Lever Latch vs Lever Lock Door Handles
What's the Difference?
Understanding the Difference
Choosing the right lever door handle isn't just about selecting a finish or style. It's equally important to choose the correct handle function for your door.
One of the questions we're asked most often is:
"What's the difference between Lever Latch and Lever Lock door handles?"
The answer depends on the type of lock fitted inside your door.
This guide explains the differences between Lever Latch, Lever Lock, Bathroom and Euro Profile door handles, helping you choose the right option before placing your order.
Lever Latch Door Handles
Lever Latch door handles are designed to work with a tubular latch. Pressing the lever retracts the latch, allowing the door to open, but the door cannot be locked with a key.
They're the most popular choice for standard internal doors where privacy or security isn't required.
Best Used For
- Living Rooms
- Dining Rooms
- Kitchens
- Hallways
- Utility Rooms
Available Styles
Lever Lock Door Handles
Lever Lock door handles are designed to work with a mortice sashlock, allowing the door to be locked with a traditional key.
They're ideal for rooms where extra security is required, such as home offices, studies and garage access doors.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Backplate, the keyhole is already incorporated into the backplate.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Round Rose or Lever Door Handles on Square Rose, you'll also need a matching Standard Profile Escutcheon. This fits neatly around the keyhole, creating a smart finish while protecting the surrounding timber.
Best Used For
- Home Offices
- Garage Access Doors
- Internal Doors Requiring Security
- Commercial Buildings
Available Styles
- Lever Door Handles on Round Rose
- Lever Door Handles on Square Rose
- Lever Door Handles on Backplate
- Standard Profile Escutcheons
Bathroom Door Handles
Bathroom door handles are designed to work with a bathroom lock, allowing the door to be locked from the inside while still providing emergency access from the outside.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Backplate, the privacy turn is already incorporated into the backplate.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Round Rose or Lever Door Handles on Square Rose, you'll also need a matching Thumbturn & Release Set to complete the installation.
Best Used For
- Bathrooms
- En-suites
- Cloakrooms
- Shower Rooms
Available Styles
- Lever Door Handles on Round Rose
- Lever Door Handles on Square Rose
- Bathroom Door Handles on Backplate
- Thumbturn & Release Sets
Euro Profile Door Handles
If your door uses a Euro cylinder (recognisable by its figure 8 shaped profile), you'll need Euro Profile Door Handles.
Unlike a traditional Lever Lock handle, Euro Profile handles are designed to work with a Euro Profile sashlock and Euro cylinder, making them the preferred choice for modern homes, apartments and commercial buildings.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Backplate, the Euro cylinder cut-out is already incorporated into the backplate.
If you choose Lever Door Handles on Round Rose or Lever Door Handles on Square Rose, you'll also need a matching Euro Profile Escutcheon to surround the cylinder and complete the installation.
Best Used For
- Modern Homes
- Apartments
- Offices
- Commercial Buildings
Quick Comparison
| Door Handle Function | Works With | Additional Hardware (Round Rose & Square Rose) |
|---|---|---|
| Lever Latch | Tubular Latch | None |
| Lever Lock | Mortice Sashlock | Standard Profile Escutcheon |
| Bathroom | Bathroom Lock | Thumbturn & Release Set |
| Euro Profile | Euro Profile Sashlock & Euro Cylinder | Euro Profile Escutcheon |
💡 Choice Handles Pro Tip
One of the most common mistakes customers make is ordering the wrong handle function.
Before placing your order, take a quick look at your existing door.
- No keyhole? Choose a Lever Latch handle.
- Traditional keyhole below the handle? Choose a Lever Lock handle.
- Thumbturn on the inside? Choose a Bathroom handle.
- Figure 8 shaped cylinder? Choose a Euro Profile handle.
If you're unsure, simply send us a photo of your existing door or lock and we'll happily help identify the correct products.
Matching Your Door Furniture
For the best overall finish, try to coordinate your door handles, hinges, escutcheons, thumbturn & release sets, door stops and other architectural ironmongery.
Where possible, we always recommend choosing products from the same manufacturer. Although finishes such as Matt Black, Satin Brass, Antique Brass and Polished Chrome may share the same name, the colour, sheen and texture can vary slightly between brands.
Choosing products from the same manufacturer is the best way to achieve a consistent finish throughout your home.
Before You Buy
Before ordering, ask yourself:
✔ Does the door simply latch closed?
✔ Does it need to lock with a key?
✔ Is it a bathroom door?
✔ Does it use a Euro cylinder?
✔ Have you chosen the correct handle style?
✔ Are you ordering the additional hardware needed for Round Rose or Square Rose handles?
✔ Can you choose matching products from the same manufacturer?
Need More Help?
If you're still unsure whether you need Lever Latch, Lever Lock, Bathroom or Euro Profile door handles, our experienced team is always happy to help.
Simply send us a photo of your existing door or lock, and we'll recommend the correct products before you order.
Continue Exploring
This guide forms part of our Door Handle Buying Guides & Advice collection.
Return to the Door Handle Buying Guides & Advice hub to discover more expert buying guides, product comparisons and practical advice to help you choose the right architectural ironmongery for your home.