Rs.4000… but oh, what dazzling sight they make.

Decorative knobs are not limited to room doors only. There are a variety of themed knobs that you could use on cabinets, drawers and shutters across your home. The themes range from kiddie to kinky. They are available in a variety of colours and finishes like porcelain, glass, antique and more. Each one is sure to add that unique touch to your home. Depending on your taste and budget, you can get one for anywhere between Rs.50 to Rs.300.

People can choose the knob having either modern look or antique look. If you are purchasing the knob of antique look then you must enquire that what does this antique exactly means. The antique look may mean following things:

  • Hardware is simply replica of old original pieces.
  • It is combination of modern style with antique adaptation.

All of these knobs, levers and knockers claim to be maintenance-free for the first five to six years. After that, you may have to redo the plating every once in a while at any local plating shop. Go ahead! Get a grip on those doors and drawers.