How to Choose Your Perfect Cabinet Handles

When you’re designing or building a new home or workspace it’s easy to get lost in the big features, and forget about the smaller details. 

The colour of the kitchen cabinets, the countertop material, and the size of the sofa - these are all important, but small, finishing touches can make all the difference to the end result. 

Cabinet handles can take your space from traditional to modern, and they add much-needed functionality, making it easy to open and close drawers and appliances. But with so many cabinet handles on offer, how do you choose the perfect one for your needs? 

First, establish your needs and preferences, before looking on the market for products to match. Here are the factors to consider when choosing your perfect cabinet handles. 

Factors to consider

Size

Handles are available in a variety of lengths. Whether or not you mix lengths across one room is a personal choice, but using the same length throughout creates consistency and a more finished look. 

To play it safe, go for a medium length that won’t overhang smaller draws or look too small on larger drawers.

Alternatively, opt for a different length of handle per drawer, but in a similar style to retain that sense of consistency.

Quality

Whichever style of cabinet handle you choose, quality should be non-negotiable. You could opt for cheap cabinet handles that break after six months, leaving you at square one. Or, you could prioritise quality, and enjoy your handles for years to come.

Functionality

Consider how many times you open your cupboards on a given day - our guess is a lot. Whether you’re grabbing kitchen utensils or tidying away clothes, drawer and cabinet handles are a crucial part of the user journey around your home.

With that in mind, seek out handles that are sturdy and comfortable. Make sure the handles have the right grip for the people who will be using the kitchen, including those with arthritis or limited motor functions in their hands.

Style

Cabinet handles can make a bigger difference to the look of your home than you think. Consider the type of aesthetic you’d like to achieve, and how your cabinet handles will be part of the overall vibe. 

Typical style options include traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between the two. Traditional cabinet handles will tend to include an ornate design or feature. They may be made to look older and more worn than they are, especially for country-style kitchens.

Contemporary, modern handles take on a more minimalist look. These types of handles are more suited to rooms with sleek, flat cabinets and drawers, and are typically made with a chrome, matte, or satin finish.

If you can’t decide on a style, opt for a look that’s in-between, or even a combination of the two. 

Consistency

Typically, the style of your cabinet handle will match the style of the rest of your home. If you’ve got a traditional, country-style kitchen, for example, you might seek out handles that reflect that aesthetic.

Alternatively, if you want your home to stand out from the crowd, you can seek out cabinet handles that differ from the look of the rest of your decor. This style choice adds a quirky juxtaposition effect, and will certainly differentiate your home from others.

Finish

The finish of your cabinet handle is almost as crucial as the style, and some styles look better in particular finishes. Consider whether you want your handle to be a metallic colour such as silver, or something a little different. Black handles, especially traditional ones, can look incredible against a background of cream cabinets.

You’ll also have to decide whether you prefer a matte look, or something shinier. You might want this to match your appliances for consistency, for example, matte kitchen handles to match a matte kettle. 

How to Find Handles to Meet Your Needs

Cabinet handles don’t have to be part of an entire home transformation. If you’re looking for a way to update an old-fashioned room or simply give your decor a lift, consider investing in new cabinet handles. 

Once you’ve established the size, style, and finish, it’s time to look for a high-quality provider. At Handles4u, we specialise in cabinet handles in a variety of styles, colours, and finishes, so we’re sure you’ll find something to suit your needs.

Not to mention that all our products are made with the finest quality materials, so you won’t just enjoy handles that look good for the next six months, you’ll enjoy stylish, well-made handles for years to come.