Should you choose door knobs or levers? They’re such a small thing and yet they make such a big impact on your everyday life. You need them to work right every time. And you need them to be a good fit for your home and lifestyle. So which is better – door knobs or levers? Well, that depends.
There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to style. To each their own. It’s no different when you’re choosing door knobs and levers. That being said, the overall style of your home can sometimes tip the scales toward doorknobs instead of levers, and vice versa.
Door knobs themselves have been around longer, so they tend to look more traditional. If you have a Colonial or Arts and Crafts–style home, a doorknob might be the better choice. Oval, glass, or round knobs are strong contenders for such homes
At the same time, however, you can also find more contemporary doorknobs. Flatted round knobs with square rosettes, for example, can feel very modern, combine this with a finish such as Satin Brass or Matte Black can put them even more in this category.
It’s not just about looking good, though. You need to be able to trust that your door hardware, regardless of whether it’s a knob or a lever, will work perfectly for you and your family. Ask yourself who will be using the knob or lever most often. This will sometimes reveal the best choice.
Parents of inquisitive young children often prefer doorknobs because they’re harder for tiny hands to turn. If your kiddos are constantly getting into places they shouldn’t, a doorknob might be your winner. However, if you can trust your little angel and need them to be able to open the door easily, you might opt for the lever.
Levers are popular for those who plan to age in place or who are prone to arthritis and other grip problems. If you or someone you love has trouble with grip strength or fine motor skills, choosing a lever can reduce a lot of frustration and make them feel more at home.
For many of the same reasons people prefer levers for arthritic hands, people with disabilities often opt for levers, Consider levers if you have a concern about motor skills, perhaps a hand or arm lost to amputation, or ease of operating the door when using crutches, walkers or other mobility assistance, Some municipalities even mandate the use of levers over knobs for accessibility compliance.
They don’t have thumbs, so how much trouble can they get into? Turns out, plenty. Some pet owners are dismayed when their cat or dog figures out how to work a lever. If you don’t want your furry friend letting themselves into forbidden rooms, opt for a doorknob.
While you don’t want mischievous pets using a lever, that might be exactly what your service animal needs. Levers can make it easier for service dogs to complete regular tasks or go for help when needed.
A lever might also be your solution when you frequently have dry hands – if you have extreme winters, you know what we mean – or wet hands like when washing up or coming in from the pool. Those conditions can make turning doorknobs tricky.
Here at Holmes, we are happy to help you with all these decisions. Feel free to walk through our hardware section or simply ask a salesperson for a suggestion.
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