Mortice Knobs

Aged Brass Tewkesbury Square Mortice Knob Set, from our current range.

What is a mortice knob?

A mortice knob is a round, or occasionally squared, fixed door knob fitted in pairs on either side of a door. Unlike a lever handle, a mortice knob does not itself operate the latch or lock – it is simply gripped and turned by hand, with the mortice lock or latch inside the door doing the work. Mortice knobs are one of the most traditional forms of door furniture, and remain the standard choice on period, cottage and rural-style properties.

Because the knob is fixed and turned by wrist action rather than a lever, mortice knobs generally suit lighter internal doors better than heavy, frequently-used external doors, where a lever handle's greater leverage is easier to operate.

Where mortice knobs are used

• Period and cottage properties – the traditional choice for internal doors on older properties, often paired with a rim or mortice lock
• Bedroom and reception room doors – a common choice where a softer, more traditional look is preferred over a lever handle
• Bathroom doors – mortice knobs are available with privacy locks for bathroom use, in the same way as lever handles
• Cupboard and understairs doors – smaller mortice knobs are also used on doors that see lighter daily use

Choosing the right mortice knob

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Rose size – mortice knobs are sold with a back plate or rose, and the diameter should suit the scale of the door and existing screw holes if replacing an old knob
• Spindle length – door thickness affects the spindle length needed to connect the two knobs through the door; check this against your door before ordering
• Sold in pairs – mortice knobs are almost always sold as a set for both sides of the door, along with the fixing spindle
• Finish – see our Hardware Finishes Guide for guidance on matching finishes across a property

Related products

Browse our current range of Door Knobs, or see the related categories in our Door Furniture Guide, including Lever Handles and Escutcheons.

Frequently asked questions

Do mortice knobs come as a pair?

Yes, mortice knobs are sold as a set of two, along with the spindle that connects them through the door, since one knob on its own would not be usable.

Can I use a mortice knob on a front door?

Yes, though many people prefer a lever handle on frequently used external doors, since the extra leverage makes the door easier to operate. Mortice knobs are still a popular choice on period front doors where authenticity matters more than daily convenience.

What spindle length do I need?

Spindle length depends on your door thickness, since the spindle passes through the door to connect both knobs. Measuring your door before ordering avoids having to trim or replace the spindle later.

Can mortice knobs be fitted with a bathroom lock?

Yes, mortice knob sets are available with a privacy turn and release for bathroom and WC doors, in the same way lever handle sets are.

Back to the Door Furniture Guide, or explore the full Knowledge Centre.