A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Door Furniture

Introduction

Choosing between door knobs and door handles may seem simple, but it can be a difficult decision.

The door furniture you choose affects the look of your doors, as well as security and ease of use.

Should you choose a classic round door knob, or would a lever handle be more practical?

In this guide, we compare the pros and cons of each option, including installation, maintenance, exterior use and style considerations.

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Table of Contents

• Door Knobs: Pros and Cons
• Door Handles: Pros and Cons
• Installation and Maintenance Tips
• Using Knobs or Handles on Exterior Doors
• Style Considerations
• Conclusion

Door Knobs: Pros and Cons

Door knobs have been used for centuries and remain popular for their traditional appearance.

Historically, door knobs for exterior doors were common in Georgian and Victorian homes, often paired with separate key locks for security.

Before modern mortice latches were introduced, surface-mounted rim locks with knobs were a familiar feature in period properties.

If you are aiming for an authentic look in a heritage renovation, door knobs may be your first choice.

There are, however, several practical points to consider before choosing knobs for every door in your home.

Pros of Door Knobs

Classic period style: Door knobs offer authentic period detail that suits traditional and heritage homes.

From Georgian brass knobs to Victorian porcelain designs, they provide a vintage look that lever handles often cannot replicate.

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Fewer Snagging Issues

Because of their rounded shape, door knobs are less likely to catch clothing, bags or loose sleeves.

In tight hallways, cupboards or smaller rooms, this can be useful.

Ideal for Certain Locks

If you have a traditional rim lock, a door knob is usually the correct choice.

Rim locks sit on the surface of the door and are designed to work with knobs rather than lever handles.

Cons of Door Knobs

Less ergonomic to operate: A knob must be gripped and turned, which can be harder for small children or anyone with limited hand strength.

In an emergency, a stiff knob can also be more difficult to operate quickly.

Requires space from the door edge: Door knobs need to be positioned further from the edge of the door than handles.

This distance is known as the backset. A longer backset helps prevent your knuckles from catching the door frame when turning the knob.

On doors with narrow stiles or glass panels near the edge, a knob may not fit comfortably.

Not always ideal for modern locks: External doors often require higher-security locking systems.

Most BS3621-rated mortice sash locks and multipoint locking systems are designed to work with lever handles.

Door knobs can be used on front doors, but they usually need a separate deadbolt or key-operated lock.

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Door Handles: Pros and Cons

Door handles, also known as lever handles, are widely used because they are easy to operate.

Instead of twisting, you simply push down on the lever.

This makes handles a practical option for many homes, especially where ease of use is important.

Lever handles are also common on exterior doors because they work well with modern locks and multipoint systems.

Pros of Door Handles

Easy to grip and open: Lever handles can be operated with a hand, elbow or even a single finger.

This can be useful when carrying shopping, laundry or other items.

For households with young children or anyone with limited dexterity, handles are usually easier to use than knobs.

Flexible installation: A handle can usually be placed closer to the edge of the door than a knob.

This makes handles suitable for doors with narrower stiles or glass panels.

Lever handles are also available for many door types, including passage doors, bathroom doors and external locking doors.

Wide design choice: Door handles are available in many styles and finishes, from clean modern designs to traditional lever handles.

This makes it easier to match handles with the wider style of your home.

Cons of Door Handles

Not always period appropriate: In a very traditional home, some modern lever handles can look out of place.

For cottage renovations or Victorian townhouses, door knobs may provide a more authentic look.

Can catch on clothing: Lever handles project from the door and can catch bags, pockets or loose clothing.

This is worth considering in narrow hallways, cloakrooms or under-stair spaces.

Maintenance and wear: Lever handles often rely on springs to return the handle to a horizontal position.

Over time, these springs can weaken, which may lead to a drooping handle.

Good quality hardware should last for many years, but occasional tightening or maintenance may still be needed.

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Installation and Maintenance Tips

Installing door knobs or handles is a manageable DIY task for many homeowners.

There are, however, a few important differences to consider before fitting them.

Height and Positioning

Fit your door furniture at a comfortable height.

The standard door knob height in most homes is around 90-100cm from the floor to the centre of the knob or handle.

You should also consider the backset, which is the distance from the door edge to the spindle hole.

Door knobs usually need a longer backset, while lever handles can normally be fitted with a shorter latch.

Fixing a Loose Door Knob

If a door knob starts to wobble or spin, the fix is usually simple.

Check the grub screw or set screw on the knob and tighten it with the correct tool.

You should also tighten the screws that hold both sides of the knob together through the door.

Fixing a Sagging Door Handle

A drooping lever handle often means the internal spring has weakened.

In many cases, replacing the tubular latch can help the handle return correctly.

You can also check whether the handle screws need tightening or whether the mechanism needs light lubrication.

Using Knobs or Handles on Exterior Doors

Exterior doors need to be secure and weather resistant.

This makes the choice between knobs and handles slightly different from internal doors.

Security

Front and back doors usually require a secure locking mechanism.

Many lever handle sets for exterior use work with key cylinders, mortice locks or multipoint locking systems.

If you choose a door knob for an exterior door, it will usually need to be paired with a separate deadbolt or mortice lock.

For insurance purposes in the UK, many external doors require a lock that meets BS3621.

Weather Exposure

Not all knobs and handles are suitable for outdoor use.

For exposed external doors, choose materials and finishes designed for the weather.

Solid brass, bronze and stainless steel can work well outdoors, although some finishes will naturally patina over time.

For coastal or very wet areas, stainless steel or properly coated external hardware is often the safest choice.

Regularly oiling or lightly greasing moving parts will help keep exterior hardware working correctly.

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Style Considerations

Beyond practical use, consider the age and style of your home.

The choice between knobs and handles often comes down to the look you want to achieve.

Modern and Contemporary Homes

In modern homes, lever handles are often the preferred choice.

Clean-lined handles in matt black, chrome or brushed nickel work well with contemporary interiors.

Simple door knobs can still suit modern spaces, but lever handles are more common in newer homes.

Victorian and Period Properties

In older homes, door knobs often feel more authentic.

Victorian houses commonly featured decorative glass, ceramic, wood or brass knobs.

If you prefer lever handles in a period-style home, choose antique-style reproductions that suit the age of the property.

Conclusion

Both door knobs and door handles have advantages and drawbacks.

The right choice depends on the type of door, who will be using it, and the style of your home.

Door knobs offer traditional character and are well suited to period properties, rim locks and heritage renovations.

Door handles are easier to operate, work well with modern locks and are a practical choice for many homes.

Before choosing, think about where the door is located, whether it needs to lock, how much space there is around the door edge, and the look you want to achieve.

Explore our Door Knob Collection and Door Handle Collection to find the right option for your home.