Choosing Cupboard Handles & Knobs: Everything You Need to Know

Cupboard fittings might seem like small details, but they play a crucial role in the overall aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make the right choices for your kitchen cupboards.

Complimenting the Style of Your Kitchen 

When it's time to choose the cupboard handles, start by considering the overall style of your kitchen. There are two main styles to keep in mind: modern and traditional.

Traditional Style 
For kitchens with a traditional vibe, the choice of handles is crucial in enhancing that classic ambience. Opting for aged metals and shapely handles works best in this context, bringing a sense of history and individuality to the design. The worn appearance of aged metals complements the timeless charm of traditional styles, creating a cohesive and character-rich atmosphere.

Modern Style
In contrast, the world of modern kitchen design offers a wide range of handle options to cater to different tastes. If you're leaning towards a minimalist look, consider sleek and uniform handles with clean lines. These handles seamlessly integrate with streamlined cabinetry, embodying the simplicity of modern style. On the flip side, if you want to make a bold statement, explore handles that serve as captivating design features, becoming focal points that contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space.

Choosing the Type of Handle 

When deciding on the type of handles for your cupboards or cabinets, the easiest way to navigate this choice is by considering the size and weight of your doors.

Pull handles shine when dealing with larger and heavier doors. Their elongated design allows for a more substantial grip, making it easier to open and close sizable cabinet doors with comfort and ease. This becomes particularly crucial in spaces where functionality is paramount, and a strong, reliable grip is necessary for smooth operation.

On the other hand, cupboard knobs are great when dealing with cabinets, especially those sporting the popular shaker-style design. The simplicity and compact nature of knobs make them an ideal match for smaller doors.

If you want to achieve a sleek and streamlined look, flush-fitting handles are an excellent choice. These handles sit flush against the surface of the door, creating a seamless and minimalist appearance. This option is particularly popular in contemporary and modern kitchen designs, where clean lines and a clutter-free aesthetic are highly valued.

Cup handles, with their distinctive cup-shaped design, bring a touch of elegance and vintage charm to your cabinetry. These handles are often favoured in traditional or country-style kitchens, adding a nostalgic and timeless appeal. Cup handles work well with various door sizes and weights, providing a comfortable grip for effortless use.

Ideal for those who prefer a handle-less appearance without sacrificing functionality, finger-pull handles offer a discreet and understated solution. These handles are integrated into the edge of the door, allowing for a convenient grip without protruding visibly. Finger pull handles are commonly chosen for contemporary and minimalist kitchen designs, contributing to a clean and uncluttered look.

Choosing the Shapes of Your Handles

When it comes to choosing handle shapes for your kitchen, it's essential to take a holistic approach and consider the overall design of your space. The handle shapes you select can significantly impact the visual cohesion and aesthetic harmony of your kitchen.

If your kitchen boasts curved details, such as arched taps or round lampshades, consider complementing these features with cup handles. Cup handles, align seamlessly with rounded elements in the space, creating a visual continuity that enhances the overall design. 

If your kitchen exhibits angular features, such as sharp-edged countertops or geometrically inspired cabinetry, opt for handles that echo these lines. Slim rectangular pulls or square knobs can be the perfect match, adding a touch of modernity and emphasising the sleek, clean lines of your kitchen design. This intentional alignment of shapes creates a sense of order and sophistication, ensuring that each element contributes cohesively to the overall visual narrative.

Choosing the Colour, Material and Finish

When making decisions about your kitchen cabinet handles, one of the most impactful choices revolves around the colour and finish. Consider whether you want your door handles to blend in with the overall kitchen colour scheme or make a statement with contrasting colours. Maintaining fluidity in the space by linking the colour and finish to other design elements like lighting and kitchen tiles is key. Using hardware as a means to infuse colour and flair into a plain space is an excellent strategy, given the ease with which handles can be swapped. 

Opting for high-quality metallics, such as solid bronze or stainless steel, is essential for durability, especially in high-touch point spaces. In traditional spaces, these materials age beautifully over time. For a softer look, consider products with a 'living finish' designed to change and patina with use, blending seamlessly with any antiques in the space. 

​​In modern kitchens, black, chrome, and brightly coloured metals bring a sleek contemporary vibe. Brass handles add warmth and a touch of luxury to a kitchen whilst antique brass offers a charming, aged appearance with a consistent lacquered finish. 

Keep in Mind the Functionality of Your Handles

When selecting kitchen handles, prioritise accessibility and comfort, considering the frequency of use. Ensure that the handle fits comfortably in your hand, feels good, and lacks sharp edges or ridges that might be uncomfortable during opening and closing. Assess whether vertical or horizontal mounting is easier to grab for specific doors and identify a comfortable height for your hand's reach.

If you opt for handles instead of knobs, ensure that you can comfortably fit four fingers around them and maintain a secure grip. Pay attention to sharp edges, especially if there are young children in the household, and consider the specific physical requirements of family members who may struggle with gripping small objects.

Pull handles, as opposed to knobs, can be easier to grab onto, making them an excellent choice for individuals with weak or arthritic hands. Additionally, pulls result in less contact between your hands and the cabinets, contributing to cleaner surfaces, especially if the cabinets are light in colour or made of material prone to staining. Taking these factors into account ensures that your chosen handles not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also contribute to a comfortable and practical daily user experience.

Choosing the Right Size of Cupboard Handle

Consideration of handle size is crucial in achieving the desired aesthetic for your space. If aiming for a neat, minimal feel without going entirely handleless, opt for small, discreet knobs or even flush-fitting handles that blend seamlessly into your cupboard. These choices contribute to a clean and understated look while still providing the functionality of handles.

For those who love making a statement, the size of your handles becomes an opportunity to inject personality into the space. Large, oversized handles can instantly add a wow factor to your design, becoming a focal point in the room. To maintain continuity, if choosing substantial handles, replicate the size throughout the kitchen units for a cohesive appearance.

If you find yourself unsure about hardware choices, a practical tip is to cut lengths of masking tape to match the full length of the cabinet pulls you're considering. Place these tape pieces in position on your cupboard and cabinets to visually assess how the size and proportions of the hardware will look in relation to your cabinetry. This simple yet effective method helps you make informed decisions and ensures that the chosen handle sizes contribute harmoniously to the overall design of your kitchen.

Where to Buy Cupboard Handles

By considering these factors, you can make informed decisions when choosing cupboard handles and knobs, ensuring they not only enhance the aesthetics of your space but also contribute to its functionality. At G Johns & Sons we provide a wide range of cupboard fittings to help you find the perfect handles for your space no matter your style of functionality needs. If you’re looking for some extra advice on how to upgrade your kitchen, check out our blog all about how to make your kitchen look luxurious on a budget.