How to Choose the Right Handle Style and Shape for Your Kitchen
How to Choose the Right Handle Style and Shape for Your Kitchen
We all know how important cabinet handles and drawer hardware are in a space. They’re the obvious tool we use to access our goods. Yet, the accessories you choose are worthy of more than just an afterthought. Too often, we overlook these key details at the expense of the overall design. Part of the challenge is best explained in the book Paradox of Choice which “suggests that an abundance of options requires more effort to choose and can leave us feeling unsatisfied with our choice.” Setting up the look and feel for your kitchen doesn’t need to be overwhelming. To help provide clarity, we’ve detailed the main types of hardware to consider along with some pros and cons of each.
Start with Size
Not to worry, you don’t have to be an experienced interior designer to choose the correct size of hardware. Sure, many handles come in a variety of lengths. Ultimately though, the best fit comes down to your personal preference. Regardless of the aesthetic you’re after, there are a few tips to help make it stand out. First, we recommend using the same length throughout the design to create a bit more consistency. Next, it’s helpful to choose a handle that will look good on both the long and short drawers. We offer detailed measurements on all our handles to help you decide.
Mix and Match with Consistency
Throw out any tired rules which try to restrict your creativity. When you’re designing the space, think outside the box. This means you can mix, and match knobs, pulls, and handles in any number of configurations. Using handles on a pantry and knobs on a drawer set is acceptable. In doing so, you’re creating visual interest throughout the kitchen. When working with all these variables, just try and stay with the same overall genre of style. For example, rather than using modern handles on the cabinets and vintage styled pulls on the drawers, it’s preferable to keep them all consistent.
Types to Choose From
Bow Handles are one of the most used options thanks to their practical style. If you’ve ever torn a clothing garment on a protruding handle, you’ll come to appreciate this tapered design. The gently curved handles are stylish without drawing too much attention. Think of them as a modern architectural element with a touch of simplicity.
D Handles look like the letter they’re named after. They are quite popular due to the way they fit in one’s hand. Easy to grip and pull, D handles bring convenience and functionality to any space. They will also work well on both cabinets and drawers for those who want consistency. Our selection of D handles is larger than any other option we carry. The edges can have harder lines like a box, or gentler with rounded corners. With various sizes and finishes, we make it easy to visualise and choose your handle.
Front Mount Pull handles have a contemporary feel about them. Some customers prefer the look of linear bar handles as they echo the hardware found on other kitchen appliances like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers. With understated beauty and sleek lines, these are a great choice for modern designs.
Cup handles are often recommended by interior designers who are crafting a traditional look for their projects. To visualise this, think of hardware with ornate profiles and decorative elements. With an intricate design, they have a sophisticated feel while remaining quite functional. The cup style is only suitable for drawers as opposed to cabinets. You can of course pair them with matching knobs or pull handles to maintain a timeless feel.
Bow Handle
D Handle
Front Mount Pull
Cup Handle
Flush handles are a fantastic solution for tight spaces. With regular pull handles that hit walls, you can easily damage your home. Worse yet, it makes it hard to open the cabinet fully. With a flush or recessed handle, there’s no hardware to get in the way. Since they technically don’t take up as much space, these are perfect in laundry rooms and bathrooms as well as smaller kitchens.
Continuous profile handles are a truly modern approach to cabinetry both in terms of design and function. Homeowners looking to create a minimalist appearance will enjoy the recessed design of these handles. And while they are indeed streamlined and subtle, they offer another unique benefit worth noting. With no protruding elements, these continuous handles have a great safety element about them. There’s nothing to bump into or catch your clothing on since the handle is part of the drawer. The unique design is useful in open-plan kitchens as the design has an uninterrupted flow to it. This effect can make small spaces feel even larger.
Top Mount Pull Handles offer a contemporary look with the hardware resting along the top edge of the drawer cabinet door. Some of our designs feature curved, straight, rounded, and squared edges. Each of these will feel different in your hand, so it’s best to try these out for yourself in a showroom if possible.
Knobs are a timeless element in any space and are generally a simple and affordable solution to install. Since there’s only one connection point, it’s easy to switch these out in the future if so desired. While not necessarily known for their modern appeal, some of our new knurled designs are quite trendy and worth checking out.
Flush handle
Continuous Profile
Top Mount Pull
Knob
Materials and Finishes
There is no shortage of variety in both the base materials and finish of cabinet hardware. What a product is made with is a critical part of your decision process. In fact, this is such an important topic, we prepared a separate article dedicated to just that.
What is this Handle Made of? Base Materials vs Finishes
You may also find it helpful to see some of our more popular models. The 5 Best Affordable Luxury Handles (Pricing/Reviews)
The Final Word
It makes long term sense to invest in quality hardware. In high traffic areas like a kitchen, it’s best to opt for function over form. Still, we think you’ll be able to find both. Choose something that inspires you and you’ll be sure to enjoy it for the foreseeable future.
Visit Our Showrooms
We hope you’ve found this helpful in your design process. Our showrooms have beautiful displays where you can experience our full range of handles and knobs. Our friendly showroom consultants will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have as it relates to your design.
