The first thing people notice when they enter a home is the front door. The door, and the doorknob, can set the tone and create an impression, so it is important to select the right one. In 2023, there are a variety of doorknobs available on the market, ranging from traditional to modern designs. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 doorknobs available in 2023. We will look at how they can enhance the look of your home, as well as their functionality and durability. With the right doorknob, you can make a great impression on your guests and create a warm welcome for them into your home. So, let’s get started!

Why should you consider purchasing new door handles?

Purchasing new doorknobs for your home provides several benefits. Firstly, modern doorknobs are more secure than traditional models, making your home less vulnerable to break-ins. Additionally, new doorknobs are often more aesthetically pleasing than older models, which can improve the look of your home. Alternatively, replacing creaky and sagging doorknobs with new models can help restore your doors to a like-new condition. Or it may be that you have a doorhandle that needs replacing but you want something that does the job looks great whilst maintaining a coherent look throughout the living space.

Whatever the reason you may have for considering replacement of your door handles, designer Barbara Schmidt says: “If you’re trying to make your old home look new, doorknobs are one way to do it, it’s not nearly as costly as painting everything.”

What should you look for when buying new doorknobs?

1. Materials: the materials used when designing and manufacturing doorknobs is carefully examined to ensure it can resist frequent and heavy use for a considerable amount of time. Still, some materials will stand the test of time better than others. For example metal, porcelain, crystal, and glass will be more resilient to use than say, wood of plastic door knobs.

2. Style: there are an enormous variety of doorknobs styles to choose from, which can make choosing new doorknobs a rather daunting task! We always recommend looking around the space you intend to place them in and evaluate what style of doorknobs that will complement it. For instance, a Victorian porcelain floral doorknob will probably not look its finest in a 20th century style minimalist room.

3. Function: there are 4 main styles of doorknob closing mechanisms, which are largely selected by intended location of the doorknob. For example, on a bathroom door or somewhere that requires an element of privacy may require a “privacy” knob. “Passage” knobs are intended for through fares, they turn and latch but do not lock. Front doors will require a “keyed entry lock”, which as the name suggests, has a locking mechanism with some form of lock opening key. There are also “dummy” doorknobs, which are non-latching, non-locking decorative knobs typically seen on kitchen or closet doors to help with opening and closing. For the purpose of this blog, we’ll be focusing on “passage” or “privacy” doorknobs, although some of these options may also be available in “dummy” or “keyed-entry” forms.

1. Baldwin K009 HOLLYWOOD HILLA KNOB WITH R050 ROSE - PASSAGE. ALSO AVAILABLE IN PRIVACY AND DUMMY SET

This Baldwin passage set offers dependability, quality, and a high design with its Satin Brass finish, a smooth, matte gold with warm tones. Installation is easy and includes everything necessary to install the lock onto your door. This door lock has a 2.125” standard door preparation and is perfect for any door without a privacy or locking feature. With its Limited Lifetime Finish Warranty, you can trust that this door lock will have a subtle gleam for years to come.

2. Hamilton Sinkler HL003

Hamilton Sinkler boasts state-of-the-art custom manufacturing capabilities in hardware. The only limit is your imagination. From traditional hand drawings to laser-scanned sculptures and 3-D printed models, they work with designers and consumers alike to bring your hardware dreams into reality. Hamilton Sinkler also partners with architectural and design firms in collaborative ventures and licensing agreements.

This Metropolitan South Street doorknob, featuring the R011 rosette, has a modern and retro look. It is made to order and can be customized with different finishes, sizes, configurations, escutcheon plates, multipoints, and other hardware accessories.

3. Omnia + Level Smart locks

Omnia’s latest technology will bring your doorknobs into the 21st century, whatever style you may choose. 

The OMNIA+ Level product line is made smart by Level Bolt, the first and only invisible smart lock. The Level Bolt is powered by one CR2 battery, not hardwired. With technology thoughtfully hidden inside the door, you’re free to express your unique style on the outside.

Level Bolt works with the Level app to provide keyless entry and is available for iOS and Android. Automatically lock and unlock your door, see who’s come and gone, access from anywhere, use with other devices, control with your voice, create home automations, and more. Works with Apple HomeKit, Ring and Alexa.

4. Merit Ardmore Collection - 48900

Merit combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology to ensure that our products stand the test of time, just as we have. Our hardware is handcrafted at our factory outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Merit products are proudly made in America, as they have been since 1876. Many of our techniques have been in use from the time of our founding; while we’ve embraced new technology throughout our history, we refuse to sacrifice quality for the sake of convenience. 

At every step along the manufacturing process, our skilled craftspeople pay keen attention to detail, ensuring that every piece of Merit hardware meets our exacting standards of excellence. The results speak for themselves. Merit has been honored to produce the Presidential Eagle that rests atop the flagpoles throughout the White House, including those that can be seen flanking the President during Oval Office addresses. Our hardware established a standard of beauty and quality on majestic sailing vessels that has influenced the look of architectural hardware in the world’s finest homes.

Some of the products that were featured in our catalogs in 1876 are still available today. That alone speaks for the timeless elegance, proven quality, and impeccable craftsmanship that Merit has delivered for more than a century.

5. Emtek Select Passage, Urban Modern Rosette, L-Square Stem, Knurled Lever

This door knob is something of a luxury item with heighten practicality such as a knurled industrial finish, which makes it easier to grip.

6. EMTEK PETAL KEY IN KNOB

The Emtek Petal Key in Knob is part of the renowned manufacturer's Tuscany Bronze collection, which showcases floral-inspired designs and bronze as the base material. Produced using the time-honored Lost Wax casting method, this keyed knob boasts  intricate detailing and is perfect for homes with vintage-style decor. It is available in a Flat Black Bronze or Medium Bronze Patina finish and three distinct rosette styles, making it a great match for any interior.

7. BALDWIN CONTEMPORARY KNOB

This Baldwin Contemporary Knob brings a modern, sophisticated look to any home with its solid forged brass construction and trim silhouette. With a range of available finishes such as satin nickel, Venetian bronze, satin black, polished chrome, satin brass, and polished nickel, you can choose the perfect look to suit your style. For a more rounded or distinctive look, pair it with a contemporary round or square rose.

8. EMTEK HAMPTON KNOB

The Emtek Hampton Knob has an egg-like shape that adds a classic look to any home. Choose from a variety of rosette styles such as square, rectangular, round, and oval to match your decor. Available in Flat Black Bronze Patina, Medium Bronze Patina, and Tumbled White Bronze finishes, this knob is sure to bring a stylish touch to any setting.

9. EMTEK MODERN DISC CRYSTAL KNOB

The Emtek Modern Disc Crystal Knob is the perfect combination of classic and modern, with a sleek, sophisticated look. Featuring a flat round shape, this stylish knob is available in a variety of  finishes including oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, flat black, polished chrome, satin brass, lifetime polished brass, and unlacquered brass. Rosette choices include Disc, Modern, Neos, and Quincy. This award-winning knob is ideal for both traditional and contemporary homes.

10. EMTEK VICTORIA KEYED STYLE

This Emtek Victoria Keyed Style door knob is the perfect choice to enliven any space with the classic elegance of a Victorian or Belle Epoque era interior design. Featuring an intricate detail and oval Victoria knob, this knob will be an unforgettable addition to any home with more subtle decor. It is available in five finishes, including oil-rubbed bronze, satin nickel, French antique, lifetime polished brass, and unlacquered brass.

In conclusion For the Best doornobs 2023:

The choice of doorknobs in 2023 is vast, with each model offering something slightly different. For those looking for a secure, stylish and long-lasting product, there are a few that stand out from the crowd. Here at Elegance in Hardware, we dedicated and happy to guide your through the process of helping you find the perfect doorknobs for your home. 

Still not sure what doorknob is best for you?

Come visit our newly renovated showroom is located in the heart of the Architect and Designer community on the Upper East Side. Located at 860 Lexington Ave (between 64th and 65th St.), our showroom is a short walk to both the Architects & Designers Building as well as the Decoration & Design Building. On display you'll find nothing but the best, Baldwin Hardware, Omnia industries, Merit Metal, Fantini, Samuel Heath just to name a few.

The most important mantra at Elegance in Hardware and Bath is our commitment to service. We strive to meet and exceed any and all requests from our clients. Our product partners share this same vision, and will work together to redefine the high-end hardware and bath shopping experience in NY and Tri-State Area.

Alternatively, contact us today with what you have in mind for your home and a member of our experienced team will reach out to you with the best possible solutions. Alternatively, have you seen a doorknob in this blog that you like? Contact us for more information and pricing. We can’t wait to hear from you!