Cabinet handles: finding your match

Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or updating a beloved but timeworn piece of furniture, handles have the power to bring everything together beautifully. 

Here’s what you’ll need to consider when choosing the right designs for you and your home… 

Style and design

Establishing your overall style preference is an excellent starting point. 

Handles tend to be categorised as classic or contemporary, with the former being a little (or a lot) more decorative than the latter. 

The style of your cabinetry will naturally be a big factor too, but there’s no need to feel obliged to use classic handles on classical furniture and vice versa. 

We work hard to create handles that look great, wherever they’re used. And the contrast of sleek modern knobs on antique drawers can be really striking.

Do note, however, that minimalist, streamlined designs will be easier to keep clean than those with decorative ridges or detailing.

Knobs vs pull handles

Once you’ve settled on a style, it’s time to work out whether you want knobs or pull handles. 

Our range comprises different shapes and sizes, including cup handles and T-bars, all with a shared aesthetic that makes it easy to mix and match.

There are no set rules when it comes to choosing between knobs and pull handles, and often a combination of both can look more natural (and prove more practical) than going for just one shape. 

A popular technique is to use knobs on cupboard doors measuring up to 60cm wide and pulls on drawers and any cupboards wider than 60cm, as well as those concealing appliances which require a solid grip.

Using a different, third handle shape on one piece or section of furniture, like cup handles on a sideboard or island unit, is a great way to create a relaxed, freestanding feel.

Size and scale

Knobs tend to be similar size-wise and are scaled to sit nicely in your hand and neatly on a cupboard door. If you have bigger hands, aim for a slightly bigger diameter of knob.

Pull handles come in various sizes (ours range from 128mm-384mm) to accommodate different furniture sizes. 

A tall larder unit will suit a longer pull handle, while a shorter option could look a bit lost. 

Extra wide pan drawers are also perfect candidates for a long pull handle, allowing access wherever you’re standing.

Finishes

Choosing the right finish is a decision that shouldn’t be made in isolation. 

Not every metal finish in the room needs to match, but choosing a handle finish that works in harmony with other metal finishes nearby will result in a more cohesive, considered look overall.

Light fittings, switches, sockets, even taps can all be used to inform your choice of handle finish.

If you’re starting from scratch, it helps to think in terms of warmth. 

Do you prefer the cool, crispness of a ‘cold’ metal like Polished Nickel, or the richness and depth of metals like Antique Brass and Bronze. 

Also think about how much impact you want the handles to have on your cabinetry. 

A dark finish like Bronze will stand out on light doors and drawers, while a finish that matches more closely in colour, like our Polished Nickel on grey painted cabinetry, will blend in.

Finally, consider the performance of each finish. 

Metal plated handles like our Polished Nickel finish will stay looking brand new, whereas ‘living’ finishes like Antique Brass – and Bronze, though to a lesser extent – will patina over time, both in reaction to the air and moisture around it and in the areas you touch it most.

Positioning 

You’ll need to plan the position of each handle to calculate how many to buy.

Try to think about scale and proportion when working out positions. 

Wide doors and drawers will suit wider handles, or two equally spaced knobs. 

The handle shouldn’t be dwarfed by the size of door, but nor should it overpower. 

Consider ordering just one or two to see what looks best where before placing a full order. 

Alternatively, if you have a scaled plan of your cabinetry, and a scale ruler, you could draw the handles in to get an idea of the best position.

Functionality

Pull and cup handles are considered easier to grip than knobs as you can get more fingers under them. 

We recommend choosing pull handles on heavier doors, like those on integrated dishwashers and fridges, as well as wide pan drawers that’ll be fully loaded.

If grip is an issue but you prefer the look of a knob, our T-bar design provides better purchase compared to a smooth, rounded knob.

Finally, if you’re worried about fingerprints and scratches on your cabinet doors, go for handles with built-in solid brass backplates that offer a layer of protection. 

Ready to start shopping? Explore our solid brass cupboard furniture in three finishes here.  

Photography credits: Image four (Bronze sycamore handle and green cabinetry): @revillojoinery