About Lever Handles

Door and window hardware is more a matter of function than style; however, some designs turn these details into notable style accents. 

Similar to doorknobs, the lever handles work by preventing the latch from being released. Most versions feature a key lock for added security. Still, while the knobs and pull handles require efforts such as twisting or grasping, pressing the lever down effortlessly releases the lock. 

Being easy to operate, lever handles are a convenient solution for a variety of users, regardless of their grip strength. Moreover, some designs are explicitly targeting users suffering from reduced mobility.

Types of Door Levers

Lever handles are designed for smooth operation, with a push button or thumb turn that controls the lock. Its position defines on which side the hinges will go, determining the basic type of the handle. In general, lever handles can be right-handed, left-handed, or universal.

Door levers are divided into two essential groups: lever handles on rose and lever handles on backplate. Further categorisation recognises a variety of styles, including linear, curved, winged, monkeytail, and others. 

Door Lever on Rose

Composed of a small backplate that holds a horizontally attached metal bar, the lever on rose is an easy-to-use, compact design. Its sleek style is perfect for applications in modern interiors. The backplate is customisable, with a typical shape that is either square or round. 

The door lever on rose is operated by a latch and can be combined with a variety of locking mechanisms for added security. 

Internal Door Handles on Backplate

This style is vertical and notably larger than the lever on rose. Its size can easily conceal imperfections and traces of previously used hardware. Additionally, it provides added grip when used by children, seniors, or users with limited maneuvering ability. Three different operating mechanisms are: 

• Lever lock with a keyhole: Security system, commonly combined with a mortice lock.
• Bathroom Handle/Toilet Door Handle: A deadbolt system featured in toilet door handles is designed to enhance privacy. This type of privacy door lever allows the user to securely block the access and prevent unwanted surprises.  
• Lever latch: Internal door handles that don’t need to be locked. 

Lever Handles Materials 

• Aluminium levers: Lightweight and rust-resistant aluminium boast a deep metallic tone suitable for industrial style. It works exceptionally well with a brushed finish.
• Stainless steel: Similar to chrome, stainless steel is a long-lasting, practical choice. Along with convenience, it’s characterised by affordability, sturdiness, corrosion resistance, and ease of maintenance.
• Brass and copper: These warm-looking metals are favoured for their appearance, which adds a luxurious flair to the fixtures. Commonly featured in traditional schemes, they resurged in popularity as a part of modern interior design, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens. Copper is an exceptionally convenient solution for lever handles, due to its ability to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria.
• Nickel: As a more affordable alternative to sterling silver, nickel adds a dash of premium appearance. 
• Plastic: Apart from allowing broad design versatility, some plastic levers also boast antibacterial properties.

Finishes

• Brushed: Brushing delivers a subtle, silky finish that conceals finger marks and imperfections relatively well. It’s a low maintenance option, suitable for modern interiors and crowded places. 
• Polished: While the highly reflective surface creates a bright, attractive look, it also showcases every single touch or scratch. Due to high maintenance requirements, polished levers are the best fit for homes and spaces with low traffic. 
• Antique: This finish mimics the appeal of handcrafted heritage metals, further emphasised by matt texture.
• Satin: The muted polish doesn’t show fingerprints and imperfections, making it a great fit for hallways and public areas. 
• Chrome: Characterised by sleek, polished, cool flair, chrome is a long-time favourite choice for a variety of household fixtures. It’s durable, versatile, and easy to incorporate into a variety of modern design styles.  

Door Levers Styles 

• Traditional: Boasting characteristic period details, traditional door levers are ideal for using in classic interior schemes and blending with other aged finishes.
• Victorian: More ornate take on traditional designs, Victorian levers are an excellent way to enhance the decor with some additional classy flair.
• Rustic: Ideal for French farmhouse schemes, heritage buildings, or country style, rustic door levers are typically made of iron, brass, bronze, or even porcelain.
• Contemporary: This design is characterised by clean, geometric shapes, suitable for effortless blending into transitional or trendy decors. They come in a wide variety of forms, including ergonomic models.
• Modern: Distinguished by minimal aesthetics and very clean lines, modern door levers are made of cool, often highly reflective materials such as chrome.

Things to Consider Before Buying Lever Handles

Fire Rating

Regulations in commercial or residential premises require a fire-safety fixture installed on a fire-resistant doorway. The same applies to hinges, closers, and other fixtures. 

Guarantee

In most cases, door and window handles have to withstand frequent daily use. A reliable supplier and a proper guarantee are, therefore, important assets when it comes to applications in high-traffic areas or commercial settings. It’s good to look for products with a ten or more years guarantee. 

Backplate Size

When a new lever handle is installed in the place of the previous fitting, it’s advised to look for a larger backplate that can conceal all unsightly details. 

Extra Features

• Antibacterial door handles can help reduce the spread of viruses and germs. This category includes a variety of innovative solutions, including self-sanitising handles based on UV light.
• Some models also replace conventional hand contact with a handle operated by foot or elbow rather than the palm.
• Biometric designs are convenient for use in offices and high-security public buildings such as laboratories, banks, or government buildings. Biometric door handles require pre-authorisation for operating.
• Certain door handle designs include illuminated surfaces to improve the feature’s visibility in the dark. 
• Recycled plastic levers are an environmentally friendly option, often created from the waste found in oceans.