Door Knobs are the round types of door handles that are gripped by the user to open or close a door. Door Knobs are one of the most common types of door handles. Door Knobs can be used in various indoor and exterior doors as well as multiple building types. Door Knobs embrace different designs ranging from decorative to minimal silhouettes. Door Knobs are mostly made of metals including copper, zinc, brass, steel, and even sometimes wood or porcelain. The different types of Door Knobs include the keyed door knob, passage door knob, privacy door knob, and dummy door knob.
Door knobs began appearing in Europe during the 18th century. Initially, they were handcrafted beauties, made from materials like brass, bronze, and porcelain. As time moved on, the 19th century saw their popularity surge, with manufacturing techniques evolving and a myriad of designs flooding the market. By the time the 20th century rolled around, door knobs had become a standard and indispensable fixture in homes all over the world.
Door knobs are not just about turning and entering anymore. Modern knobs are embracing smart technology, like those with fingerprint recognition, making lost keys a thing of the past. Sleek designs in finishes like matte black or brushed nickel are becoming household favorites. Additionally, some door knobs now connect to home automation systems, allowing for remote access or even notifying you when a door is opened. As we progress, door knobs will become even more integrated, offering both style and advanced functionality.
Door knobs are not considered accessible as they require grasping and twisting to operate, which can be difficult for people with limited hand mobility. Lever handles are considered more accessible as they can be operated with a closed fist or by using the side of the hand, making them easier for people with disabilities to use.
Door knobs that cannot turn are called Dummy knobs or Fixed knobs, they are used for doors that do not need to be locked or where a push-pull function is required such as on a closet door. They are attached to the door surface and do not have any mechanism for latching or locking.
British door knobs are often placed in the center of the door because it is considered the traditional location for door knobs in the UK. This is because in older homes, door knobs were placed in the center of the door to make them easily accessible for people who were standing or sitting in a room, and also because it was a way to make the door knob symmetrical to the door itself. Additionally, this tradition was carried on from older architectural styles, such as Georgian and Victorian styles.
