Door Handles vs. Knobs: Which is the Better Choice for Your Home

When it comes to home design, it’s often the small details that leave a lasting impression. Door hardware is one of those elements that often goes unnoticed, yet it shapes the overall look and feel of your space. Whether you’re renovating your entire home or just looking to refresh a room, choosing between handles and knobs might seem like a simple decision – but it carries significant weight. These accents serve a practical purpose while contributing to the overall aesthetic of your home.

Door Handles

Are handles better than knobs? While not as ancient as their knob counterparts, handles have been around for hundreds of years and have increasingly found their place in modern interior design. Whether you want to spruce up your interior or exterior doors, you should buy a door handle with a stylish design.

These versatile elements add a touch of modern elegance to your space. With so many designs and finishes available, you can easily find a style that complements your home’s aesthetic, whether you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary look or something more classic.

Door handles in Australia have a distinct advantage in terms of user-friendliness, particularly when compared to knobs. We’ve all been in that situation where our hands are full – maybe carrying groceries – and being able to open a door with just an elbow is a small but significant convenience. Their practicality makes these elements an excellent choice for homes where accessibility is a priority, accommodating users of all ages and abilities.

They also shine in terms of installation on doors with shallow lock cases, such as glazed ones. When you buy a door handle, even when using locks with minimal depth, your knuckles won’t hit the door frame – a common issue with some knobs. This makes levers particularly useful in tight spaces where every centimetre counts.

Another point in favour of levers is their adaptability. Many models come with a variety of back plate options, from sleek round roses to longer backplates that can accommodate additional features like keyholes or bathroom locks. These decorative accents simplify the process of outfitting your home, saving you the trouble of buying multiple components. While knobs with long plates do exist, they’re far less common and offer fewer practical benefits.

Door Knobs

Even the simplest knob design can bring a touch of elegance to your home. With the vast array of styles, finishes, and designs available, it’s easy to find one that can spruce up your interior and surrounding furniture. Beyond the standard options, there are also stunning decorative choices like cut-glass knobs or intricate reeded designs that can add a unique flair to your space. From a practical standpoint, knobs offer flexibility and convenience.

When paired with the right latches, they can easily operate by turning in either direction, regardless of your door’s configuration. This versatility is particularly useful, and if you need a knob that doesn’t turn, you can even find tailor’s spindles that will fix compatible knobs in place – ideal for cupboards or other elements where turning the knob isn’t necessary.

Door knobs are also an excellent choice for older period properties, where they can enhance the character of the space. Since knobs have been around much longer than lever handles, they’re a natural fit for homes with historic charm. Many older doors, especially those with surface-mounted rim locks, are perfectly suited to knobs specifically designed for that purpose.

Functionality

When deciding between a door handle and a knob, one of the key factors to consider is how they function. Although most of them operate on the same basic principle – turning a spindle to retract a latch – the real difference lies in how you engage with them.

You don’t need to grip them tightly to operate the door. We’ve all had moments where our hands are full, whether juggling groceries or carrying a stack of laundry, and this is where handles truly excel. You can push the door open with whatever part of your body is free – your hip, elbow, or even your knee.

In contrast, knobs require a bit more effort. You have to grip and twist them to open, which can be less convenient, especially when your hands are occupied. While the fundamental mechanism behind both elements is similar, the method of turning the spindle is what sets them apart in terms of ease and accessibility.

Aesthetics

Another important aspect to consider when choosing between handles and knobs is their aesthetic appeal. Historically, knobs were the standard, making them a common feature in older homes. Because of their long-standing presence, we often associate them with vintage and traditional decor styles, and they add a touch of classic charm to any space.

On the other hand, door handles reflect a more contemporary design, so you’ll often find them in newer homes. They blend seamlessly with modern interiors, offering functionality and a sleek, up-to-date look.

However, this doesn’t mean that modern knobs or traditional-style handles aren’t available – they certainly are, and they can work beautifully in the right setting. However, these historical and modern design connections are worth considering when you’re deciding which option best complements your home’s overall style.