Door handle or knob?

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

Im wanting to get some of these 1930's internal doors fitted in my 1930's house, but Im struggling to decide whether door knobs or lever handles look best, and whether to position them higher up by the mid rail, or at the lower standard height on the style?

I think knobs look better on this type of door but I understand they'll need to be set back away from the door frame with 3" latches so you don't catch your knuckles of the frame?.

So which would look best, knob or handle, and where would you place them, up by the mid rail or lower down on the style?

Boxster1 · 24 Jan 2021

Definetely knobs on the mid rail as per the first photo

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

I think you are right.

Im getting two of those 1930's doors put in my hallway, but a third door next to them that leads into the kitchen I want glazed, and will maybe go for one of the two doors shown below. I'm just hoping the door style will allow a knob 3" away from the edge so I don't catch my knuckles on the door frame. Do you think they will?

Boxster1 · 24 Jan 2021

If the stile is a standard width then it should accept a 3" latch quite easily. Just be careful not to drill to deep and risk hitting the glazing

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

Thanks Boxster1, I'll phone the door shop tomorrow and have a chat with them, and hopefully place my order. Spent all day yesterday looking at all the options of handles/knobs, positioning etc.

Also, I believe I need 3 x 3" ball bearing hinges per door?

lynchnigel · 24 Jan 2021

Personally I like the nice large ceramic knobs ha

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

lynchnigel said:
Personally I like the nice large ceramic knobs ha

They would perhaps look nice, my hallway has lots of original 1039 features. However the rooms on the other side are more modern. Is it acceptable to have different handles/knobs on each side fo the door? Or am I overthinking this???

Still in decorating stage...

lynchnigel · 24 Jan 2021

LeadFarmer said:
They would perhaps look nice, my hallway has lots of original 1039 features. However the rooms on the other side are more modern. Is it acceptable to have different handles/knobs on each side fo the door? Or am I overthinking this???

Still in decorating stage...
View attachment 219945

View attachment 219946

I wouldn't mix handles and knobs personally.
Not sure what others think and if they have experience of it and the ins and outs and if they might look ok

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

I'll keep them the same, otherwise when the door is open both knobs/handles will be visible.

Notch7 · 24 Jan 2021

Typically those Edwardian style doors which have knob on the mid rail look best with a 5" lock.

You can buy tubular latches that long.

Although the doors might not have solid rails.....

JohnD · 24 Jan 2021

Notch7 said:
Typically those Edwardian style doors which have knob on the mid rail look best with a 5" lock.

You can buy tubular latches that long.

.....

and also tubular bathroom mortice bolts of matching length, if you have that style of door (I do).

M&T doors are weakened by a horizontal sashlock, unless, I suppose, the rail is very big.

These Altro ones are really good.

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/search?query=altro tubular

Note that it is the "backset" measurements that determines the position of the knob spindle, not the length of the case, which is always more.

LeadFarmer · 24 Jan 2021

Just been searching for places selling authentic Victorian door knobs, not how I expected my Sunday to go

The Beehive ones look quite nice..

JohnD · 24 Jan 2021

if you have the matching bathroom locks (or bedroom privacy locks) look for a knob that will tone with the thumbturn.
https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk...gery_type>{turn202620release}?query=thumbturn

it is OK to have the same design in chrome on the inside of a bathroom door, where the taps, coathoks, towerails etc are also chrome.

JohnD · 24 Jan 2021

LeadFarmer said:
Just been searching for places selling authentic Victorian door knobs, not how I expected my Sunday to go

The Beehive ones look quite nice..

View attachment 219977

yes, but consider an oval or shaped knob. Round knobs are difficult to turn if you have slippery wet hands, or weak grip.

https://www.ironmongerydirect.co.uk/search?query=doorknob

lynchnigel · 24 Jan 2021

LeadFarmer said:
Just been searching for places selling authentic Victorian door knobs, not how I expected my Sunday to go

The Beehive ones look quite nice..

Nice handles

View attachment 219977

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Door handle or knob?

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