Choose lever handles if ease of use comes first, and cross handles if you want a traditional look with a satisfying, precise feel. Levers can be pushed with a wrist, an elbow or a wet hand, which makes them practical for kitchens, kids and anyone with limited grip strength. Cross handles, with their four spokes, are a signature of classic and vintage design and pair naturally with gooseneck spouts and period bathrooms. Both work well on solid brass faucets, and many designs are offered with either, so the choice really is about how you use the faucet and how you want the room to feel.
How each handle works
Lever handles
A lever is a single arm that you push or pull to open and close the valve. Because the arm acts as a lever, little force is needed. On a two-handle faucet, each lever controls either hot or cold water. Levers are easy to read at a glance: you can see if the water is on by the angle of the arm.
Cross handles
A cross handle has four short arms around a central hub, often with a small index button marking hot and cold. You grip it with your fingertips and turn. Cross handles give fine control over flow and have a solid, mechanical feel that many people associate with quality fixtures.
Ease of use
For most households, levers are the easier option. They can be operated with a closed fist, the back of a hand or messy fingers while cooking. They are generally easier for young children and for older adults or anyone with arthritis. Cross handles need a pinch and twist, which is fine for most people but can be harder with soapy or wet hands. If a bathroom is used by guests of all ages, or a kitchen sees a lot of raw food prep, levers tend to win.
Style and setting
Cross handles feel at home in traditional, Victorian, farmhouse and old-world interiors. They echo early plumbing hardware and look especially good with gooseneck spouts, engraved details and unlacquered brass. Levers range from classic to modern depending on their shape. A slim, straight lever reads clean and contemporary, while a curved lever with a decorative end fits traditional rooms. If you want a vintage look but practical operation, a classic-styled lever is a good middle path.
Cleaning and patina
On unlacquered brass, the parts you touch most patina differently from the rest of the faucet. Hand oils and regular handling keep contact points brighter, while untouched areas darken. Lever ends tend to show a brighter spot where fingers land. Cross handles develop a more even, varied patina across their arms and have more edges where water and soap can collect. Both are easy to wipe with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid abrasive pads that scratch the metal. Our brass and copper care guide covers safe cleaning.
Clearance and placement
Levers need room to swing. Check that a lever will not hit the backsplash, a mirror or the sink edge when fully open. On a narrow vanity, levers that point outward can extend past the deck. Cross handles have a compact turning circle, but you need finger space around them. On wall-mounted faucets, leave room between the handles and the tile so knuckles do not scrape.
Replacing or swapping handles later
Handles are working parts, and the cartridge inside each one controls the flow. If a handle becomes stiff or starts to drip, a replacement with a matching cartridge often fixes the problem without replacing the whole faucet. Always confirm compatibility with your specific faucet before ordering, and contact us if you are unsure. See our article on replacing faucet handles and cartridges.
Frequently asked questions
Are lever handles better for kitchens?
Generally yes, because they are easy to operate with wet or dirty hands. Many people still choose cross handles in the kitchen for style.
Can I mix lever and cross handles in one bathroom?
You can, but most people keep one style for each room so the sink, shower and tub look related. Keeping the same finish helps if styles differ.
Do cross handles leak more?
No. Leaks come from worn cartridges or seals, not the handle shape.
Shop the pieces
- Unlacquered Brass Gooseneck Widespread Bathroom Faucet with Cross Handles: a classic pairing of cross handles and a gooseneck spout.
- Unlacquered Brass Gooseneck Widespread Bathroom Faucet with Lever Handles: the same faucet with levers for easier everyday use.
- Unlacquered Brass Lever Handles with Cartridge: replacement levers for compatible brass fixtures.
- Unlacquered Brass Cross Handles with Cartridge: replacement cross handles for compatible brass fixtures.
Explore every faucet style in our faucets collection.
