In your search for the perfect hardware for your home, you might come across lots of confusing terminology. One question that we hear from customers relates to whether the door handles are suitable for interior or exterior rooms.
This has less to do with the type of door handle you are buying, and more to do with how it functions and how it is protected against the elements. An outdoor door handle is going to put up with higher moisture levels than an indoor door handle. This is the main consideration when choosing your door furniture.
In this guide, we’re exploring the main differences between interior and exterior door handles. We’ll also offer our top tips for choosing the right door handle for your project. We stock a wide range of door handles that are faithful reproductions of original vintage designs. This allows you to enjoy classic design features in a product that will stand the test of time.
You might notice that some doorknobs are suggested for use in interior settings only. This has nothing to do with the style or the type of door knob, and everything to do with how the finish will hold up when left exposed to the elements.
The finish on an interior door knob is more at risk of wearing away, leaving the metal below exposed to oxidation, or rusting. The internal mechanisms are often made of steel and will only suffer cosmetic damage, but the handle itself could be damaged by exposure to sun, wind, rain and temperature extremes.
If your exterior door is partially or fully covered by a shelter such as a porch, you might find that you are able to use interior and exterior door knobs in this situation. But for a door that is exposed to the elements, you’ll want something that is made for these conditions.
Our collection of vintage door knobs are not lacquered, which allows them to develop the beautiful patina over time. This makes them unsuited to most exterior settings, unless the door is covered or protected from the elements.
A great way to add an authentic touch to an exterior door is to pair a vintage door knob with a dummy spindle. This will create a beautiful statement door pull. We love the look of an ornate brass door pull paired with a brass knocker and brass letter plate.
Another key (sorry) distinction between an interior door knob and an exterior door knob is the provision of security. While an interior door knob can be turned and will open the door from both sides, an exterior door knob needs to be lockable.
Pair our vintage door knobs with a cast iron rim lock and you’ve got a lockable door that can only be operated from one side. This is popular for bathrooms in busy households so the occupant can enjoy some privacy. We’ve also seen customers put this system to work on exterior doors that are protected from the elements. For example, you might use this on a back door that leads into a garage or sheltered area.
While it’s true that many of our door knobs are recommended for interior settings, we know from experience that homeowners will always find a way to make it work. Instead of a door knob as a door pull, you might opt for a cast iron door pull. These look the part and feel incredibly sturdy.
You could also add a finish to your door knob to help protect it, but be warned that this will prevent a patina from developing.
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