The 10 Best Door Knobs
Special Honors
Tumalo Walnut Lever Set Assembled in the United States, the Tumalo Walnut Interior Door Lever Set is a contemporary selection that's completely customizable. Crafted from solid brass and walnut, its low-profile construction and concealed fasteners contribute to a sleek, modern look. You can choose between aged brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and silver nickel finishes, and there are several locking and non-locking options available as well. rejuvenation.com
Olde Good Things For older homes built in antique styles such as Craftsman or Victorian, you may be looking for one-of-a-kind fixtures that keep with your design aesthetic, whether it's neoclassical or art deco. Olde Good Things salvages and sells door hardware from various eras, including knob sets, rosettes, keyhole plates, hinges, and more. You'll find dozens of items in a host of shapes, sizes, and security levels. ogtstore.com
Rome Tall Designed and manufactured to stand the test of time, the Rome Tall Door Set boasts a flat black finish and is carefully assembled by hand to order using solid brass parts and precision-crafted mechanisms. The privacy set includes a latch plate, full-lip strike plate, thumbturn privacy components, mounting screws, and inside passage half-spindle. Models with a key function feature a Schlage C Keyway and come with two keys. schoolhouse.com
Editor's Notes
August 26, 2020:
We decided to say goodbye to the AmazonBasics Tulip in favor of the Copper Creek Ball, a sturdier budget option that is well-made considering its low price, offered in a host of finishes, and boasts an all-metal construction that should last through years of use. It sports a simple enough design to make it a fine choice for office buildings or residential areas where uniformity and simplicity are key. Be aware though, that this unit has a thumbturn lock, which means that unlike options that can be unlocked via a pin key, and therefore offer a modicum of privacy, this one can be opened very easily from the outside with a coin or screwdriver. This can be a positive or negative depending on your needs.
When the Dynasty Hardware Heritage became unavailable, we took the opportunity to recommend a modern angular design with the Probrico Square 6-Pack. We also loved that the old Dynasty set was offered in multipacks for a reasonable price, and so ensured the Probrico was as well. Most users love these for their heavy, solid feel and contemporary look. They also conform to ANSI standards for quality and are relatively straightforward to install.
We wanted to maintain our list's balanced selection of exterior and interior door handles, as well as keep models around that come in various orientations so users can choose between different levels of security and finishes for their entryways. You'll also find both modern and vintage-style options at multiple price points to suit a range of tastes and aesthetics.
June 18, 2019:
We understand that there are hundreds of doorknobs out there to suit every aesthetic, price point, and security need. When compiling this list, we selected a little something for everyone, whether you require a reliable and budget-friendly model (AmazonBasics Tulip, Schlage Georgian Privacy), an option that provides keyless entry (Schlage Camelot), or something to suit a vintage decor (Schlage Brookshire Collection Georgian, Dynasty Hardware Classic Dummy, Defender Fluted).
We prioritized units that are durable and easy to install, and preferred models that are offered in privacy, keyed entry, dummy, and passage variations for consumer flexibility. If you're looking for a middle-of-the-road selection that's attractive without being overly noticeable, the Kwikset Juno Entry and Schlage Georgian Privacy are both excellent options.
The Schlage Camelot topped our list at the number one spot due to its quality construction, convenience, high level of security, and long battery life. Be aware, though, that you must take it apart to replace the battery, a slight annoyance that, thankfully, you'll only have to deal with once every few years.