Door Levers

Door Levers Buying Guide

A door lever is a handle you press down to open the latch. This collection holds lever sets from Zanda, TradCo, Nidus and Iver, from heritage long backplate designs to slim modern levers on a round rose. It suits anyone choosing handles for a new home, a renovation or a single door that needs a new set.

Is a lever or a knob better?

A lever is easier to use, because you press it down rather than grip and twist. That makes it a practical choice for children, older people and anyone with limited hand strength, and it can be opened with an elbow when your hands are full. A knob has a more traditional look. Many homes use levers throughout, or levers on main doors and knobs on cupboards.

What lever function do I need for each door?

A passage set has no lock and suits hallways, living rooms and laundries. A privacy set has a lock on the inside for bathrooms, toilets and bedrooms. An entrance set has a key lock for external doors. The TradCo Reims, Menton and Milton entrance sets include a high security lock, and the Zanda Vertex entrance set has a double cylinder, keyed on both sides. The Nidus Knurled Domici combo pairs a lever with an Ozi-1 lock.

Should I choose a rose or a backplate lever?

A round rose is a small plate behind the lever and gives a clean, modern look, as on the Zanda Duke and Vertex, Nidus Knurled Domici and Iver Sarlat. A long backplate is a tall plate that runs above and below the lever, as on the TradCo Reims, Menton and Victorian. Backplates suit period homes and can cover marks left by older hardware.

How do I check that a lever set will fit my door?

Check the backset, which is the distance from the door edge to the centre of the handle, usually 60mm or 70mm. Check that your door thickness sits within the range on the product. For an entrance set with a separate lock, check the spacing between the lever and the cylinder. Measure the existing latch before buying a replacement.

What finishes are available?

The levers here come in antique brass, polished brass, satin brass, matte black, satin chrome, satin nickel, brushed nickel, gun metal grey and ember bronze. Polished and antique brass suit heritage homes. Matte black, gun metal grey and brushed nickel suit modern interiors. Carry one finish through levers, hinges and stops.

How do I care for door levers?

Wipe them with a soft, damp cloth and mild soap, then dry them. Avoid abrasive and acidic cleaners. Unlacquered and antique brass finishes change colour with use over time, which is part of their character. Tighten a loose lever at the grub screw before the latch wears.

Completing the room

Compare door knobs and interior door handles, or finish each door with door hinges and door stops at The Blue Space.