Single lever and double lever on handle: what are the differences?

Door handles are essential accessories in our daily lives. Functional and decorative, door hardware offers a multitude of products (handle on rose, with or without fixing plate, door knob, furniture knob,...) amongst which the choice is not always easy.

It is important to understand the different types of handles in order to choose the model suited to our needs and wishes. Among the wide range of door handles in stock are single lever handles and double lever handles. But what are the differences between these two types of door handles?

What is a single lever handle? 

As its name suggests, the single lever handle consists of a single lever, also called a lever or latch. This lever is fixed to a backplate which is installed on one side of the door only.

The single lever handle is often used for interior doors as it offers ease of use and a cleaner design. Single lever handles are easy to install on an interior door in wood or glass and are available in the most fashionable finishes: matt black, white lacquer, gold, chrome or aged bronze (non-exhaustive list!)

What is a double lever handle?

The double lever handle consists of two levers, each placed on either side of the door. It is often used for entrance doors as it offers additional security.

The double lever handle also offers ease of use as it allows the door to be opened and closed from both sides. 

This door opening system is practical for exterior doors, particularly entrance doors or garden doors in wood or aluminium (completed with a cylinder lock for example) requiring increased security for home protection. 

The 3 main differences between single lever handles and double lever handles 

The essence of the comparison can be summarised in 3 points: 

• Number of levers 

The most obvious difference lies in the number of levers, i.e. the handles or levers that are operated to open or close the door. The presence of a single lever or two has a significant impact on the aesthetics and functionality of the door handle.

• Versatility and handle usage 

Double lever door handles offer greater versatility than single lever handles. With the two-lever model, it is possible to open the door from inside and outside, which can be practical in various situations. On the other hand, a single lever door handle is designed to be used from one side of the door only.

• Style and aesthetics 

Double lever door handles tend to have a more imposing appearance than single lever handles which appear more discreet and streamlined, which suits interiors with a minimalist style. 

Door ironmongery offers models in identical finishes regardless of the model. Made from solid brass, stainless steel, bronze, wrought iron, porcelain or zamak (aluminium and zinc alloy), black door handles, chrome handles or gold handles offer high-quality finishes that enhance your interior decoration. You can even match your door décor to a furniture knob or complete the handle with its lock rose (with key or bolt) to reinforce the style.

These few differences summarise the functionality of each model but other criteria will come into play when choosing between the two handle models.

How to choose between the 2 types of lever handles?

Knowing the differences between the two models well is not enough to buy the handle best suited to your needs and wishes. Here are the key criteria to consider when choosing between a single lever door handle and a double lever door handle:

The type of door to be fitted

The functionality of the door handle is a crucial element. A double lever door handle allows easy and practical use of the door from both sides, which can be essential in frequently used circulation areas. 

Single lever handles are suitable for doors that only need to be operated from one side. The characteristics of the door, its intended use, its location in the house and security concerns must be considered to make the best choice.

• Main entrance door 

Main entrance doors giving access to the outside of the house require an increased level of security and functionality. A double lever handle may be preferred for aesthetic and practical reasons and to reinforce security, particularly when these handles are fitted with robust high-security locks. Of course, the lock roses (lock with key function, integrated cylinder, etc.) are offered in the same finish as the handle for a perfect aesthetic result.

• Interior doors 

Interior door handles, such as those for bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens, must be adapted according to their use. For your bedroom and bathroom doors, a single lever handle with an internal locking mechanism (with privacy lock) is commonly used to ensure privacy. Doors to common living spaces such as the living room or dining room can be fitted with double levers for aesthetic or practical reasons.

• Sliding doors 

Pocket sliding doors such as those for an office, cupboard, dressing room or patio doors, may require special recessed handles (e.g. "flush" handle) adapted to their mechanism and fitted with a mortice lock. Single lever handles or pull handles are commonly used for sliding doors. For bay windows or window handles, you can also opt for a pull handle.

• Exterior doors 

Exterior doors, such as those leading to the garden or terrace, can benefit from double lever handles to facilitate access from inside and outside. 

• Garage doors 

Garage doors often require special handles or locking mechanisms for security reasons. The choice will depend on the garage door model and its use.

Each door must be considered to determine the style of handles to install. 

The room in the house concerned

The door handle must also be adapted to each room in the house. Each room in the house has its function and its access deserves special attention.

 Here's how the type of room can influence the decision:

• Bedrooms 

Bedrooms are private spaces where privacy is essential. In these rooms, a single lever handle is often preferred as it allows the door to be locked from the inside for greater privacy.

• Bathroom 

Bathrooms are also private spaces where privacy is important. A single lever handle with integrated locking is often chosen to allow occupants to lock the door from the inside.

• Living room or dining room 

In common areas such as the living room or dining room, where aesthetics and style play a major role, a double lever handle may be chosen for its elegant look and visual appeal. Opening doors is also made easier from both sides of the room.

• Kitchen 

For the kitchen door, the central room of the house, ease of use is essential. A single lever handle may be more practical for quick use whilst a double lever handle can be used for doors leading to the kitchen from other rooms.

• Main entrance 

The main entrance to the house requires security and aesthetics. A double lever handle can be an excellent choice for the functionality and anti-burglary protection it offers when combined with a quality lock cylinder.

• Offices or workspaces 

In offices or workspaces, ease of access and robustness are crucial. A double lever handle allows employees to enter and exit offices easily.

• Public spaces 

In public spaces such as hotels, restaurants or shops, aesthetics, durability and ease of use are the main criteria. The choice will depend on the style (rustic, modern, vintage, etc.) and the specific needs of each space (reinforced door or accessibility for people with reduced mobility for example).

Each room influences the choice between the two handle models due to the specific requirements in terms of privacy, security, functionality and aesthetics unique to each space. 

Available budget

Budget is a decisive factor in any development or renovation project. In general, single lever door handles are less expensive than their double lever counterparts.

Of course, the material, design or finish will influence the price of the handle. A simple handle in solid brass or antique bronze will sometimes be more expensive than a double handle in stainless steel for example.

The style of interior decoration 

The aesthetics of the door and the decorative style of the room play a role in choosing a door handle. Double lever handles tend to offer an elegant and majestic look, which may be preferred in more rustic or luxurious interior spaces. Single lever handles are well-suited to a more minimalist, contemporary and discreet interior design.

Personal tastes and wishes play a part in the choice of handle and type of lock. Some have a natural preference for the design, material (stainless steel, brass, nylon or porcelain), shape (square, oval, rectangular), colour (black, white, gold, rust, etc.) or overall aesthetics of the door handle whilst others will favour functionality or technical characteristics. 

Having identified our needs, let's review the advantages and disadvantages of both models.

The advantages and disadvantages of each type of lever handle

To visualise the differences between the two types of handles, here is a summary table of the advantages and disadvantages of single lever door handles and double lever door handles:

The choice between the two products depends on your needs and wishes in terms of decoration. It is important to consider these criteria to ensure that the chosen door handle is suitable for the intended use and the design of the room.

In conclusion, the main difference between a single lever handle and a double lever handle lies in the number of levers used on either side of the door. The single lever is generally used as an interior door handle whilst the double lever is preferred for exterior door handles if completed with a rose with locking system placed at the correct centre distance.

A functional accessory, the door handle designed in a variety of quality finishes and materials, is an essential decorative ally for dressing up a designer door: your openings (doors, windows or French doors) contribute to creating a designer interior. Take advantage of the different handle models in stock (online shop or DIY stores): single or double lever, on visible plate or concealed plate, original handle or period handle, in matt black or chrome stainless steel. Combined with a furniture knob in the same finish, the designer door handle is an essential accessory for your interior decoration!