Our top choice is the Schlage Plymouth Knob, a versatile passage handle that comes in eight finishes and fits all standard door preparations. Scroll down for the best doorknobs currently on the market. After sifting through tons of handles, the Schlage Plymouth Door Knob Set (model F10 PLY 619) is our number one pick. As a passage knob, the lock-free design has a standard twisting function to open and close interior doors. It’s perfect for closets, home offices, pantries, and bedrooms that don’t need to be locked. The set comes with two knobs, one for each side of the door, and all the necessary hardware. (You can also buy it as a single doorknob.) It’s easy to install with basic tools and even adjusts to fit all standard door preparations. This doorknob comes in eight finishes to match the existing fixtures in virtually every home. We’re talking matte black, aged brass, polished brass, pewter, aged bronze, polished chrome, satin chrome, and satin nickel. It’s made of a standard metal and doesn’t have that heavyweight feel of some higher-end options. However, the price is very reasonable, and both the mechanics and finish are backed by a lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $22 You can choose from seven finishes, including satin stainless, polished stainless, antique nickel, black, polished brass, and antique bronze. While some might be more prone to scratching than others, the finish is backed by a 10-year warranty—and there’s a lifetime warranty on the mechanics. Price at time of publish: $16 One knob has a turn-piece lock, which goes inside the bedroom, bathroom, or whichever room needs privacy. The other knob is plain with a discrete hole in the middle for the included emergency key. Backed by a lifetime warranty and coated with germ-repellent Microban, we only wish this set came in more finishes. Price at time of publish: $37 You’ll get two knobs, a latch, a strike, mounting hardware, and a lock or key if applicable. The square rosette (base plate) makes for easy installation while complementing the round knob with a minimalist aesthetic. One thing to note is that the plate may loosen occasionally depending on your door preparation, but it’s easy to re-tighten. Price at time of publish: $45 The Baldwin Contemporary Door Knob comes in passage, privacy, keyed, and dummy formats. You can also choose from six finishes and opt for a round, square, or rectangular rosette plate. What’s more, it’s backed by a lifetime mechanical warranty and 25 years for the finish. Price at time of publish: $122 You can choose from passage, keyed, or dummy functionality and eight finishes. The brass and bronze options look the most traditional, but the nickels and chromes are lovely too. This set is somewhat pricey and has a relatively short (5-year) warranty. Still, you can count on a high-quality look and feel. Price at time of publish: $148 Some of the circular rosettes are also porcelain, while others feature a contrasting metal finish, like pewter, chrome, or antique brass. You can choose a double dummy, standard passage entry, or a privacy set with a push-button lock and an emergency pin-style key. While we wish this doorknob was more affordable, we appreciate the lifetime warranty. Price at time of publish: $148 As for the rosette, you’re looking at brass with a simple chrome finish. This passage-style set doesn’t have a locking option, and you’ll need to buy the necessary hardware separately, including a latch. But in the end, the Glass Bubble Door Knob is a great option for making a subtle statement. Price at time of publish: $32 This fixture features a simple square rosette plate and a smooth lever with clean, squared-off angles. In addition to a modern aesthetic, you can open doors with your elbow, even when your hands are full. Just bear in mind the convenient design also makes it easier for babies and toddlers to open. Price at time of publish: $39 Made of stainless steel, this set comes in your choice of five finishes. It comes with the necessary screws for installation, which are ultimately concealed for a clean, streamlined look. Considering the affordable price point and lifetime warranty, we really have no complaints about the Bergen. Price at time of publish: $25 Available in packs of four, these affordable safety covers can be attached to the doors of pantries, offices, closets, and anywhere else you want to prevent toddlers from entering. As you can see from the shape, they only work with round knobs, so you’ll need an alternative solution if you have lever-style handles. Price at time of publish: $10 “Doorknobs add character,” says designer Ahmad AbouZanat of Project AZ. He explains that they can help tie together your finishes and furnishings, add contrast, or be used to make a statement. “This can be a fun and eclectic opportunity to be playful with more decorative pieces.”
Safety Features
When it comes to doorknobs, there are a few safety features to consider. For instance, locking handles offer privacy, but you’ll want to be careful about toddlers accidentally locking themselves in bathrooms or bedrooms. That’s why many come with emergency keys, usually in the form of a pin-like tool. Beyond that, you may want to get snap-on covers to prevent small children from entering off-limit spaces.
Price
The price of doorknobs varies drastically, so it’s worth deciding on a budget before you begin your search. Luckily, most major online retailers offer a range of types and styles at different price points, ensuring you’ll find the perfect fit with ease. But bear in mind that even with more reasonably priced designs, the cost can add up if you’re buying knobs for every door in your home.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a product tester, commerce writer, and home decor aficionado. For this story, she interviewed an interior designer, who offered buying tips and insight into various doorknob styles. Having recently chosen all the fixtures and finishes for her new home, she is up to speed on the various types and materials. She considered dozens of options, ultimately choosing those that stood out in terms of functionality, ease of installation, versatility, appearance, and overall value. You can read more stories by Theresa on MyDomaine, Byrdie, and People. Most door handles are designed to hold up under decades of use and regular cleanings. Still, you’ll want to make sure the solution doesn’t affect the finish, so check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and warranty information first.
