Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing Cup Handles

Choosing The Wrong Cup Handle Size For Drawers

Whilst the size of cup handles might seem like a minor detail, their proportions relative to your drawer fronts can have a noticeable impact. Handles that are too small can look lost on wider drawers, and they can also be impractical when a strong grip is needed. On the other hand, cup handles that are too large can overwhelm smaller drawers and draw too much attention.

A good approach to getting the size right is to think about proportion rather than specific measurements – wider drawers will generally need a larger cup handle. Consistency is also a key consideration as you need handles that work across all drawers in your kitchen or an item of furniture.

It’s also worth thinking about how the handles feel. Cup handles are designed to be pulled from underneath, so the handle’s width and depth should allow for a comfortable grip. This becomes particularly important on drawers that are used frequently or contain heavier items.

Poor Cup Handle Placement On Drawers

Even the right sized cup handles will look out of place if they’re not positioned correctly. One common mistake is placing cup handles too high or too low on the drawer front. Cup handles should typically be positioned centrally. If they are positioned too low, they will look out of place and be less comfortable to use.

Consistency is also key in positioning. If all the handles across the drawers aren’t aligned, the whole space will look unbalanced. Taking the time to carefully measure and mark out each position will ensure all handles line up. Many people create a template using a single drawer front to keep spacing consistent. Never guess or work by eye.

Ignoring Overall Kitchen Style

Thanks to the number of finishes and styles that are available, cup handles can suit virtually any kitchen design theme. However, the design you choose can either complement your cabinetry or feel slightly out of place. For example, cup handles with decorative edges or antique style finishes work best in classic kitchens. On the other hand, sleek and simple cup handles are better suited to modern kitchens where minimalist handles are key.

The finish also plays a big role. Polished chrome handles won’t complement the warm feel of a traditional kitchen, while antique brass or pewter handles will likely look out of place in contemporary kitchens. Matching cup handles to the tone of other kitchen hardware, such as taps and light fittings, will help create a consistent look.

Using Cup Handles In The Wrong Places

Cup handles are most commonly used for drawers as they don’t always work well on cupboard doors or vertically oriented fronts. The main reason for this is how they function. Cup handles are designed to be pulled from below, making them ideal for horizontal drawers. On cupboard doors, the grip can feel awkward, especially on tall or heavy doors where a side pull is more natural.

A balanced approach is to use cup handles on drawers and combine them with knobs or pull handles (or other styles) on cabinet doors.

Not Checking Hole Centres Or Fixings

Hole centres refers to the distance between the screw holes on the handle, this is especially important when replacing existing hardware. If you’re replacing handles, it’s important to match this measurement otherwise your new cup handles won’t line up with the existing drill holes. Even a small difference will require you to drill new holes, which could undermine the appearance of your drawers.

Another common mistake is assuming all drawers in a kitchen use the same spacing. In reality, there can be differences in various unit and cabinet sizes. Each drawer might need to be measured independently to ensure everything fits correctly.