The Complete Door Knob Buying Guide: Types, Finishes & Fitting
A door knob is a small detail that quietly shapes the character of a room. The right one finishes off a period door beautifully or adds a warm, tactile touch to a modern home. This guide covers the main types of door knob, the finishes to choose from, how to make sure a knob fits your door, and how to keep it looking good. When you are ready to browse, our full range of door knobs starts from £4.99.
Mortice knobs vs rim knobs
The first thing to work out is how your knob needs to operate, because that decides the type you need.
Mortice knobs
Mortice knobs work with a tubular latch or mortice lock fitted inside the edge of the door. They are the most common choice for internal doors — bedrooms, living rooms and the like — and are sold in pairs with a connecting spindle. If you are replacing knobs on standard internal doors, these are almost certainly what you need.
Rim knobs
Rim knobs operate a rim lock, which mounts on the surface of the door rather than inside it. You will often see them on period front doors, cottage doors and characterful internal doors. If your door already has a surface-mounted lock box, a rim knob is the match.
For a fuller breakdown of every style, including passage, privacy and dummy knobs, see our guide to the 7 types of door knobs.
Choosing a finish
Finish is where door knobs get fun, because it sets the whole tone of the door. Here are the most popular options.
Brass and antique brass
Warm, timeless and forgiving, brass suits traditional and transitional interiors alike. Antique brass has a darker, aged look, while polished brass is brighter and bolder. Browse our brass door knobs, or read our dedicated brass door handles buyer's guide for more on the finishes.
Matt black
Matt black knobs are a favourite in modern and monochrome schemes, and they pair especially well with light or panelled doors for a crisp, contemporary contrast. Explore our black door knobs for the full selection.
Chrome and satin nickel
Cooler-toned finishes like polished chrome and satin nickel suit clean, minimalist rooms and bathrooms, sitting neatly alongside modern taps and fittings.
Do door knobs need a backplate?
Not always — but a backplate can be a smart addition. A knob backplate protects the door face from wear, adds a decorative flourish and neatly covers any marks left by previous hardware. Rose-mounted knobs, by contrast, give a cleaner, more pared-back look. If you are weighing it up, our guide to backplates vs no backplates goes into more detail.
Making sure a knob fits
A few quick checks save a lot of hassle. First, confirm whether your door uses a mortice latch (fitted inside the door) or a rim lock (mounted on the surface), as this dictates the knob type. Second, on wider doors or doors with a deep lock, look for knobs with a longer spindle or a rose that projects the knob slightly, so your knuckles clear the frame. If in doubt, measure the existing hardware before you order.
Caring for your door knobs
Most knobs need very little upkeep. A soft, dry cloth keeps them clean day to day, and an occasional wipe with warm water and mild soap — dried thoroughly afterwards — handles anything more stubborn. Steer clear of bleach and abrasive cleaners, particularly on brass and antique finishes, which prefer a gentler touch.
Door knob FAQs
What is the difference between a mortice and a rim door knob?
Mortice knobs work with a latch or lock fitted inside the door and are the usual choice for internal doors. Rim knobs operate a lock mounted on the surface of the door, often seen on period and front doors.
Which door knob finish should I choose?
Brass and antique finishes suit traditional interiors, matt black works well in modern and monochrome rooms, and chrome or satin nickel suit cooler, minimalist schemes. For inspiration, see our pick of the top 10 brass door knobs.
How much do door knobs cost?
Our door knobs start from £4.99, with most pairs between £10 and £40 depending on finish and design. Orders over £100 qualify for free UK delivery.
Ready to shop? Browse the full range of door knobs — brass, black, chrome and nickel finishes in mortice, rim and cupboard styles, from £4.99 with next day delivery available.
