HEWI MAG / Hardware
Lever handle design: An overview of materials, surfaces and areas of application
Choosing a lever handle is not purely a matter of design, but also concerns a functional consideration: It is one of the first construction components that users come into contact with and, at the same time, a crucial detail in the overall architectural concept. Material, surface finish and colour influence not only the design, but also the feel, hygiene, durability and ease of use.
This article outlines the materials and surfaces available, how they differ, and which solutions are suitable for different applications.
Why the design of a lever handle is more than a mere question of style
Lever handles have a direct impact on perception and use. They have an effect on two levels:
visually: Integration into the architectural concept
tactile: direct user experience
Even in heavily frequented buildings, this is what determines whether a solution will work in the long term. A lever handle that matches the design but fails to meet the requirements of everyday use will quickly lead to increased maintenance costs, more frequent replacements or restrictions in use. Planning should therefore always take both aspects into account.
What materials are used in lever handles?
The choice of material determines both the visual appearance and the technical performance of a lever handle.
Stainless steel lever handles – the standard for durable commercial solutions
Stainless steel is particularly durable and is frequently used in commercial settings.
Properties:
corrosion resistant
durable under heavy use
timeless, neutral look
Planning considerations:
reduced maintenance
economic in heavy use
optically neutral for long-term use
Stainless steel is the safe choice for public buildings, office spaces and heavy-traffic areas.
Lever handles made from polyamide – functional and versatile in terms of design
Polyamide allows for a wide range of design options and offers functional advantages.
Properties:
wide range of colours
hygienic and easy-care
timeless, neutral look
Planning considerations:
enable colour-coded orientation systems
reduces risk of injury (e.g. in nursing homes)
suitable for accessibility design concepts
Ideal for healthcare buildings, care facilities and all projects where orientation and user comfort are paramount.
Lever handles made of glass – a design-led bespoke solution
Glass is used less frequently, but allows for a more sophisticated design.
Properties:
visual depth created by light reflection
- customised colour scheme possible
- combination with metal for stability
Planning considerations:
not primarily suitable for high-traffic areas
- more design driven than functional
For prestigious interiors with a clear design focus.
Stainless steel, polyamide or glass – which solution is best in which situation?
Decisions should always be made in the context of the situation:
Scope of application
Recommended material
Reason
Public buildings
Stainless steel
maximum robustness
healthcare
Polyamide
Hygiene and orientation
Design-led interiors
Glass / combination
Design focus
Living area
Depending on the concept
Balance between design and usability
What role do surfaces and tactile qualities play?
Surface finishing alters both the visual appearance and the user experience.
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Brushed / matt: sleek, modern, less prone to fingerprints
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Polished / glossy: elegant, expressive surface with a high-quality appearance and a distinctive sense of depth
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Textured: better grip, functionally relevant
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Powder-coated: robust surface with a high-quality feel, particularly suitable for high-traffic areas
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The heavier the use, the more important the combination of a robust surface and an easy-care finish becomes.
Colours in lever handle design – design and orientation
Lever handles in black, stainless steel or coloured finishes influence the overall look of a room and are used specifically for design purposes. You can:
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structure spaces
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facilitate orientation
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highlight functions
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Typical applications:
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neutral colours (e.g. stainless steel): understated, universally applicable
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dark colours (e.g. black): modern accents
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colour systems: functional orientation, e.g. in the healthcare sector
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How do you choose the right lever handle? (Planning Guide)
The following questions should be clear when making a selection:
How high is user traffic?
What are the hygiene requirements?
Are there any accessibility requirements?
What role does design play in the project?
What sort of maintenance intervals are acceptable?
Good planning means thinking about, materials, surfaces and and use together at an early stage.
Lever handles by application: Requirements and differences
The requirements for lever handles vary considerably depending on their intended use. Whilst design aspects are often the main focus in residential settings, factors such as durability, hygiene and security play a key role in the commercial sector.
Lever handles
Lever handles for interior doors are mainly used in residential or office environments and offer the greatest scope for design.
Typical requirements:
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seamless integration into the interior design
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comfortable feel during everyday use
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a wide selection of materials and colours
Modern lever handles in stainless steel and polyamide – also in coloured variants - are frequently used in this context. Particularly in living areas or high-quality interiors, Bauhaus lever handles or design-led solutions can play an important role.
Lever handles for front doors
Lever handles for front doors are subject to significantly higher requirements than those used indoors.
Typical requirements:
high mechanical durability
weather-resistance
integration in security solutions
Lever handles made of stainless steel are frequently used in these situations, since they are especially robust and durable.
Lever handles for WCs and sanitary areas
Specific hygiene and functional requirements apply in sanitary areas.
easy cleaning and maintenance
a pleasant and secure grip
clear usability (e.g. accessibility)
Solutions made of polyamide (technical plastic) are especially suitable here, since they are hygienic and functional. In areas subject to heavier wear and tear, stainless steel lever handles may also be a good choice.
Common mistakes during the selection of lever handles
In practice, the following problems frequently arise:
- Materials are chosen for how they look rather than how they will be used
Surfaces do not stand up to wear and tear
Design and orientation are not though through together
A lack of systematic planning (door, bathroom, furnishings all planned separately)
Result:
higher maintenance requirements
inconsistent design
reduced user-friendliness
Examples from the HEWI product range
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270 range (stainless steel or alternatively with PVD coating)
→ suitable for durable solutions in the commercial area
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System 111 (polyamide)
→ colourful design and functional application
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162 range (matt surface)
→ sleek, modern design
Stainless steel lever handles are considered to be particularly durable and are used primarily in buildings with high footfall.
Stainless steel is extremely robust, whilst polyamide (a synthetic material) has advantages in terms of hygiene, feel and colour options. The choice depends on the intended use.
Stainless steel lever handles are generally used in public buildings, as they are mechanically robust and durable.
Stainless steel, black and coloured versions are frequently used. Lever handles in matt black are particularly common in modern architectural designs.
Key criteria include frequency of use, material, surface, hygiene requirements and the overall design concept.
Lever handles are an integral part of architecture. The combination of material, surface and colour determines both the use and the visual impact.
A well-informed selection is always based on the intended use and the overall concept of the project.
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