Door Knob or Handle: Which is Best for Your Door?

When it comes to picking the right door knob or handle for your door, there are several factors to consider. Both knobs and handles come in a variety of styles and finishes that can match any home décor and blend well with any furniture too. It is important to find one that fits your needs as well as enhances the look of your home.

Door Knobs

Door knobs are door hardware or accessories that are used to open and close doors in many households around the world. Their design dates back to ancient times, demonstrating the timelessness of their function. Door knobs are typically created from metals like cast iron, brass, chrome, and nickel, however composite materials such as wood or plastic are also used.

Some door knobs also come with built-in locksets so you don’t need additional external door locks. Door knobs are generally easier to install than handles since they are designed to be used with a single hole in the door. They not only offer convenience but they come in different sizes and shapes depending on the style of your home’s interior design, making them an integral part of any doorway.

Door Handles

Door Handles are an essential piece of hardware for doors. They provide us with a mechanism for opening and closing a door safely and conveniently. Door Handles come in many shapes and sizes and can be different depending on the type of door they are meant to be fitted on- be it interior, exterior, residential, commercial, etc.

With most modern doors, handles are usually present on both sides and they have one latch that allows it to open both ways cleanly. Newer door handle designs often contain locks or handles that can be controlled via a remote if needed. Door handles often require multiple holes and more precise measurements for installation. Different materials like wood, wrought iron, brass, or plastic are used in the manufacturing of handles depending on the needs and functions of a particular door.

Door Handle vs Knob: What are the Differences?

Door knobs and door handles each have their own set of benefits. Let us look at some of their key differences.

• Door knobs are typically more vintage-inspired, are easier to open, and can be installed with a single hole in the door. On the other hand, door handles require two holes in the door for the installation and can often require two hands for opening.
• Door knobs feature a cylindrical shape with a round knob in the middle; on the other hand, door handles can come in different shapes and mechanisms and are more integrated with the door itself. Both door knobs and handles can come as single-side, double-side, electronic, or mechanical variations depending on whether you prefer it to be automatic or require manual operation.
• In terms of security, most people tend to prefer door handles due to their integrated latch mechanism. However, if you prefer an aesthetically pleasing element on your doors that is easy to operate, then go for door knobs.

If you're considering replacing your door knob or handle, you might be wondering which is best for your door. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons of each option to help you make the best decision for your home.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Door Handle

Door handles can be extremely useful and beneficial in many ways. Not only are they a way to open and close doors securely and easily, but they can also be aesthetically pleasing and inviting. A door handle is a very practical and convenient way to open a door - but there are certain pros and cons to it.  

Advantages of Door Handles

• Safe

Safety is an incredibly important factor for door handles, as it's the main area of contact between users and doors. Quality door handles are designed to last longer and reduce the chance of accidental breakage, but just as importantly they provide essential physical safety features. Handles with a smooth finish and rounded edges reduce the likelihood of cuts or scrapes on fingers.

• Ease of Use

Door handles are incredibly useful and practical household accessories. One of the best advantages of a door handle is its ease of operation, allowing you to open it with minimal effort to gain access without having to struggle against stiff hinges or grasping multiple knobs. The innovative design means that a simple push, pull, or even a twist is enough to give access, making many handles suitable for people of all ages and abilities.

• Pet Friendly

A pet-friendly door handle can be an incredibly beneficial tool for those with pets in their households. This type of handle is designed to make it easier for your four-legged friends to enter and exit the house without having to rely on assistance. Rather than maneuvering a knob that can be difficult for dogs or cats, these handles allow them to open and close doors with ease using just a gentle push, providing a more efficient and safe way to enter and leave while giving you peace of mind.

Disadvantages of Door Handles

• Loose Grip

One potential disadvantage that can arise with door handles is a loose grip. Door handles with a loose grip can be incredibly dangerous and present a myriad of risks. If a door handle's grip weakens over time, it could become difficult or even impossible to open the door using the handle. In addition to being an inconvenience, this could potentially be unsafe in the event of an emergency where access to the other side is urgently needed. 

• Not Kid Friendly

One of the major disadvantages of door handles is that they are not always child-friendly. Door knobs can be difficult for small hands to grip and if a door handle is too high, it may be difficult or even impossible for a young child to open it when needed. This can cause frustration and make them unable to do things independently, like entering the house after school without needing an adult's assistance. 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Door Knob

Door knobs may seem elementary, but they serve critical functions in allowing people to enter and exit their homes safely. While they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, there are both advantages and disadvantages to using door knobs.

Advantages of Door Knob

• Require Less Energy

One of the most beneficial aspects of a door knob is that they require less energy. This is because, apart from the initial hard push or pull on the handle itself, a simple twist of the wrist is all that is necessary. This results in an efficient and easy-to-use tool, especially for those who rely more heavily on their door handle for access. This makes them particularly suitable for use in places where multiple people have to enter and exit frequently, such as public buildings, airports, and offices. 

• Good Grip

Door knobs provide a secure grip that is easy to hold onto and maneuver, even when one's hands are wet or slippery. This makes them great for high-traffic areas of a home, enabling members of the family to quickly get in and out of rooms without having to worry about their grip slipping on the door knob. 

• Budget Friendly

The door knob is one of the most budget-friendly investments a homeowner can make. It serves as an important element of both form and function, while still keeping costs incredibly low. For those that are looking to replace worn-out door handles or upgrade their style without breaking the bank, choosing a door knob is a great option.

Disadvantages of Door Knob

• High Maintenance

Door knobs may be aesthetically pleasing, but they come with a price. They demand constant maintenance to stay in good condition. While they can survive a few years before they rust or become dented, they should be oiled every six months and undergo regular polishing to keep them shining brightly. As part of the upkeep process, door knobs must also be lubricated with oil to ensure smooth movement of the handle.

• Not Kid Friendly

Door knobs are still the most commonly found hardware on doors, but they pose a range of risks that individuals may not be aware of. A large issue presented by door knobs is they can be difficult, if not impossible, for children to operate. Since small children often do not know how to properly grip and twist a door knob, it can cause them to struggle or fail entirely in opening the door when needed. This can become an even bigger problem if a child needs to escape from a dangerous situation abruptly. 

Still unsure whether you need a door handle or a door knob? Contact our door expert to help you choose the best door hardware for your home.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, choosing between a knob or handle for your door will depend on your needs, style preference, and budget. It is important to consider how much use the door will receive. If you have an outside door that sees frequent use, it may be best to choose a more durable handle or knob. On the other hand, if you have an interior door that doesn’t receive a lot of use, a more ornate knob or handle may be better suited for the job. In addition to durability and style, it is important to consider the installation requirements for each type of hardware.

FAQs on Door Handles or Knobs

Are handles or knobs more modern?

Despite door handles becoming increasingly modernized, from a design perspective door knobs still prove to be the more contemporary choice. While door handles may often be seen as visually unique, in terms of their modernity, in terms of materials such as plastics, metals and other lightweight materials door knobs surpass them.

Can you replace knobs with handles?

Replacing door knobs with door handles is a great way to instantly update the look of your home. Door handles are becoming increasingly popular due to the variety of styles, finishes, and designs available, allowing homeowners to uniquely customize their space to reflect their personal style. They are also easy to install, requiring only basic tools and materials that most people have on hand. 

Can you mix door levers and knobs?

Yes, you can mix door levers and knobs. Although door levers and knobs can differ significantly in size and shape, it is completely possible to use both interchangeably throughout one's home. In fact, many modern-day designs feature a mix of door levers and knobs for an interesting yet timeless aesthetic.