How to choose the right handles for your kitchen ensemble?

Selection rules

Kitchen furniture handles can be completely different, but there are general requirements for all options:

• Opening comfort. You will use kitchen handles more often than any other – they should be ergonomic, fit comfortably in your hand.
• Safety. The fittings should not be dangerous: check them for sharp edges, nicks and other defects so as not to injure your palm.
• Proportionality. Kitchen furniture of the same size will look good with the same handles. If the dimensions are different, it is better to choose different sizes of kitchen handles: larger and smaller.
• Harmony. The dimensions of the fittings are selected not only for the furniture, but also for the size of the kitchen. The optimal solution for a small kitchen is mortise or compact models that do not protrude and will not interfere with movement around the room.

The photo shows an option for using black fittings in a light kitchen

Types of handles

Handles for kitchen furniture are divided into 4 main types.

• Railing. Translated from English, rail means a rail, fence or handrail. It looks like a straight crossbar on two handrails at an angle of 90 degrees. Due to its laconic appearance, it is most often used in modern kitchens in the styles of high-tech, loft, scandi, modern. The sizes of handles of this type vary from 9.8 to 60.8 cm.

• Bracket. Standard option. There are two forms: U-shaped or in the form of an arc. There are many models that differ in design and material. Practical chrome furniture handles are suitable for modern styles, bronze, gold, blackened ones are suitable for a classic kitchen. They are often made of metal, look reliable, so they are considered durable and long-lasting. Not suitable for kitchen units with a large number of narrow fronts.

• Button. The appearance resembles a mushroom on a leg, has a different fastening than the first two options – only one screw. Because of this, they are not suitable for massive, long and heavy doors. Stylistically, it is most suitable for kitchens in the Provence or country style, but some round models will look appropriate even on classic carved doors and modern minimalist ones. Knob handles on wall cabinets are often combined with rails or brackets on the lower modules.

• Recessed. Their main advantage is that they are installed flush with the facade, which means nothing will stick out on the surface and the kitchen will be safer. However, it is almost impossible to install them yourself, and in terms of ease of use, built-in handles are inferior to rails or brackets.

What characteristics are important when choosing?

The modern market is oversaturated with various models of handles for kitchen furniture, so before buying, be sure to evaluate all the necessary parameters.

• Size. The length of brackets and rails depends on the center-to-center distance. Among the huge assortment, you will find both miniature 16 mm models and noticeable options over a meter in size. Professionals advise choosing options that occupy 50-80% of the width of the facade. Such models will look stylish and modern. If you are aiming for an elegant interior, choose the thinnest small handles. Large wide samples, on the contrary, will become a bold accent – this is especially true for knob handles.

The photo shows long modern rails

• Shape. Bracket handles, rails, buttons – these are not all the available options. Recently, the shell has become popular – the streamlined curved shape allows you to grab it only from below. Brass, copper, bronze shells are appropriate in country, Scandi, Provence styles. Forgotten, but no less original teardrop handles with a leg on a hinge and a hanging part for gripping. Rarely used in kitchens due to inconvenience, but suitable for creating an entourage – for example, as a handle on a sideboard or buffet. The teardrop-shaped ring is more comfortable to grip. Thanks to the rounded shape, the fittings smooth out sharp corners and balance the space. Depending on the design, they suit different styles: smooth chrome ones will fit into high-tech, engraved or carved ones – into classics and baroque.

• Material. Most handles for kitchen furniture are made of metal. The most popular alloy is zinc + aluminum. With simple care, the fittings will serve for many years, preserving their original appearance. Door handles with a chrome finish are best suited for fashionable modern furniture (gray, white, dark), made of bronze, brass, gold or silver spraying – the classic style of the kitchen. Gilded handles with ceramic inserts look very romantic. And if you take a combination of acrylic or glass with chromed metal – you will get fittings in a modern style. The cheapest handles are plastic ones – they are less durable, but some models are indistinguishable from metal in appearance.

How to choose by style and color?

The style of the kitchen is a fundamental factor that should be relied on when choosing all the fittings.

• Classic. When decorating, you can go two ways: conciseness or a designer accent. In the first case, choose a rounded shape with a minimalist design. In the second, take a closer look at cast metal handles with plant motifs, rhinestones or ceramic inserts. The main rule of choice is the more massive the kitchen facade, the larger the fittings.
• High-tech. Modern designers are moving away from emphasizing details, focusing on practicality and minimalism. Chrome comes to the fore in the form of simple rails, brackets, mortise and sensor mechanisms from trusted manufacturers. We will talk about the latter in the paragraph “Unusual design options”. Or standard handles are generally replaced with a “push-to-open” system, hidden profiles.
• Country. Country, Provence, chalet – any options for imitation of a country house – need vintage handles. Pay attention to delicate porcelain or ceramic retro options, or rougher ones – wooden in the color of the furniture, matte metal.
• Eco. In this direction, mainly natural materials are used, processed dried tree branches, leather, natural stone can be used as handles.
• Loft. Black matte rails, all-metal brackets, rings, patinated shells – anything that looks brutal will do. First of all, pay attention not to the appearance, but to the functionality.
• Scandinavian. Simple but bright design of northern peoples, emphasizes color and material. Leather loop handles, black brackets, shells or rails on a white set look appropriate.

The photo shows porcelain decor in a classic style

As for the shade, you can go 3 ways:

• In the color of the kitchen. This will make even a bulky handle invisible, without violating the design.
• Contrasting with facades. A good example is a white Scandinavian set with black handles. But there can be other combinations, the main thing is that the decor is clearly visible.
• In the color of the fittings. Combine the railing system, shelf brackets and other small items in one color to achieve a harmonious appearance.

The photo shows a white kitchen in Scandinavian style with black elements

How to arrange them correctly?

To make the finished kitchen look harmonious, you need to install the handles correctly. To do this, you will need to maintain the center distance, the same indents at the top and sides. For convenience, use the template:

1. Take a small piece of thin plywood, draw center lines along and across.
2. Mark the correct location of the handle.
3. Drill one or two holes (depending on the type).
4. Mark the center on each door or drawer.
5. Mark the future holes, applying the template.

To extend the life of the handles and doors, install additional washers inside the glass and wooden facades.

The fasteners can be located not only in the center. The central placement is convenient for pull-out drawers. Standard cabinets, on the contrary, are more convenient to open from the side. In this case, handles are installed on the upper modules from the bottom edge, and on the lower ones – from the top.

Vertical rails instead of horizontal ones or buttons will also make it easier to open the cabinet.

Options for unusual design

Some choose simple and functional ones, others – beautiful and elegant. Designer handles for the kitchen can be thematic: for example, in the form of cutlery, tree branches or even insects. And simply unusual, as in our gallery – when the handles perform not only the function of opening doors, but are also the main detail of the interior.

The photo shows a non-standard version of furniture fittings

Touch handles are among the popular models today. They are equipped with LED lighting that lights up with a light touch. They are made of special plastic that diffuses light and creates a translucent effect on the light glossy facade.