The Different Types of Door Knobs and Handles

Door knobs and door handles are more than functional parts of your home, they also serve as an important finishing detail. Whether you’re updating an entryway, restoring a period-style interior, or selecting hardware for a bathroom retreat, choosing the right door hardware helps tie your space together. But with so many types available, how do you know which is right?

From privacy locks to mortise knobs and rolling door hardware, here’s a complete breakdown of the different types of door knobs and handles and where each style works best.

Common Interior Door Knobs and Door Handles

Interior door hardware can be stylish while also helping define function. Bedrooms, bathrooms, closets, and utility spaces all benefit from different types of knobs and levers. Here’s what to know about each.

INTERIOR DOOR KNOB COLLECTION

Privacy Door Knobs

Ideal for bathrooms and bedrooms, privacy door knobs and handles include a built-in locking mechanism, usually a push-button or turn-style lock on the inside. Many also feature an emergency unlock pinhole on the exterior side, allowing access with a simple pin tool or small key.

Tip: Keep the pin tool or key tucked above the door frame for easy access in case a child accidentally locks the door.

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Passage Door Knobs and Handles

Passage knobs are non-locking and designed for doors where privacy isn’t needed — think hallways, closets, or laundry rooms. These turn like standard knobs and latches but offer no lock.

Often confused with dummy knobs, passage knobs are fully functional. The key difference is that dummy knobs are stationary and don’t turn at all.

PASSAGE DOOR KNOBS

Single and Double Dummy Door Knobs and Handles

Dummy knobs are decorative only. They’re used where the door doesn’t need to latch or lock — like on a shallow pantry, linen closet, or decorative French doors.

Single dummy: Installed on one side of the door
Double dummy: Includes matching knobs or handles for both sides

These are usually paired with ball catches or magnetic latches to help keep the door closed.

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Interior Mortise Door Knobs

A classic in older homes, interior mortise knobs use a large rectangular box lock inserted into the door itself. These typically feature glass or metal knobs and may include a skeleton key lock.

While highly secure and perfect for vintage restorations, mortise locks can be tricky to install especially on modern doors. But today, you can find updated reproductions that fit traditional designs.

Keyed Entrance Knobs and Extgerior Door Hardware

When it comes to exterior doors, security is key. The right type of door handle or knob helps protect your home while complementing your architectural style.

Keyed Entry Knobs and Handles

These have a keyed cylinder on the outside and a thumb-turn or button lock on the inside. They’re perfect for:

Front doors
Back entrances
Garage-to-house doors

For extra protection, many homeowners pair these with a separate deadbolt.

Handlesets

Handlesets are the most common choice for front doors. They feature a long vertical handle on the exterior, often with a separate deadbolt above, and a coordinating knob or lever on the inside.

Two locking points for more security
Timeless beauty for traditional homes

Knob and Lever Combo Packs

Combo packs combine a lever or knob with a deadbolt in one set. While less formal than handlesets, they’re perfect for:

Side entrances
Basement doors
Garage entry doors

They’re easier to install and still provide solid security.

One-Piece Knob and Lever Sets

One-piece sets include the handle and lock in a single trim piece. This creates a sleek, unified look and ensures the deadbolt aligns perfectly with the knob or lever below.

Available in vintage and modern styles, these sets help maintain visual consistency inside and out.

Mortise Locksets (Exterior)

Like their interior counterpart, mortise locksets for exteriors offer top-tier security and a vintage look. They require a specific pocket cut into the door so they’re best used on restoration projects or antique doors already fitted for mortise hardware.

Exterior & Interior Packs

These are sold as separate hardware kits for the outside and inside of the door. While they require buying both pieces, this gives you more freedom to mix styles — say, a decorative front-facing exterior handle paired with a sleek, minimalist interior lever.

Just be sure your door has standard bore hole spacing and backset dimensions before ordering.

Not Just Knobs: Rolling Door Hardware

Sliding barn doors have become a favorite in small spaces and open-concept homes. While they don’t use traditional knobs or levers, they rely on rolling hardware — including tracks, rollers, and straps — to glide smoothly across the wall.

Perfect for:

Closets
Laundry nooks
Office or studio dividers

Van Dyke’s offers full rolling door hardware kits to make installation easy.

Door Knob vs. Handle: What’s the Difference?

While often interchangeable, there are a few practical differences:

Door knobs: Round or square; require gripping and turning
Door handles / levers: Easier to operate — especially for children, seniors, or anyone with limited dexterity

Pro tip:If you're planning for accessibility or future-proofing your home, choose lever-style handles. They're ADA-compliant and easier to use with one hand or elbow.

VINTAGE DOOR HARDWARE

Before You Buy: What to Check

Whether you're replacing old knobs or installing new hardware, be sure to double-check these specs:

Door thickness (usually 1 ⅜"–1 ¾" for interior; up to 2 ¼" for exterior)
Bore hole diameter (standard is 2 ⅛")
Backset (distance from the edge of the door to the center of the hole — typically 2 ⅜" or 2 ¾")
Corner shape of the latch plate (rounded or square)

Ready to Restore Your Door?

Now that you know the different types of door knobs and handles, take stock of what your home needs. Whether it’s a vintage-style mortise knob, a dummy lever for decorative French doors, or a full handleset for the front entry, Van Dyke’s Restorers has the authentic hardware to complete your look.

Take a look through our collection to find pieces that fit your home’s style. From antique reproductions, classic Craftsman designs, or something with Victorian charm, browse the selection to find your perfect match.

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