Kitchen hardware and handles may be a tiny detail in your overall kitchen, but they are the perfect finishing touches to really enhance your kitchen and give it that all-important wow factor.
When choosing handles for your kitchen, you need to consider both aesthetics and functionality. Your knobs need to complement the style of your kitchen and the materials used while also serving the function of your kitchen.
But with so many choices and options available, choosing the right handles for your kitchen can be overwhelming. From doorknobs to bar handles to handleless latches, this article looks at the different handle styles and describes the multiple options available to help you choose the best hardware for your kitchen.
Whether your kitchen is traditional, vintage, and rustic or modern, minimal, and contemporary, this post will help you choose hardware that accentuates your kitchen’s character and optimizes its design.
1. Door handles
Door handles are the most traditional type of kitchen hardware. They are very versatile for every type of cabinet and drawer and are available in a range of materials, finishes, shapes and sizes for kitchens of every style. Wooden doorknobs would be ideal for a kitchen with a farmhouse, rustic style, while metal and chrome doorknobs would complement a more modern and contemporary kitchen.
2. Cup handles
Cup handles originated in the mid 19th century and are perfect for traditional kitchens. The selection of cup handles in colors and materials such as pewter, copper, and brass will give your kitchen an authentic antique and truly vintage look. The cup handles are strong and hard wearing, making them very functional and ideal for heavy drawers.
3. Bar handles
With a simple and streamlined design, the bar handles are perfect for minimalist and modern kitchens. The bar handles are slim and sleek, making them both functional and decorative. They are often used on drawers as only one handle is needed on each door for easy access to all your kitchenware. Bar handles are available in a variety of lengths, materials and colors to enhance your kitchen.
4. Bow handles
With a curved, bow-like shape, a thin line, bow handles originated in the 1930s. They are similar to the bar handle but can add a little more flair and interest to your kitchen. Bow handles are often used on drawers as they are very functional and easy and comfortable to pull and open. Bow knobs look great in modern kitchens and can help your kitchen make a statement and create an impact.
5. Recessed pull
Recessed pull handles are handles that are built into the cabinet or drawer door. They can be made from the same material as your drawers or created in a contrasting material to make your handles really stand out. The recessed handles are of a very utilitarian style and are very functional in high traffic kitchens as they do not come off or catch on passers-by.
6. Hidden attraction
Hidden pulls, also called end pulls, are handles that are attached to the top edge of each cabinet or drawer door so that the pull protrudes slightly. With only a subtle protruding lip, they look almost invisible so they don’t detract from the work surface or cabinet material. The hidden pulls are very minimalistic and perfectly complement and enhance a modern or contemporary kitchen. They are easy to use and functional which is why they are often used on drawers and cabinets under the counter.
7. Integrated handles
Integrated handles are ultra-sleek and modern. As they are integrated into existing cabinets and drawers, they have an invisible handle for a seamless, clean and minimal look. The integrated handles have an inward beveled edge that is molded into the cabinet door so you can easily wrap your fingers around the handle and grip around the curve to pull open the door. The recessed gap can then be painted the same color or made to stand out with accent paint.
8. Push latches without a handle
A handleless push latch is completely invisible with a clean and sleek look, making it ideal for contemporary and minimal kitchens. The handleless push latch is a mechanical or magnetic device that is installed on the inside of the cabinet, in which you simply press on the cabinet door and it opens with a gentle touch.
Bio: This post was written by Optiplan kitchensone of the UK’s leading kitchen manufacturers and retailers, selling high quality, hand made, bespoke kitchens with over 30 years experience.
