Cup Handles Vs Wooden Knobs
Cup Handles Vs Wooden Knobs
The interior hardware in your property is the jewellery of your interiors, and the finishing touch that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Choosing the right handles or knobs for your kitchen cabinetry, wardrobes, cupboards and everything in between can be the make or break of any upcycle, or renovation.
Selecting the right style and finish should be led by the architectural parameters of your home, but of course, aesthetics is just as important, and if they work with your chosen interior style, and needs of your home.
Two popular styles that can often cause a cabinet hardware conundrum is the cup handles or wooden knobs debate. If this sounds like you, it’s time to delve into the two different cabinet hardware styles, what they are, and what properties and styles they are well suited to.
What Are Cup Handles?
Cup handles are traditionally a curved semi circle, designed for use on cabinets and drawer units.
Typically, there is an excess of the material on the cup handle that leads onto the pull part of the cup handle. They’re highly functional and suited to a multitude of interior design styles.
What Interior Style Are Cup Handles Suited To?
Cup handles have often been considered a very traditional type of cabinet hardware suited to period style properties and homes of other distinctions. However, recent years have seen a revival of cup handles, especially for modern farmhouse style interiors, and those with a rustic edge.
The interior style that cup handles are well suited to is also as much dependent on what type of finish you opt for.
Polished brass can be seen in both traditional, modern and statement properties, whilst a matt black finish is slightly more versatile, a popular choice for eclectic, contemporary and modern homes where a black accent helps to add definition.
When deciding if cup handles are the perfect cabinet hardware finish for your interior, consider the architectural parameters of the property that you want to use as a starting point for your interiors, and what metal finish you are looking to run throughout your interior.
You can mix metals within an interior, but you run the risk of two separate metal finishes that end up fighting for attention. It’s generally best to stick to the same metal finish for cohesive consistency in your interiors. For example, if you have polished brass taps in your kitchen and matching sockets and switches, polished brass cup handles will help to complete that look seamlessly.
Kitchen Cup Handles
There has been an upward incline of the use of kitchen cup handles in the last couple of years, mostly led by a resurgence of their style, and thanks to Pinterest and Instagram for creating the drive behind it.
Kitchen cup handles are typically used on drawers, however, they can also be fitted vertically if you wish for them to be used on doors too.
Typically, kitchen cup handles are used with a mix of other handles or knobs for ease of use.
What Are Wooden Knobs?
Wooden knobs are a very traditional style of cabinet hardware and they have been used in homes since the medieval times. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, with rounded wooden knobs being the most popular style.
Wooden knobs are a versatile choice for cabinets, however, they can be less suitable for certain people who have limited mobility in their fingers, where grasping smaller wooden knobs can become difficult.
What Interior Style Are Wooden Knobs Suited To?
When people ask whether wooden knobs are dated, or if they will go out of fashion any time soon, the question should really be, for a type of cabinet hardware that’s been around since Medieval times, it’s very unlikely!
Wooden knobs are of a very traditional style, yet highly durable and long lasting. Whilst they are suited to more traditional, period properties, they’re probably one of the most versatile styles of cabinet hardware as they’re available in so many different styles.
Curvature in interiors is a huge trend this year, and those cabinets are not without those perfectly rounded wooden knobs. Neither are those country style kitchens that want to add something really traditional to finish off the space.
Wooden knobs are available in a number of different finishes including maple, oak and walnut. But, you also have the option to paint them the same colour as your existing cabinetry.
Which Is Better For Kitchen Cabinets, Knobs Or Handles?
One choice is not better than the other, as they both work incredibly well. Really, the answer lies with what your interior decor style is.
Let your interior design choices and interior finishes lead the way. Knobs and handles are well suited to both traditional, modern and contemporary style properties.
Can You Mix Handles and Knobs On Cabinets?
Yes, you absolutely can mix handles and knobs, typically handles will be fitted onto doors, whilst knobs are used on cabinets and lower drawers. Just ensure that you use the same finish on each so that they all match.
In Summary
Cup handles and wooden knobs are both beautiful choices for cabinet hardware, and both highly versatile. However, some are better suited to certain kitchen, and home styles than others.
When choosing between cup handles and wooden knobs, always go back to the basics, try and let the period of your property lead, think about your interior style and what other metal finishes you are using throughout your property.
It’s always a good idea to moodboard beforehand, especially when planning a new kitchen so you can see how everything would work together once installation has taken place.
Hopefully, you are now one step closer to choosing the perfect style, and finish for your home.
For further inspiration, take a look at our exquisite range of cup handles and wooden knobs at Oak & Forge.