Choosing handles for your kitchen might seem like a tiny, insignificant detail, but it's really no small task. Whether you opt for shell, square, linear or rectangular handles, traditional cabinet knobs or a handle-less option, your decision will determine both the aesthetic of your kitchen and its functionality. Kitchen cabinet handles need to not only look good, but be practical and easy to look after.
Deciding on the right kitchen handle out of the seemingly endless options of shapes, colours and materials can sometimes feel like a mammoth task. Just remember: there is no one handle that is better than another. The important thing is to find a type of handle that works best with the characteristics of your space, your ways of living, and your aesthetic preferences.
Continue reading this article to see an overview of different handle types and reasons for why you might choose one over the other.
Linear handles: the contemporary look
Although the minimalist, contemporary style is generally associated with the absence of visible kitchen cupboard handles (which is possible to do with a push opening system), it's not the only option.
The new linear handles from Santos stand out both for their aesthetics as well as their functionality, with a simple, quality design perfectly suited to modern kitchens. They're made of a lacquered aluminium, which blends seamlessly into door or drawer fronts. The result is a uniform, minimalist look.
Shell handles: the choice for simple elegance
Stainless steel shell handles are a winning option for classic kitchens with a country-style feel, and work perfectly with fronts that have framing or mouldings. In the below photo, shell handles add an extra charm to the EPOCA model from Santos.
Kitchen cabinet knobs: the charm of old
Another classic handle for vintage kitchens is the traditional kitchen cabinet knob. They're delicate, simple and functional. Although only small, these shiny finishings are very sophisticated and perfect for vintage cupboards. They work well with any timeless kitchen units.
Integrated pull handles: for minimalist, discrete fronts
Integrated pull opening systems are very à la mode at the moment, and for good reason: they offer a clean, uncluttered look, as they replace the need for external handles on door or drawer fronts. They’re also very practical, as you can open the drawer from anywhere along the unit.
Although integrated pull handles can be installed in any kind of space, we particularly recommend them if your kitchen is small or narrow, as this type of opening will buy you space and give a modern, minimalist look.
If, on the other hand, you want to break away from minimalist ideals, you could choose to have the integrated pull in a different colour to the unit, creating a contrast effect. This was done in the above project, with the black opening system contrasting the white doors.
Kitchen handles in metallic finishes
Metallic colours are a common choice for kitchen cabinet handles. Stainless steel never goes out of fashion, and is thus ideal for classic and vintage designs, particularly when opting for round kitchen cabinet knobs.
For a slightly more contemporary feel, you could opt for a material like nickel, perhaps in a matte finish, which would also be easy to maintain.
Aluminium kitchen handles: solid and durable
Aluminium handles are very resistant and, when they have a bar design, very practical. They’re easy to hold and clean, which is why we often see this type of handle in family kitchens. They go particularly well with white doors or light colours.
Handle-less kitchens
We've already spoken about the integrated pull handle system, which is a very common choice for handle-less kitchens. There is also another option, which is the push system. This option is ideal if you want to eliminate all kitchen cupboard handles and give your kitchen a very minimalist look. Although popular, this style doesn't suit everybody (it's not recommended for families with small children, for example).
Other more original handles exist too, such as those made of porcelain, wood or ceramic. These can be interesting if you wish to create a very specific style in your kitchen space.
If you’re looking for more advice on finding the right model of kitchen handle to fit your kitchen, contact our team of interior designers. We would be delighted to show you some different options and help you choose the right handles for your personalised kitchen space.
