Kitchen Knobs & Handles - A Guide to Finishes & Materials

Polished, Brushed & Matt

Metal finishes have many advantages. Strong, durable and often very beautiful, they form the heart of our range and we have several different materials, each with their own aesthetic. Real brass and bronze finishes, along with chromed and stainless hardware makes for an incredible luxurious touch, that can be as decorative or austere as the scenario you put them in.

Polished gives your metal hardware a full-power shine, catching the light and lending a high-end, flawless finish. A matt finish gives more of a lived-in, aged feel, with the advantage of being lower maintenance than high polish. In between these two extremes, a brushed finish gives a lovely muted contemporary feel, and is perhaps the most durable, needing less maintenance than a polished finish but being more hardwearing than matt.

Ultimately what you choose is likely to have more to do with aesthetics than anything else, however it’s worth noting how differently they perform when choosing; they should be your cabinet’s companion for a long, long time.

Etched

For a more opulent, decorative approach, etched metal knobs add exquisite detail and design interest. What’s more, the etching provides a more stable grip in use, making them a surprisingly practical choice.

Because of the nature of etching, these knobs are hardwearing and robust, despite their luxurious appearance. The detailing has the secondary effect of protecting them from dents and blemishes, while bringing down the weight of the fixture. If your desired aesthetic calls for it, they’re a great option!

Antiqued Finishes

Of course, any kitchen knobs and handles ordered from us will be brand new and in perfect condition. Having said that, our range of antique, burnished and aged finishes can give your kitchen a worn-in, aged and homely look that would otherwise take years to settle in.

A vintage finish is a look all in itself, and can make a difference to any individual piece too – try fitting some to a newer piece of furniture to give it some character, the difference can be astonishing.

Ceramics

To really nail the country Mediterranean kitchen vibe, ceramics are the way to go. While they’re a little more delicate than metal handles, they provide a look that simply can’t be achieved otherwise.

Adding whimsical touches such as these can personalise your space, giving a more homespun feel while still offering the same level of quality and durability of metals. While we would see these as slightly more specialised items, they more than earn their place among your build.

Beauty/Durability

There is always a trade-off between how something looks and how something performs. However, at French Furniture Fittings, we believe that form follows function, and we don’t stock anything that is decorative first and useful second! Whatever material and whatever finish you decide is appropriate, you can have total peace of mind that its performance in the real world won’t suffer.

There are some obvious things to bear in mind – a polished finish will require more upkeep, while an antique finish won’t show wear as much. Ceramics are slightly more delicate than brass or pewter, and all metals have a base tone that simply can’t be hidden. Once you understand the nature of the materials, you’re sure to find exactly what you’re looking for in terms of aesthetic.

You can also be sure that all products have been fully stress tested and used in the real world, making them ready for the toughest tests daily life can throw at them!

So – which do you prefer?