Types of Door Handles and Door Knobs Explained

Door handles and door knobs are pieces of hardware that help operate the opening and closing mechanism. When it comes to door knobs vs handles, the main difference is that while handles are more like levers, knobs are circular. 

The former fits interior doors more for their easy operability, while the latter suits exterior doors best for their compatibility with keyed locks or deadbolts. However, with modern designs, it’s not uncommon to find them used interchangeably on both doors.  

These also come in different styles—modern, antique, smart or dummy. No matter the look, they always have the same functionality—make doors operable for letting people in and out. 

That’s why choosing among door handle types eventually comes down to your house’s style and where you’re going to use it: interior or exterior. 

Let’s review your handle choices for interior and exterior doors here!

Different Types of Front Door Handles

Exterior doors need robust security to prevent break-ins and secure your home. For this reason, door handles or levers are the best option, though knobs also work with additional locks.

Handleset

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A handle set consists of a door handle and lock set that’s almost exclusively used for exterior doors in a modern or contemporary-style home. These types of front door handles include a locking mechanism on one side, which operates a deadbolt. On the other side is a lever-style handle. This design keeps your home secure while you’re away or asleep.

Modern Door Handle

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Door handles with prominent curves, clean lines, and simplistic styles add a touch of modern sophistication and a welcoming feel to your exterior door. So, if this is the look that you’re going for, you won’t go wrong with a modern door handle. 

These types of door handle styles feature either a lever or knob, with the former being the most popular style because they look more sleek. Modern door handles can also come with a lock. 

Antique Door Handle

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The Victorian era was a time of ornate designs and luxury. If you’re taking inspiration from this era, then your home likely has complex architectural details. This also means you have intricately crafted double doors with decorative carving.

In keeping with the Victorian-era-inspired home, your door hardware should also feature vintage designs and elaborate detailing, such as antique door knobs or handles. These door handle styles are either knobs or door levers, and you can choose to install a lockset as well to secure your front door. 

Smart Door Handle

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A modern home needs a modern security system, which also translates to your exterior doors. As such, smart door handles would work best for your home. These types of door handles are equipped with a locking mechanism that uses a keypad or fingerprint scanner. 

Some smart door handles use an app that allows you to open or lock your door when you’re away. Some can even provide guest codes for friends and family for added security.

Keyed Entry Door Handles

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Modern homes sometimes incorporate both classic and contemporary designs—meaning they take the best of both worlds. If you have this style of interior design, a classic keyed entry door handle style would work best for your entryway.

This classic door handle style consists of keyed entry door knobs as the main locking mechanism. If you don’t have the correct key, you won’t be able to open the door. Aside from front doors, keyed entry door handles are also used for back doors and patio doors.

Different Types of Door Knobs for Interior Doors

Interior door knobs have better, easier grip than levers. Check out the types you can use for most interior doors below.

Dummy Door Knobs

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These may look like normal door handles at first, but dummy door handles only consist of a doorknob you can grab to pull the door open.

A dummy door handle could be installed in some of your interior doors, such as French double doors. These can complete the look of your door though it doesn’t secure the entryway. Alternatively, you can also use these types of door handles in spaces where you want easy access, such as cupboards or storage spaces.

Rustic Door Handle

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Ranch-style homes and log cabin homes often have textured and natural design elements, such as wood or stones. If you have this style of home, then installing rustic door handles for your interior doors is a must.

These types of door handles are often designed to look like aged metal, in keeping with your home’s rustic and authentic style. They can also be door knobs or door levers that can be fastened with a locking mechanism, depending on your preference. 

Passage Door Knob or Handle

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Passage door handles or knobs come with a standard door knob/lever that you rotate to open the door. Since they do not typically have locking mechanisms, these types of door knobs are often used in interior doors or in areas of your home where you need less security, like closets or pantries.

Fail-Safe Door Handle

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Fail-safe door handles are typically used in commercial spaces, such as office stairwells, and typically need electricity to lock.

These types of door knobs automatically unlock whenever there’s a power outage, ensuring that people inside these commercial spaces wouldn’t be trapped inside the building.

Privacy Door Knob

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Privacy door knobs come with a button lock on one side of the door or a twist lock. This allows you to lock the door from the inside of the room. Meanwhile, the other side of the door has a pinhole that’s used to open the door’s lock on the other side in case of emergencies. These door knob types are often used in bathrooms. 

Complete the Look of Your Home With Burano

While your choice of door knob types depends on your personal style and preference, you can always follow our guide if you’re ever unsure. While door knobs and handles are great ways to update the decor, if the exterior doors are too old or damaged, you may need to replace them first.

We’ll provide you with stylish and durable exterior doors to complete the look and enhance the security of your home. Our doors are fully customizable, so you can get them in any shade or size you want.

Contact us today for a free estimate!