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Door Knob & Door Lever Functions Explained: Keyed Entry, Privacy, Passage, Dummy — Plus Deadbolts & Front Door Handlesets
Choosing door hardware isn’t just about style — it’s about function. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common door knob and door lever functions (Keyed Entry, Privacy, Passage, Dummy), then cover deadbolts and front door handlesets so you can select the right lockset for every door in your home.
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Quick Comparison: Door Knob & Door Lever Functions
Use this chart as a fast way to identify the right function for each door. Then scroll down for detailed explanations, room-by-room recommendations, and shopping links.
| Function | Locks? | Keyed? | Best for | Quick tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keyed Entry | Yes | Yes | Front/back/side doors, garage entry | Pair with a deadbolt for stronger security |
| Privacy | Yes (from inside) | No | Bathrooms, bedrooms, offices | Usually includes emergency release on the outside |
| Passage | No | No | Hallways, closets, pantries, laundry rooms | Latch-only: simplest, most common interior function |
| Dummy | No | No | Closets, pantries, double doors (inactive side) | Non-turning: used as a pull only |
Shopping shortcut: If you already know what you need, jump straight to keyed entry door knobs, privacy door levers, or dummy door knobs.
Keyed Entry: Locking Door Knobs & Levers for Exterior Doors
A keyed entry door knob or lever includes a key cylinder on the exterior side of the door. You lock/unlock from outside with a key and typically lock from inside with a thumb-turn or button (varies by style). Keyed entry hardware is designed for doors where you need controlled access — especially exterior openings.
Best places to use keyed entry hardware
- Front doors (often paired with a deadbolt or a handleset)
- Back doors and side doors
- Garage entry doors (house-to-garage access)
- Basement doors, workshop doors, and other utility doors
- Interior doors that need controlled access (some offices, storage rooms)
Keyed entry vs. deadbolt: do you need both?
A keyed entry knob/lever secures the spring latch, while a deadbolt secures a solid bolt. For exterior doors, a deadbolt is commonly recommended because it offers stronger resistance against forced entry. Many homeowners use a keyed entry knob/lever for daily operation and add a deadbolt for true security.
Shop Keyed Entry Options
Finish ideas (SEO-friendly internal links)
Want a consistent finish throughout the home? Browse matching lever styles in Satin Nickel door levers or Polished Chrome door levers. If your project leans warmer or more traditional, check out Oil Rubbed Bronze door levers.
Privacy: Bathroom & Bedroom Locking Functions (No Key)
A privacy door knob or lever locks from the inside with a push-button or thumb-turn. It’s designed for privacy rather than security — meaning it usually does not use a keyed cylinder. Most privacy sets include an emergency release on the outside (often a small pinhole or slot) for safety.
Where privacy hardware makes the most sense
- Bathrooms and powder rooms
- Bedrooms (including guest rooms)
- Home offices or studios
- Any interior room where you want “do not disturb” function without needing a key
When to avoid privacy hardware
Privacy function isn’t typically used on doors that should remain unlocked at all times (hallways, closets), or on doors where security is required (exterior doors). For exterior doors, use keyed entry and/or a deadbolt.
Shop Privacy Options
Finish tip: Pair privacy hardware with matching passage sets in the same finish for a cohesive look across the home — for example, Satin Nickel passage door knobs & levers.
Passage: Non-Locking Door Knobs & Levers (Hall/Closet)
A passage door knob or lever is the simplest, most common interior function. It operates a latch but has no lock and no key. Passage sets are perfect for doors where you want the door to latch closed, but you never need to lock it.
Best places to use passage hardware
- Hallway doors
- Closets and coat closets
- Pantries (if you want the door to latch)
- Laundry rooms, utility rooms, and storage rooms (where locking isn’t needed)
Dummy: Non-Turning, Inactive Door Knobs & Levers (Pull-Only)
A dummy door knob or lever is a fixed, non-functional piece of hardware: it doesn’t turn, it doesn’t operate a latch, and it doesn’t lock. Dummy hardware is used as a pull on doors that don’t need a latch mechanism — or on the inactive side of double doors.
Common uses for dummy hardware
- Closet doors where a latch is not necessary (especially ball-catch or magnetic closures)
- Pantry doors when the latch is handled by another closure type
- French doors / double doors (inactive side)
- Decorative applications where you want a matching look without a latch/lock
Dummy vs. passage: how to decide
If the door needs to latch shut, you want a passage set. If the door doesn’t need a latch and you only need a pull, choose dummy. Dummy hardware can also simplify retrofits where you don’t want to bore a new door prep.
Shop Dummy Options
Finish idea: If you’re updating an entire home, match your dummy sets to your active hardware — for example, pair dummy knobs with Black door knobs or match lever styles using Polished Chrome door levers.
Deadbolts: The Primary Security Lock for Entry Doors
A deadbolt is one of the most important security upgrades you can make on an exterior door. Unlike a spring latch, a deadbolt uses a solid bolt that extends into the door frame and is designed to better resist forced entry. Many exterior doors use a keyed entry knob/lever for daily use and a deadbolt for stronger locking.
Common deadbolt types (simple overview)
- Single-cylinder deadbolt: key outside + thumb-turn inside (common residential choice).
- Double-cylinder deadbolt: key outside + key inside (used when extra control is needed, but consider local code/safety requirements).
- Keypad / keyless deadbolt: code entry (some models include a key override).
Shop Deadbolts
Browse deadbolt locks for entry doors and coordinate your finish with your knobs/levers for a clean, consistent look.
Matching tip: If you’re using chrome hardware elsewhere, explore a coordinated entry setup with Polished Chrome door levers and a matching deadbolt finish.
Front Door Handlesets: A Complete Entry Door Upgrade
A front door handleset is a coordinated entry system that typically includes an exterior grip (or lever-style trim), interior trim, and a deadbolt mechanism. Handlesets are popular because they create a “finished” front-door look and often feel more substantial than a standard knob + deadbolt combo.
Why homeowners choose handlesets
- Upgraded curb appeal: a statement look for the front entry.
- Coordinated design: deadbolt + exterior trim + interior trim in one system.
- Easy style matching: coordinate with interior knobs/levers and hinges.
Shop Front Door Handlesets
How to Choose the Right Door Function (Room-by-Room)
Front Door
Choose a handleset or a keyed entry knob/lever paired with a deadbolt. Start here: front door handlesets and deadbolts.
Back Door / Side Door / Garage Entry Door
Use keyed entry plus a deadbolt for improved security: keyed entry door levers or keyed entry door knobs.
Bathroom
Choose privacy so the door can lock from the inside: privacy door knobs or privacy door levers.
Bedroom / Guest Room / Office
Most people choose privacy for bedrooms and offices. For finish-matching projects, browse complete lever assortments like Satin Nickel door levers (passage, privacy, dummy, keyed-entry available in many styles).
Hallways / Closets / Pantry
If the door should latch: choose passage. If you only need a pull and the door doesn’t latch: choose dummy. Shop: passage door levers, dummy door levers, and dummy door knobs.
Measurements & Fit: What to Check Before You Order
Most residential door knobs and levers are built to fit standard U.S. door prep, but it’s still smart to verify a few basics:
- Backset: commonly 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" (many latches are adjustable).
- Door thickness: commonly 1-3/8" to 1-3/4" for residential doors.
- Bore hole size: typically 2-1/8" (standard).
- Handing: many levers are reversible for left-hand or right-hand doors, but it’s always good to confirm.
If you’re replacing hardware, matching function is usually step one (keyed entry vs privacy vs passage vs dummy). After that, pick your preferred style and finish, and ensure it works with your door’s existing prep.
Matching Finishes Across the Home (Knobs, Levers, Deadbolts & Handlesets)
A simple way to make your home feel more “designed” is to keep finishes consistent within a floor or a sightline. If you prefer mixed finishes, keep it intentional — for example, black interior levers with a matching black handleset, or satin nickel interior hardware with a coordinating deadbolt.
Popular finish collections to browse
- Satin Nickel Door Levers (great “go-with-everything” finish)
- Polished Chrome Door Levers (bright, modern look)
- Oil Rubbed Bronze Door Levers (traditional warmth)
- Black Door Knobs (bold contrast for modern spaces)
- Polished Chrome Front Door Handlesets (coordinated entry upgrade)
Pro tip: If you’re using levers, it’s often easiest to pick a finish collection first (like satin nickel), then choose the function you need (privacy, passage, dummy, keyed entry) to keep every door consistent.
FAQs About Door Knob & Door Lever Functions
What is the difference between passage, privacy, dummy, and keyed entry?
Passage is non-locking latch-only, privacy locks from the inside (no key), dummy is fixed and does not turn (pull-only), and keyed entry uses a key cylinder for controlled access.
Should I use a deadbolt with a keyed entry knob or lever?
For most exterior doors, a deadbolt is commonly recommended because it provides stronger security than a spring latch. Many homeowners use a keyed entry knob/lever for daily operation and rely on the deadbolt as the primary security lock. Browse deadbolts here.
Where do I use dummy door knobs or dummy door levers?
Dummy hardware is used on doors that don’t need to latch or lock — closets, pantries with alternative catches, and the inactive side of French or double doors. Shop dummy door knobs and dummy door levers.
Are door levers better than door knobs?
It depends on preference and accessibility. Levers are often easier to operate (especially when hands are full), while knobs offer a classic look. You can find the same core functions (passage, privacy, dummy, keyed entry) in both styles. Browse door knobs or explore finish-based lever collections like satin nickel door levers.
What is a front door handleset?
A handleset is a coordinated front entry system that typically includes an exterior grip (or lever-style trim), interior trim, and a deadbolt mechanism. It’s a popular upgrade for curb appeal and a complete entry look. Shop front door handlesets.
Ready to Choose Your Door Hardware?
Shop by function first, then match your style and finish across the entire home.
Keyed Entry Door Levers | Privacy Door Knobs | Passage Door Levers | Dummy Door Levers | Deadbolts | Front Door Handlesets
