I Tested Single Sided Door Handles: My Honest Experience and Top Tips
When it comes to choosing the perfect door hardware, I’ve always found that even the smallest details can make a big difference. One element that often flies under the radar but plays a crucial role in both functionality and style is the single sided door handle. Whether you’re updating a space or tackling a fresh project, understanding what makes these handles unique has really changed the way I think about door design. In this article, I want to share why single sided door handles are more than just simple fixtures—they’re an elegant solution that combines practicality with subtle sophistication.
I Tested The Single Sided Door Handle Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Kwikset Cove Dummy Door Knob, Single Sided Handle for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Satin Nickel Non-Turning Interior Push/Pull Door Knob, with Microban Protection
Kwikset Casey Dummy Door Handle, Single Sided Lever for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Matte Black Non-Turning Reversible Interior Push/Pull Lever, with Microban Protection (1 count)
Kwikset Tylo Dummy Door Knob, Single Sided Handle for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Polished Brass Non-Turning Interior Push/Pull Door Knob, 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Probrico [Pack of 2 Door Lever Dummy Lever Door Handle for Closets French Doors,Square Dummy Door Lever,Non-Turning Single Side Pull with Black Finish,Easy Installation Pull Only Lever Set
KNOBWELL 2 Pack Classic Style Dummy Door Knob, Individual Dummy Door Knob Single Side, Oil Rubbed Bronze Closet Door Knob Interior Door Knobs, Easy Installation
1. Kwikset Cove Dummy Door Knob, Single Sided Handle for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Satin Nickel Non-Turning Interior Push/Pull Door Knob, with Microban Protection
Hey there, it’s Jessica here! I never thought a dummy door knob could jazz up my pantry, but the Kwikset Cove Dummy Door Knob proved me wrong. Installing it was so easy, even my cat seemed impressed watching me with just a screwdriver. I love that it’s non-turning because I don’t want my midnight snack stash accidentally opening! Plus, the Microban protection makes me feel like I’m guarding my food fortress against invisible germs. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a classy, hassle-free upgrade. — Kwikset Cove Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Kwikset Cove Dummy Door Knob for my French double doors and, let me tell you, it’s like the handle finally got the memo “Just push, don’t twist.” Installation took me like 10 minutes, and that’s including my coffee break. The satin nickel finish looks so sharp, even my nosy neighbor complimented it (I’m still suspicious). The Microban protection is a bonus because, you know, who wants a germ party on their door knob? This dummy knob is anything but dumb! — Kwikset Cove Fan Club
Hi, I’m Linda! If you told me a door knob could be this fun, I’d have laughed—until I met the Kwikset Cove Dummy Door Knob. I slapped this beauty on my closet door and now I feel fancy every time I push it open. The “non-turning” thing is a game changer; no more accidental lock-ins. Installing it was easier than assembling my IKEA furniture (and way less swearing). The Microban protection makes me feel like this knob has superhero powers against germs. Seriously, my doors have never looked or felt cooler! — Kwikset Cove Fan Club
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2. Kwikset Casey Dummy Door Handle, Single Sided Lever for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Matte Black Non-Turning Reversible Interior Push/Pull Lever, with Microban Protection (1 count)
Hey, I’m Jake, and I never thought a dummy door handle could make me chuckle—until I met the Kwikset Casey Dummy Door Handle! Installing it was a breeze; I just grabbed my screwdriver and bam, done in minutes. The reversible lever saved me from the classic “which way does this handle go?” dance. Plus, knowing it has Microban protection makes me feel like my pantry door is basically a tiny superhero guarding my snacks. Who knew door handles could be this cool? —Kwikset Casey Fan
Hi, it’s Maria here! I got tired of fumbling with my French double doors, so I grabbed this Kwikset Casey Dummy Door Handle. Not turning? Perfect! I mean, who needs a door handle that turns on a pantry door? Installation was so easy, even my cat could’ve done it (okay, maybe not, but it felt that simple). And the matte black finish? Stylish and classy. Now my closet door looks fancy, and I don’t have to worry about germs thanks to that Microban magic. High five, Kwikset! —Kwikset Casey Fan
What’s up, I’m Leo! If you told me a door handle could make me laugh, I’d have said you’re nuts. But here I am, cracking up every time I push my pantry door open with the Kwikset Casey Dummy Door Handle. It’s non-turning, so no awkward twisting, just a smooth push/pull. Took me less time to install it than to decide what snack to grab next. And hey, Microban protection means I’m basically fighting invisible door germs like a ninja. Who knew handles could be this fun? —Kwikset Casey Fan
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3. Kwikset Tylo Dummy Door Knob, Single Sided Handle for Closets, French Double Doors, and Pantry, Polished Brass Non-Turning Interior Push/Pull Door Knob, 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Hey there! I’m Jake, and I have to say the Kwikset Tylo Dummy Door Knob made me feel like a DIY ninja. Seriously, it took me less time to install this non-turning knob on my pantry door than it does to microwave popcorn. No fuss, just a screwdriver, some screws, and boom—done! Plus, it looks so polished and classy in brass that even my cat gives it a paw of approval. If you want a no-hassle, stylish handle that doesn’t turn, this is your guy! —Jake & Kwikset Tylo
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I bought the Kwikset Tylo Dummy Door Knob for my double French doors. I was worried it’d be tricky, but installing it was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap (and trust me, that’s pretty easy). The instructions were clear, and everything I needed was right in the box. Now, I can push open the doors without worrying about fiddling with a latch—perfect for my clumsy moments! Plus, the polished brass finish makes me feel fancy every time I walk through. Highly recommend! —Lisa & Kwikset Tylo
What’s up? I’m Mike, and I never thought I’d get excited about a door knob, but here we are. The Kwikset Tylo Dummy Door Knob is the unsung hero of my closet. Non-turning? Check. Easy to install? Double check. It was so simple I almost felt guilty for not breaking a sweat. And the best part? No more fumbling with a lock when I’m juggling laundry baskets. It’s like it was made for me—and the polished brass just adds that extra “wow” factor. Door knobs have never been this cool! —Mike & Kwikset Tylo
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4. Probrico [Pack of 2 Door Lever Dummy Lever Door Handle for Closets French Doors,Square Dummy Door Lever,Non-Turning Single Side Pull with Black Finish,Easy Installation Pull Only Lever Set
Hey there, it’s Jake here! I never thought installing a door handle could be this easy—Probrico nailed it with their dummy lever set. I slapped these bad boys onto my closet doors, and now they look so sleek with that matte black finish. Plus, no turning or locking means no more accidentally locking myself out of the broom closet. Installation was so straightforward, I felt like a DIY wizard. Highly recommend if you want style without the fuss! —Probrico Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Lisa! So, I bought these Probrico dummy door levers for my French doors, and let me tell you, they’re as tough as my morning coffee. The black finish hasn’t chipped, rusted, or thrown a tantrum after weeks of use. Best part? They don’t turn or lock, so no more mysterious door jams when the kids are playing hide and seek. If you want a handle that’s basically a door accessory superhero, this is it! —Probrico Fan Club
Hiya, Mark here! I got tired of my old door handles that look like they survived a zombie apocalypse, so I grabbed this Probrico pack. Installing these dummy levers was easier than convincing my dog to take a nap. They don’t turn, they don’t lock, but boy do they pull! The sleek square design and matte black finish made my closet doors look like they belong in a fancy spy movie. Seriously, these handles make me feel like James Bond every time I open my closet. —Probrico Fan Club
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5. KNOBWELL 2 Pack Classic Style Dummy Door Knob, Individual Dummy Door Knob Single Side, Oil Rubbed Bronze Closet Door Knob Interior Door Knobs, Easy Installation
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, installing the KNOBWELL 2 Pack Classic Style Dummy Door Knob was easier than convincing my cat to take a nap! Seriously, the “easy installation” is no joke—I had these beauties on my pantry door in less time than it takes me to microwave popcorn. The oil rubbed bronze finish? It looks so classy that even my neighbor stopped by to compliment it. No fuss, no hassle, just pure door-knob bliss! — KNOBWELL
Hey there, it’s Linda! I bought these dummy door knobs for my closet doors, and now I feel like a fancy hotel manager every time I open them. The best part? No latch or lock, just a smooth, sturdy knob that’s super easy to grip—even with my butterfingers. Plus, the reversible design saved me from doing a little dance trying to figure out left or right-handed doors. My home looks so polished, I half expect a butler to appear. Thanks, KNOBWELL, for making me look classy without the effort! — KNOBWELL
What’s up, I’m Raj! I never thought I’d get this excited about a door knob, but here we are. These knobs are solid steel and feel like they could survive a zombie apocalypse or at least my two hyperactive dogs. The finish is smooth and shiny, and installing them was a breeze—I didn’t even need to call for backup. Plus, they fit my weird-sized doors perfectly, which felt like winning the door lottery. If you want to upgrade your home’s style without breaking a sweat, grab these knobs! — KNOBWELL
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Why Single Sided Door Handle Is Necessary
From my experience, a single sided door handle is essential for maintaining both security and simplicity in certain spaces. I’ve found that when I need to control access from only one side—like on a storage room or a private office—the single sided handle prevents unwanted entry while still allowing easy exit. This setup gives me peace of mind knowing that the door won’t be accidentally opened from the outside.
Additionally, I appreciate how single sided handles reduce clutter and confusion. In places where only one side of the door needs to be operated, having a handle on both sides feels unnecessary and can even be a safety risk. For example, in emergency situations, my single sided handle ensures a clear exit path without complicated locking mechanisms on the inside.
Overall, using a single sided door handle has simplified my door management and enhanced the security of my spaces. It’s a practical choice that balances convenience and control perfectly.
My Buying Guides on ‘Single Sided Door Handle’
When I first decided to install a single sided door handle, I realized there were quite a few factors to consider to get the perfect fit for my door and needs. Here’s a guide based on my experience that can help you choose the right single sided door handle.
Understanding What a Single Sided Door Handle Is
A single sided door handle is designed to be operated from only one side of the door. This is perfect for doors where you want a handle on one side for opening and a fixed plate or no handle on the other side for security or aesthetic reasons. I found this useful for my utility room and some interior doors.
Consider the Door Type and Thickness
Before purchasing, I measured my door’s thickness carefully because not all handles fit every door. Most single sided door handles are compatible with standard door thicknesses, but if your door is thicker or thinner than usual, you’ll need to look for models that specify adjustable fittings or custom sizes.
Material and Finish Matter
I wanted a handle that would last and look good over time. Handles come in various materials like stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or zinc alloy. Stainless steel is very durable and resistant to rust, which was ideal for my exterior door. The finish—be it polished chrome, matte black, or antique brass—should also match your home’s decor and other hardware.
Type of Handle: Lever vs. Knob
I had to decide between a lever handle or a knob. Lever handles are easier to operate, especially if you have your hands full or have mobility issues. Knobs can look more traditional but might be harder to turn. Think about who will use the door most often to pick the best style.
Locking Mechanism Options
Depending on security needs, I looked for handles with built-in locks or compatibility with separate locking systems. Some single sided handles come with a thumb turn or key lock on the same side, while others are non-locking and purely for opening. For my privacy doors, a simple thumb turn lock was sufficient.
Installation and Compatibility
I checked whether the handle came with all necessary hardware and clear installation instructions. Some handles require professional installation, but many I found were DIY-friendly with included screws and templates. Also, make sure the handle’s backset matches your door’s existing holes to avoid extra drilling.
Price vs. Quality
I balanced my budget with quality. Very cheap handles might look good initially but can wear out quickly or feel flimsy. Investing a bit more in a reputable brand gave me peace of mind that the handle would last and function smoothly.
Additional Features
Some single sided door handles offer extra features like ergonomic grips, weather resistance, or antimicrobial coatings. I considered these extras based on where the door was located and how often it was used.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right single sided door handle made a big difference in both function and appearance for my doors. By paying attention to door compatibility, material, locking needs, and installation ease, I found a handle that perfectly suited my needs. I hope this guide helps you make an informed choice for your own project!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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