While the surfaces, colours and appliances can often be the focus of our hardworking kitchens, sometimes the devil is in the detail. We delve into the world of handles and prove just how important they are in adding that all-important finishing touch…
As one of the first things you might notice in a kitchen, handles can go a long way towards either blending right in or creating a point of interest. Yes, they’re a small detail, but one that can also make a big impact. So, it’s worth spending a bit of time and thought in order to get it right.
Whether you want a sleek design for a modern kitchen, or something bespoke, or period-style for a traditional scheme, your choice of handles very much comes down to personal preference, and should complement your home’s overall style.
KBB journo Laurie Davidson breaks down just how such a tiny touch can be such a key kitchen player…
How important are kitchen handles?
Unless you’ve chosen to have handleless cabinetry, you’ll need something to open and close your kitchen doors and drawers – and that’s where handles come in. You might say they are somewhat vital to your design, but not only in terms of function; they can also help by adding colour, texture, and some extra flair to a finished kitchen design.
In fact, you can elevate even the simplest cupboard with a well-designed handle. But buy the wrong one, and you may have to live with handles that are awkward to use or that let down the design of an otherwise well-planned scheme.
What are the different types of handles available?
From T-bar and cup pulls to knobs and ring designs, there’s so much choice out there that it can make deciding on handles somewhat overwhelming. So, what are the different choices available? Overall, there are three types: horizontal handles, vertical handles, and knobs.
Cup designs (which fall under the horizontal category), are a favoured choice and known for their traditional half-moon profile, while knobs are best for wall cabinets or hinged doors that aren’t too heavy. “T-bar pulls are the most popular type of handle on the market and will work well on most styles of cabinet door, whether Shaker or flat fronted,” advises Tom Revill, co-founder of Plank Hardware. “They are typically characterised by having a long bar for a handle, which is attached by one or two points to cabinet fronts.”
But what if you want your handles to be more discreet? Something that will let your cabinetry shine and is purely there on a functional aspect? Recessed handles or a lipped edge design make a good choice, as they’ll allow you to open cupboards and doors with ease, without having any jutting hardware. “Recessed handles mean the profile of your door is flat and contribute to a pared-back, uncluttered style of kitchen cabinetry,” says Pluck co-founder George Glasier.
“They are unobtrusive, literally, but also visually. At Pluck, these handles are crafted in the same materials as the rest of our cabinetry and furniture, so they blend in. Although small, they can also have a high impact in terms of pulling a scheme together, echoing colour accents in the room, or, in the case of designs including two tone cabinets, having the opposite colour behind. We also offer a brass option for a patinated gleam,” continues George.
What materials are kitchen handles made from?
These days, you can find handles in a plethora of materials. And although glass, leather, and wood are all viable options, in the kitchen, it tends to be metal handles that prove the go-to. The reason? They’re sturdy, which is key when they’re likely to be under such heavy use, and they’re easy to clean.
What type of handle should you choose for your space?
This really comes down to the style of your kitchen, and how you would like it to feel. “Want a cosy, heritage-style kitchen?” asks Kate Clare, founder of Loud Architects. “Then go for aged brass knobs. More into clean lines and cool vibes? Slimline matt black bars might be your jam. Think of handles as your kitchen’s jewellery – they should complement the outfit, not clash.”
“For example, we wouldn’t normally use handles on a sleek German, modern, minimalistic kitchen; instead, we’d leave them for more farmhouse or Shaker-style designs,” continues Kate. Whatever you decide on, try and consider more than whether you like the design – they’ll need to work with your cabinetry and be easy to use; which leads me to the next question…
Where is the correct placement for each type of handle?
It seems like a straightforward question, but are there any no-no’s when choosing a handle design? “There’s no one size-fits-all rule when it comes to handle placement,” says Charlie Smallbone, founder of Ledbury Studio. “The right position depends on the design of the cabinet and how you move through the space. Handles should feel natural and comfortable to use, whether they’re fitted horizontally or vertically. Sometimes, we leave handles out altogether, especially when we want to create a clean, streamlined look.”
Gareth Hull, design lead at Hendel & Hendel, does advise against using T-bar knobs on heavy, integrated appliances, however, “as they can spin under pressure due to the weight balance, especially if the knob doesn’t include small ‘prongs’ on the back.”
A good solution can be to get the best of both worlds by using a mixture of knobs and pulls. “One option is to put knobs on all your upper cabinets, and pulls on all your lower cabinets,” advises Tom. “As you tend to put heavier, clunkier kitchen utensils within easy reach and closer to the ground, it makes sense to have more grip on those drawers by using pulls.”
“Alternatively, you could put knobs on all doors and pulls on all drawers, regardless of how high or low they are – there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Ultimately, when chosen thoughtfully, with design, usability, and sizing in mind, your hardware can create a thread of sophistication and finalise your culinary space.”
What handles are currently on trend?
Timeless, classic-look handles never go out of style, but are there any designs that are having a moment? “Right now, we’re crushing on mixed materials – think oak with bronze, or leather-wrapped handles (yes, really!),” says Kate. “Fluted, tactile finishes are also making waves – people want to feel the detail as well as see it,” she adds.
Tim Higham, founder of Higham Furniture, has seen a rise in the sales of metal handles, too. “Fashionable ironmongery is available in different colours and textures, and includes burnished brass, satin brass, satin nickel, satin chrome, polished chrome, and matt black finishes, to name but a few,” he says. “They’ve become a current trend, whether the kitchen cabinetry is a traditional in-frame model or a more contemporary design.”
Whichever style you opt for, you can be sure your choice of handles will have a direct result on both the function and aesthetics of your kitchen; so make that choice wisely.
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