Lever handles or door knobs on interior doors?

[BewareTheBeardedDragon]

I live in an early 60s house, and want to embrace the mid century vibe. It has lovely panelled doors (original I think) and currently has lovely door knobs, which sadly keep falling off and I've reached the end of the line with trying to repair them. I'm giving up and replacing them and trying to decide whether to have knobs again or lever handles.

I prefer the look of knobs, but I think levers are more practical because you can open them with an elbow if hands are full, and can get out of the bathroom when you've just moisturised your hands... 🙄

Pics below of my doors, and the two handles/knobs which I'm considering. Opinions welcome!

I prefer the knobs and the one that you've picked out has a 60s vibe. Infact I really like it 🙂

Personally, I like a knob

I think handles may be more authentic but I always catch my sleeves on them:

Yy to always catching clothing on levers! I've ripped some of my clothes doing this

Knobs for me too!

Watch that you have enough room for knobs. I think they need more room on the edge of the door.

Levers... early 70s house here.

Original door fitting - plain lever handles.

always knobs....much less likely to rip sleeves and pockets and also more difficult for small children or pets to open :o

Have you tried looking on ebay or Etsy for replacements in bakelite or ceramic? although not much for sale at the moment.
I prefer knobs but not keen on the knob in your pic, seems a bit more industrial than the handle which is better but as others have said they do catch clothing, especially dressing gown arms.
I like your doors.

Thanks for opinions. I currently have knobs, so definitely enough room in the door for them. Catching stuff on levers is a consideration. I don't want proper original ones, because I want them to work and last!

The other issue is that the previous handles were stupid ones that required a huge 50mm hole to be cut in the door (I didn't install them) which means I have to have the large rectangular backplate so that new handles can be screwed into the door away from the huge hole. (I don't want to replace with more that need the huge hole because of aforementioned falling off issues with current ones).

The lever handle backplate is 50mm wide which means with careful fitting I can hide the hole, while the knob backplate is 45mm wide which would necessitate more complicated filling to hide the hole.

Hmm

Thanks AndI I love the doors which makes me feel even more annoyed about the stupid huge holes...

When door handles keep falling off because the screws are too small or there is insufficient timber for them to bite into, you can use sleeve nuts which bolt right through the door and clamp the two plates or roses together.

Modern locks and latches have piercings or cutouts to allow the screws to pass through.

example

Widely sold in brass, chrome, white and stainless. Also called door handle screws. I would use 4mm or bigger.

You can hide old holes with a finger plate in chrome, stainless, brass or decorated porcelain.

If using knobs, you need at least a three-inch latch or you will bang your knuckles on the frame. Older houses may have a horizontal mortice sashlock which is very elegant but must be fitted with skill to avoid weakening the tenon that holds a panelled door together.

Btw this is a very good source of door furniture and other items.

Levers are more practical, especially for children, also for elderly and disabled people and arthritis sufferers.

True. You can get oval knobs which are easier to grip than round.

If your doors are painted, a good carpenter can fit a wooden 'plug' into the hole and once filled and painted should be invisible.

I've got similar doors and have just renovated and agonised over this decision too I went with antique brass knobs from the website recommended up thread. They look lovely albeit not used much as the new carpet keeps the doors where they need to be!

I have lever handles from Turnstyle. All my brass knobs are long gone. Very dated now I think. The lever handles are pretty good above. I like the colour and the angular style.

Thank you for all the opinions and advice. I have decided on the lever in the end, because I think it's more practical. I have ordered just one, and hopefully it looks good in the flesh. If not I won't have lost so much. Fingers crossed. I'll post an update pic once it's fitted