Trying to swap out some old window handles and can’t decide between lever style or the round knob ones. Lever seems easier to grab (especially with sticky fingers or if you’re carrying something), but the knobs look kinda classic. I’m leaning towards levers for my kitchen, but not sure if they’re as sturdy. Anyone have a strong preference or regret picking one over the other?
I went with levers in my kitchen last year and honestly, I haven’t looked back. They’re just so much easier to open when your hands are covered in dough or whatever. I was worried about sturdiness too, but mine feel solid—probably depends on the brand? The only downside is they don’t have that “old house charm” like the round knobs, but convenience won out for me.
Levers really are a game changer, aren’t they? I swapped out all my old round knobs for levers last fall, mostly because I kept struggling to open windows after baking bread (flour hands everywhere). Plus, if you’re thinking about energy efficiency, levers seem to get a tighter seal when you close them—at least in my experience. That might just be the newer hardware, but it’s made a noticeable difference in drafts. I do miss that vintage look a little, though... sometimes function just wins out over form.
Funny timing—I just finished a kitchen reno where the homeowner insisted on levers for every window, and honestly, I get it now. You can nudge them open with an elbow if your hands are full (or covered in dough, which happens more than folks admit). I do see what you mean about the seal, too. Some of the newer lever hardware really pulls the sash in tight, which helps with drafts in these old houses. Still, there’s something about those old brass knobs that feels classic... but after fighting with them on a cold morning, I’ll take the lever’s practicality any day.
That’s pretty much the kind of feedback I was hoping for. I keep going back and forth because, yeah, the levers seem way more practical in a busy kitchen—especially when you’re juggling groceries or, in my case, a toddler who wants to “help” open everything. Never thought about the seal being tighter with newer lever hardware, but that actually matters in my drafty old place.
The look of the knobs is still tempting, though. I grew up in a house with those chunky brass ones and there’s something nostalgic about them. But honestly, I remember my mom cursing at them on winter mornings when they’d get stuck or freeze up.
Guess it comes down to function over form for me at this point. A little less vintage charm, but a lot less hassle sounds like a decent trade-off.
I get the nostalgia factor—my grandma’s place had those old brass knobs too, and they looked great until you actually had to use them in the dead of winter. I swapped out most of my window knobs for levers a couple years back after one too many mornings wrestling with stuck hardware. Levers are just easier, especially when your hands are full or, like you said, there’s a little one “helping.” They don’t have quite the same charm, but honestly, not having to fight with sticky windows every season is worth it.
Funny, I thought switching to levers would be a minor upgrade, but it’s honestly been one of the best changes I made. I’ve got those old drafty wood windows and the round knobs would get stuck every winter—sometimes needed two hands and a prayer to open. With the levers, even my kid can pop them open (sometimes too easily, honestly). Only downside is they do stick out a bit more, so you notice them if you brush past. But I’ll take that over frozen fingers any day.
I swapped out the old brass knobs on our 60s casement windows for levers last fall—huge difference in winter. Used to have to whack the knob with a screwdriver handle just to budge it when it froze up. Levers just need a nudge now, even when it’s icy. Only thing is, my dog figured out how to open them too... kind of a mixed blessing. I do wish they made a lower-profile version, though, since the levers stick out and catch on my sleeve sometimes. But honestly, I’d rather deal with that than jammed fingers in January.
I get the appeal, but honestly, levers aren’t a cure-all.
—that’s my main gripe too. Plus, with kids around, I worry they’ll open them just as easily as your dog did. Knobs might be annoying in winter, but at least they’re less of a hazard for curious hands (and paws). Maybe there’s a happy medium out there, but I’m not convinced levers are always better.the levers stick out and catch on my sleeve sometimes
Yeah, I hear you on the levers catching sleeves—that’s happened to me more than once carrying laundry. Here’s what I’ve found: if you’ve got little ones or pets, knobs are just a bit safer. Levers are easier for everyone, but that includes toddlers and dogs. I did switch one window in the kitchen to a lever for my arthritic hands, but honestly, I left knobs everywhere else. Sometimes mixing and matching by room works better than going all-in on one style.