13 Tips For Choosing Your Cabinet handles
Posted On: Feb 8, 2023
Categories: Interiors Inspiration
13 Tips For Choosing Your Cabinet handles
When it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom, the little details can make a big difference. One of those details is the choice of cabinet handles.
From the style to the finish, the accessibility and even the material, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right cabinet handles for your space.
In this post, we’ll share 13 tips to help you make an informed decision and select the perfect handles for your cabinets.
Whether you’re looking for a subtle touch or a bold statement, you’ll discover everything you need to look for to help elevate your cabinets, and enhance the functionality of your space.
13 Tips For Choosing Your Cabinet Handles
1.Consider The Style of Your Cabinets
One of the most important considerations you should make is choosing handles that complement the overall style of your cabinets.
Certain types of hardware and finishes will make or break a certain type of cabinet.
For example, in a modern slab kitchen, wooden knobs will look out of place. Yet, in a shaker style kitchen, wooden knobs or cup handles are very fitting choices.
2. Determine The Size
If you’re replacing existing handles and not wanting to drill any additional holes in and fill old ones, accurate measurements are going to give you a great starting point for choosing the right cabinet handles.
When measuring, measure the distance between the screws to ensure the handles you choose will fit.
3. Consider The Finish
The finish of your cabinet handles is arguably one of the most important decisions to make. The finish should be reflective of the style of your interior, the era of the property if you take inspiration from the architectural details, and it should also be one you like!
Brass finishes range from aged to polished finishes and can be a great choice for modern, traditional and farmhouse style interiors. For something a little more industrial, a cast iron finish can bring definition and a dark accent to cabinets - suitable for period to country style interiors.
4. Look For Durability
Cabinet handles which combine style and substance will serve you throughout the years. For something that is appraised and used on a daily basis, you need something that will stand the test of time.
Opting for the cheapest handles may seem like a good idea at the time, but quality will always last.
When choosing handles do get an appreciation for the materials they are made from and ensure they are sturdy enough to withstand daily use.
5. Consider Ergonomics
Think about the ergonomics of the handles you choose. Are they comfortable to grip? Are they easy to open? Certain handles such as small wooden knobs can be difficult to grasp, whilst pull handles are typically much easier to get hold of and use.
For those with limited dexterity in the hands, this should perhaps be the first consideration you look at when choosing handles.
6. Think About Accessibility
If you have limited mobility you also need to think about whether the handles are easy to reach, as well as how easily they can be gripped.
Consider where they should be placed and the style you want which will allow you to understand what type of cabinet handle you need.
7. Match or Mix Hardware?
To keep a cohesive feel throughout your home you may choose to match the finishes of your hardware throughout the house.
If your bathroom and kitchen already have chrome taps, you may want to look for chrome cabinet handles too.
However, you can be a little bit more daring with hardware these days and mixing metals is certainly one way to achieve a stylish, and visually interesting space.
You should still have one dominant hardware finish throughout, and use up to two other differing metals in combination. Pairing aged brass and polished brass together is just one beautiful way to successfully mix metals.
8. Take Note of Material
Different materials have different benefits, such as resistance to corrosion and heat, so it’s important to choose wisely.
Other materials are also highly prone to rust, with moisture speeding this process up significantly, you won’t want to feature materials like this in areas such as a kitchen or bathroom.
9. Keep It Simple
Simple, clean-lined handles often have a timeless appeal and can be paired with many design styles.
Opting for something classic rather than following a trend is a great way to ensure the cabinet handles will continue to deliver a timeless look for years to come.
10. Make A Statement
But, if you fancy being daring, cabinet handles are a perfect way to make a bold statement in your home. Choose bold, statement-making handles to add character to your cabinets.
They should still follow your interior design style, but whether it’s by mixing metals or using a chunky, oversized handle, you can dare to be different with these finishing touches.
11. Look For Quality
This links back in with durability, investing in high-quality handles that are well-made with hard wearing materials will allow you to appreciate and enjoy your cabinet handles for many years to come.
12. Interior Style
You should always let your interior style lead the way when choosing interior hardware details. Take inspiration from your interior style to depict what finishes, and type of cabinet handles you choose.
For example, cup handles are well suited to both traditional and modern properties, with pull handles that will perfectly flourish contemporary or modern cabinets.
If you’re not sure, take a look at what the existing cabinets in your home already use.
13. Think About Ease of Installation
If you’re fitting the handles yourself, you should definitely check that the cabinet handles are easy to install.
Most cabinet handles should be supplied with their own respective screws, and they should supply fitting information if required. You don’t want to fall at the final hurdle!
Armed with these considerations to make, you’ll be able to confidently choose the perfect cabinet handles to suit your space, taste and additional needs you need to consider.
If you need any further advice about choosing the right cabinet handles, please do get in touch with the team at Oak & Forge.