Types of kitchen handle: which to choose

Each detail in your kitchen can make a big difference. So every decision, no matter how seemingly small or insignificant can mean a lot for the final finish of your new kitchen. And, of course, kitchen handles play a key role not only aesthetically but also functionally.

But don’t worry, if you follow our guide to choosing the correct handles for your kitchen, you’re sure to make the right decision and have the kitchen of your dreams.

Let’s begin by responding to some simple questions that, step by step, will help you to clarify your ideas and make the right decision:

Keep the design of your kitchen in mind

What style is your kitchen? The handles should be in the same style as your kitchen furniture so there is continuity. If you prefer classic styles, choose your handles accordingly. Handles and knobs go best with more traditional styles. On the other hand, if you want a more modern kitchen, your choice should be based on more minimalist designs. You can opt for very simple straight cut handles or go for absolute simplicity with handles embedded in the furniture itself, or gola handles that are completely integrated in the furniture, allowing it to be opened without touching the front.

Size matters

What size is your kitchen and its furniture? When it comes to design and decoration, space is everything. If your kitchen is small, your options will be more limited and you will probably need to choose a simpler style of furniture and handles to minimise visual impact. If you have a bigger space, you will have more options. What's more, the size of the furniture (drawers and doors) is an important consideration. For big pieces of furniture, big handles. And vice versa. Otherwise, everything will be out of proportion.

Add colour

Do you want to combine or contrast? This is the question. To answer it we need to return to the style of kitchen we want and the available space. In big kitchens, regardless of their style, there is more freedom to combine colours. As a general rule, wood and metal go well together. You can also choose dark coloured handles (such as black or graphite) to add contrast. If you are looking for a very, very traditional style, consider porcelain or metal handles.

If you want to be daring, use fashionable gold or copper-coloured handles.

If, on the other hand, you need an inconspicuous kitchen or you just have something simpler in mind, integrated or gola handles will give the minimalistic and sophisticated touch you are looking for.

Put function first

How important is your kitchen for you? If the kitchen is the heart of your home, if you are a budding chef or have a large household, you should pay close attention to the handles’ functionality. A kitchen should, above all, be comfortable and adapted to your needs and the use you are going to give it. In this sense, handles are a key element. They are everything when it comes to opening and closing cupboards and drawers. Make sure that you feel comfortable, test them and choose the ones that are the easiest for you to use.

Easy cleaning

Is your choice easy to clean? Keeping the kitchen clean is very important and kitchen furniture often gets dirty. Due to this, choose handles that are made of an easy to clean material and don’t have too many holes or are too small. You will have seen that there are many handles made of leather. Aesthetically they are lovely, but we highly doubt that they meet this requirement.