Types of Door Knobs

The doorknob originated in the 18^th century, as shop catalogs and illustrations from the time demonstrate. Offered as a replacement to the original latch mechanism of the door opening, doorknobs soon caught on as a sensible alternative. Although lovers of interior design may not view them as such, doorknobs play a vital role in the overall appearance of a room.

Generally,  a commercial or industrial building will choose a door handle over a doorknob, to ensure ease of access for all the people using the building. However, in private homes, it is very much a matter of taste as to whether you prefer a doorknob or a door handle. Some may argue that a brass doorknob, for instance, adds a certain air of prestige to a room, whilst others may prefer the simplicity of a door handle. Generally, doorknobs do not have locking mechanisms attached, making them better suited to rooms in a house that do not need to be locked, such as lounge, dining room, kitchen and hallway doors.

There are many sorts of doorknobs to choose from and it can be difficult to know which would suit your home best. Here we take a look at each one, in turn, to determine where it might be most suitable in a house.

Period doorknobs – These are the simple, classic round doorknobs. They work well in any room of the house and can fit in with different styles of décor. Period doorknobs may have an additional ‘reeding’ detail or may feature an oval or mushroom shape as opposed to a spherical shape.

Rim doorknobs – Again, this classic shape suits any room. Rim doorknobs are usually available in polished chrome, satin chrome or polished brass.

Crystal glass knobs – Choosing a crystal glass doorknob will add that extra special something to a room. This type of knob works well in a richly decorated lounge or bedroom.

Backplate – To make a doorknob stand out, choose a knob accompanied by a backplate.

Delamain – The Delamain range of doorknobs offers a vast selection of stunning doorknobs in designs. These include ivory crackle, black porcelain, a flower or Greek design and much more. A Delamain doorknob looks best in an elaborate feature room.

Black Iron – A black iron doorknob can add an imperial feel to a room, as it makes a strong statement.

Whichever doorknob you go for, ensure that it will work with the rest of the décor in the room. A doorknob in the wrong color can look out of place. With a little careful thought and consideration, you should be able to find the perfect doorknob to finish your room. In the meantime, enjoy browsing through all your potential choices.