There are no set rules to follow when selecting your cabinet handles. A favoured combination is using knobs for doors and pulls for drawers. You can also choose to stick to only knobs or only pulls, but today this can be seen as a little bit of a fad in many older kitchens. Cabinet handles come in a variety of styles and make changing your knobs and pulls the perfect upcycling project.
3 Things to Consider When Selecting Your Cabinet Handles
At French Furniture Fittings, we have put together 3 things to consider when choosing the right handles for your cabinets.
- Type of Cabinet Hardware
- The Finish of Your Cabinet Handles
- Consider the Ergonomics of Your Handles and Knobs
We believe that these elements both individually and in combination can impact the overall form and function of your interior. This guide will help you to choose the correct cabinet hardware for your interior.
Read on to find out more…
1. Type of Cabinet Hardware
It’s important to note that you do not have to get the same handles or knobs for every cabinet door and drawer. You could choose a specific style just for your top cabinets and another style for your bottom drawers and cabinets. Although you may decide to choose different types of hardware, an insider interior design tip would be to stick to the same finish and colour so they still look like one cohesive unit.
A popular hardware feature is the Calgary Cup Handle that complements both traditional and contemporary interiors. The smooth and sleek curves create a feeling of luxury, providing timeless elegance and ultimate comfort. There are numerous finishes that this Calgary Cup Handle comes in: American Bronze and Copper; Black Nickel; Matt Black and Polished Nickel. This cabinet handle is a must-have for anyone looking to upcycle their old cabinets or drawers.
Check out our most recent blog to see the hottest cabinet handle trends for 2021 to accentuate your interior this summer.
2. The Finish of Your Cabinet Handles
The type of finish that you choose may be a deciding factor when deciding on your cabinet handles. Depending on the type of finish and the design ergonomics, your hardware could chip if it is difficult to open your cabinet doors and drawers and they clash frequently. A key factor is ensuring that there is enough clearance space, so test out the handles or knobs to make sure that they won’t hit against each other when you open a number of doors and drawers at one time.
Many homeowners follow the trend of chrome or brushed nickel handles or knobs however, there are numerous other finishes such as copper, brushed brass or even an old iron effect. French Furniture Fittings consider bronze and antique pewter to go particularly well with a brushed stainless steel or nickel faucet. To contrast, a chrome faucet would complement a pewter, white or black finish.
The comfort of the cabinet handle is an element that not many people would normally consider but it’s an important element that can be taken for granted. Does it have pointy edges or ridges that press on your fingers? Trust us – this will get annoying when you use them multiple times in the day.
3. Consider the Ergonomics of Your Handles and Knobs
The first thing you consider when determining your cabinet knobs and handles is ensuring that they fit the aesthetic of your space. In addition to this, the ergonomics of your design is also an essential factor, since you’ll be constantly opening and closing your kitchen cabinets. When shopping for handles, ensure you can grip them properly and your fingers can fit around the handle. On top of this, you definitely don’t want to select any cabinet handles that have sharp edges around or tight areas that make your cupboards difficult or uncomfortable to open – this can be extremely frustrating in the long run!
When designing the cabinet knobs or pulls for your kitchen, make sure you select sturdy handles and knobs as this will allow for a firm grip, which is particularly important if you are placing them on heavy drawers. If your kitchen has more drawers, then French Furniture Fittings would suggest you choose handles as this will help to spread out the force when you pull them open. However, if you have more cabinet doors then knobs will ergonomically work better. Although you might not think it, pulls are typically easier than knobs for the older folks – D-Shaped handles are ergonomically the best.
The length of the handles should ideally all be the same length as you’ll achieve a more consistent look that won’t feel messy. Depending on the height of the cabinet doors you may need to invest in longer handles as this makes it much easier to pull them open.
At French Furniture Fittings, we stock a number of different sized handles to accommodate many different drawer and cupboard sizes. It’s crucial that you use the correct sized handle to pull open the drawer or cupboard. Supposing that you have accidentally chosen the wrong sized handle, overtime this will damage your cabinetry.
Choosing Your Cabinet Handles From Reputable Suppliers
Cabinet handles truly are the jewels of the kitchen; just like your outfit – it’s best when everything coordinates. Cabinet handles and knobs also must be comfortable to use and enhance the interior design.
Before you decide on the cabinet handles and knobs to accentuate your interior, contact French Furniture Fittings today.
One of our friendly team of experts will help you find the perfect fit for your unique interior.
