Sometimes it is the small things in the home – like door knobs – that make the greatest difference to a property, but choosing between the many different varieties available can be something of a task.
If you have recently moved house, built an extension or redecorated and you are keen to spot your rim knobs from mortise versions, read on and find out what makes each one stand out.
It is likely that the humble door knob first originated around the time that multiple rooms within a property meant internal doors became necessary.
Prior to this, many dwellings consisted of one space, as this was easier to heat using the warmth of the fire.
However, with the advent of glass windows, brick walls and larger buildings came the trend for separating the inside of a home into different spaces and keeping these distinct from one another through the use of doors.
If you have ever been in a property in the middle of a renovation project and needed to get through a door that has no handle you will quickly understand how these devices came into being.
Using the hole left behind by the old lever or knob to pull or push the door open and closed can be slightly tricky – and if even this was not present, just think how difficult it would be to pull the door closed behind you!
It is likely the first door knobs were simple wooden items that were purely functional but over the years – as with so much of a property’s interior – their look became just as important as their practicality.
Indeed, today there are numerous styles and versions of this fixture available.
You can now purchase simple push-pull knobs in attractive materials like crystal or glass that add a definite sparkle to your home.
In addition, you can choose larger versions designed to be fixed to the centre of your external door, that come in shapes like hexagonal or round, or with a facetted design.
These are also available in a range of materials, including polished chrome or brass.
More complex versions include door knobs on plates. Often, these can include a lock that can be secured either with a key or a turning mechanism and they come in many shapes and sizes, meaning you are sure to find one that matches your decor.
Alternatively, you can choose a rim knob. This is a set of two matching knobs, with one fixed on either side of the door. While one can be locked by twisting it in a certain direction, the other is purely for opening and closing the door.
This makes this item popular on bathroom doors, where you only want to lock the door from the inside when it is occupied.
In terms of design, there is a huge selection, including the textured beehive pattern, egg-shapes that fit snugly in the palm of the hand and highly polished, antique-style versions.
You can also choose between brass and polished or satin chrome to ensure that your new fixtures fit in seamlessly with the rest of your fittings, along with selecting hinges in the same material.
Armed with all of this information, you are sure to be able to find the door knobs that best suit your needs.
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