The placement of door knobs or handles on the left-hand side of the door when outside is a cultural convention that varies depending on the country and region. There is no universal rule dictating the placement, and different cultures have different historical reasons for this choice. Here are a few reasons why this convention might have developed:
Tradition and cultural norms: In some regions, the placement of door knobs/handles on the left side might have been established as a traditional or cultural norm, and people have continued to follow this convention over time.
Right-handed dominance: The majority of people in the world are right-handed. Placing the door handle on the left side makes it more convenient for right-handed individuals to open the door while using their dominant hand.
Architectural practices: Historical architectural practices and the way doors were constructed could have influenced the placement of door handles. It might have been easier or more practical to install handles on the left side during specific periods.
Standardization: In some countries, building codes or standards might specify the placement of door handles for consistency and ease of use.
Cultural reading habits: In some cultures that read from left to right, it may feel more intuitive to have the door handle on the left side since people tend to approach the door from the right side while walking.
It's important to note that this convention is not universal, and there are exceptions. In some regions, especially in countries where the predominant hand for door usage is the left hand, door handles might be on the right side when outside. Additionally, modern designs and accessibility considerations may lead to different door handle placements to accommodate specific needs.
In summary, the placement of door knobs/handles on the left-hand side of the door when outside is a result of historical, cultural, and practical factors, and it can vary in different parts of the world.