What are Carlisle Brass rim knobs used for?

Carlisle Brass rim knobs are designed for use with surface-mounted rim locks and rim latches on internal wooden doors, providing an authentic traditional look.

How do rim knobs differ from mortice knobs?

Rim knobs are paired with locks mounted on the door surface, while mortice knobs work with locks cut into the edge of the door. Mortice knobs are more secure, whereas rim knobs offer a vintage, heritage appearance.

Are rim knobs suitable for external doors?

Rim knobs are best suited for internal doors. For external doors, a mortice lock system is recommended for added security.

Which finishes are available in Carlisle Brass rim knobs?

They are available in antique brass, polished brass, black, porcelain and wooden styles to suit both period homes and classic interiors.

Can rim knobs be fitted on modern doors?

Yes, rim knobs can be installed on new doors as long as a rim lock or latch is fitted. Many homeowners use them to add traditional character to modern properties.

Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs

Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs – Classic Rim Lock Door Knobs for Heritage Homes

Supplied by Trade Door Handles, trusted UK supplier of architectural ironmongery since 1976, with nationwide next-day delivery.

Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs are traditional door furniture designed for use with rim locks and rim latches. They are surface-mounted door knobs that provide a period-correct look, making them a popular choice for cottages, heritage restorations, and period-style interiors. Carlisle Brass, established in 1986 in Carlisle, is one of the UK’s leading names in architectural ironmongery, trusted by housebuilders, interior designers, and trades nationwide.

Finishes and Styles

Our collection includes antique brass rim knobs, polished brass rim knobs, and black rim knobs, as well as porcelain and wooden options. These finishes allow you to match your knobs with wider window furniture and kitchen and cabinet hardware, creating a consistent look throughout your home.

Why Choose Carlisle Brass?

Carlisle Brass is the UK’s largest architectural hardware supplier, known for reliable quality and a wide design range. With finishes spanning modern, classic and industrial looks, Carlisle Brass makes it easy to coordinate rim knobs with hinges, locks and latches, and other accessories for a polished finish.

Delivery & Support

We offer fast UK delivery to London, Manchester, Birmingham, Kendal, the Lake District, Carlisle and beyond. If you need guidance choosing finishes or comparing mortice knobs and rim knobs, our friendly team is here to help—simply contact us for advice.

Ludlow - Ball Rim Knob Furniture - Black Antique lf5594r

Discover More About Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs

Finishes, Design Options & How They’re Used

Carlisle Brass rim knobs are designed for rim lock fittings—surface-mounted locks that sit on the inside face of a wooden door. These knobs are especially popular in cottages, Victorian townhouses, barn conversions, and listed properties, where preserving heritage character is important.

Available in polished brass, black, polished and satin chrome finishes, rim knobs can be coordinated with wider categories such as door furniture, window furniture, and kitchen & cabinet hardware. This ensures a consistent style across every room in the home.

Carlisle Brass is a trusted choice for UK trades and homeowners thanks to their reliable manufacturing standards and broad selection of matching products. These include hinges, locks and latches, and architectural accessories, allowing you to create a complete and coordinated finish.

What Makes Rim Knobs Different?

Rim Knobs Explained – and How They Differ from Mortice Knobs

Rim knobs are designed to work with rim locks and rim latches, which are mounted on the surface of the door rather than being cut into the edge. This makes them simple to install and perfect for maintaining the original character of period wooden doors.

One unique feature of rim knobs is that the pair is not identical:

One knob comes with a rose, which is fixed directly to the door.
The other knob has no rose and is designed to attach neatly to the face of the rim lock or rim latch.

In contrast, mortice knobs are paired with locks recessed into the body of the door. Both knobs in a mortice set have roses that are fixed to the door surface, creating a symmetrical appearance. Mortice knobs provide greater security and a more discreet look, but they require additional carpentry work to cut the lock into the door.

Rim knobs, on the other hand, bring vintage charm and are especially popular in cottages, barn conversions, and listed properties.

For those considering alternatives, Carlisle Brass also produces a wide range of traditional mortice knob designs, including reeded mortice knobs, beehive mortice knobs, ball mortice knobs, Queen Anne knobs, and mushroom knobs—offering plenty of choice for both period and modern interiors.

Rim knobs are typically sold in pairs with the spindle and fixings included, making them easy to match with hinges and locks for a complete installation.

Why Buy Carlisle Brass Rim Knobs from Us?

Trusted UK Supplier of Architectural Ironmongery

Carlisle Brass is the UK’s largest supplier of architectural ironmongery, trusted by housebuilders, interior designers, and trades since 1986. Their rim knobs combine authentic period design with modern manufacturing quality, giving you reliable hardware that lasts.

At Trade Door Handles, we’ve been supplying ironmongery since 1976. Over the years we’ve built close partnerships with Carlisle Brass and other leading brands including From The Anvil, Heritage Brass, and Frelan Hardware. This allows us to offer a wide range of matching products and finishes to complete your project.

We provide next-day delivery across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, Kendal, the Lake District, and Carlisle. Our Kendal showroom is the largest in the Northwest, giving customers the opportunity to view products in person and get expert advice.

For help choosing the right finish, size, or style, our friendly team is always here to assist—simply contact us