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Are cup handles still in style?

23 June 2025 | Trends,

Your cabinet or drawer hardware is often the finishing touch of any interior design project, and you have many options available. Among those choices are cup handles, which have always been a popular choice. However, as design styles evolve homeowners might wonder if cup handles are still fashionable?

A brief history of the cup handle

Cup handles first gained popularity during the Victorian era, due to their simple and practical design. Their distinctive semi circular or “cup” shape made them easy to grip and complemented wooden cabinetry. As interior design trends moved on, cup handles became regular features in rustic style or traditional kitchens.

In more recent times cup handles have enjoyed a renewed popularly as people seek to blend vintage features with modern day style and convenience.

Materials and finishing options have moved on to include more choices but the same robust construction has remained.

Latest cup handle trends

Kitchen and furniture design continues to favour natural looking materials, and cup handles fit right in. Far from looking outdated, they’re ideal for people looking to create spaces that feel warm and lived in.

One of the most notable trends of recent years is the growth in Shaker style kitchen cabinet doors, where cup handles are frequently used. The curved handle appearance works well with the squared off cabinetry. This pairing works just as well in country kitchens as it does in more contemporary homes,

.making it one of the most adaptable design choices around.

In regards to finishes, antique brass cup handles are right back in fashion thanks to their slightly aged look, whilst matte black and nickel still dominate for modern furniture.

Pros and cons

Pros of cup handles

Comfortable and practical

The unique shape of a cup handle ensures its comfortable and practical to use. Your fingers naturally hook underneath which makes them ideal for heavier drawers.

Timeless style

They bring a classic appearance to any cabinetry and the range of finishes available ensures they suit a variety of furniture styles.

Cons of cup handles

 

Not ideal in minimalist households

Whilst they suit traditional or transitional interiors beautifully, cup handles can look out of place in ultra modern homes. They may clash with high gloss cabinetry.

Can gather dust

A small downside in their maintenance. The distinctive shape can collect dust, crumbs or grease over time, especially in busy family kitchens. A quick clean is all they usually need but they will likely require more attention then other flat alternatives.

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How to use cup handles effectively

If you’re looking to use cup handles in your home, there are a few simple ways to make sure they fit within your space. They can help tie your cabinetry together while adding a finishing touch that won’t look dated any time soon.

One of the most effective approaches is to pair cup handles with knobs. For example, you may choose to use cup handles on kitchen drawers, whilst the cabinet doors use knobs in the same finish. It adds a bit of variety to the overall look without feeling mismatched.

Matte black cup handles look striking against lighter coloured cabinetry like pale grey, cream, or sage green. Brushed brass or iron can bring warmth and a more traditional look, while chrome or nickel adds a cleaner, more classic feel that works well in bright, modern kitchens.

If your kitchen features wooden worktops, vintage tiles, or classic range cookers, cup handles will feel right at home.

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