Buying Guides

Kitchen Handles Buying Guide

From slimline styles to decorative designs, the right handles can add a stylish finishing touch to a room whilst adding an essential functional feature to cupboards. Within our kitchen handles buying guide, we explore what types to look out for and how they lend to different interiors.

What are the different types of kitchen handles?

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Bar handles

A single-piece design with no additional features, bar styles are fitted horizontally across the top of a cupboard door, creating a discreet and unobtrusive look - great for minimal decors. These handgrips also create a subtle linear accent, making them a good choice for interiors inspired by clean lines.

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D-shape handles

Featuring a horizontal length that curves down at both ends, D-shaped designs are fitted to the front of a door, and have a timeless appearance that will transcend trends. Thanks to their ergonomic shape, this style is comfortable to use and easy to grip, making it a practical choice for homes with older family members.

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T-bar handles

Featuring a horizontal bar with two visible fixings positioned at right angles along the length, T-bar designs are easy to use, making them a popular choice for many households. They also have an architectural appearance, making them a great addition to modern interiors influenced by linear style.

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Brushed Copper Effect Contemporary knob handles

Cabinet knobs

With a simple, round style, knob fixtures have an understated look, making them a firm favourite for those wanting to add dainty features to their space. Usually positioned at the top corners of cupboard doors, these handgrips are also smaller in size, making them good for reducing visual clutter in compact layouts.

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Cup handles

Introducing curved accents to a space, the rounded appearance of cup-style fixtures creates a decorative look that suits heritage designs. Fitted on the centre of door fronts, they can be gripped on the underside, rather than above, so fingerprints are hidden from view, making them easy to keep clean.

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Flush handles

Designed to sit flush with cupboard door fronts, flush handgrips create a sleek and clutter-free look, whilst adding bold, geometric shapes to a space. This style also leaves little room for dirt and grime to get trapped around the edges, making it a hygienic choice for busy kitchens, and households on the go.

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What colours and finishes are available?

Black

With the latest trend for dark interiors, black handgrips are a quick way to create a statement design. They can be layered with other charcoal-tone features for a sophisticated look, or they can be paired with paler elements to add contrast.

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Copper

Replicating the look of bronzed metals, copper adds a splash of colour to a design, especially when paired with glossy finishes, creating a statement feature. This hue also adds warmth, which works especially well in heritage schemes.

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Chrome

A bright metallic shade, chrome is versatile, and can complement a variety of decors, making it a great way to refresh and update a design. Thanks to its popularity, chrome tones can easily be found in other features, so creating a coordinated look is simple.

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Brushed Steel

A muted alternative to other silvery colours, brushed steel fixtures have a light sheen that makes it good for those who want to maintain a pared-back interior. This metallic tone is also versatile, suiting a variety of looks from engineered to minimal.

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Oak

Adding unique character to a space, natural textures are becoming a go-to choice for style-conscious homes looking to curate an individual style. Oak handgrips will introduce warmth and can be paired with similar features for a cosy space inspired by the outdoors.

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Antique

Featuring an aged appearance, antique finishes have a well-loved look that creates the impression that they have been used for many years. They are great for rustic or heritage decors, and be used to add textural variation in engineered looks too.

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Polished

For those who want to maximise light in compact or dark spaces, polished finishes are a good choice. The smooth, reflective surface will bounce light around a room for a welcoming feel and works especially well with other glossy features.

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Matt

With a sheen-free finish that can conceal marks, matt textures continue to rise in popularity with homeowners looking for low-maintenance designs. Reducing glare, this option will minimise distractions for a serene and calming space.

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What to consider when planning kitchen handles?

Colour

For those who struggle with their eyesight, darker handgrips are a great way to improve the practicality of the design. As well as being easier to see, deep-hued fixtures hide scuffs and scratches, helping to keep a design looking newer for longer.

Brushed Nickel Knurled T-Bar and Knob Handle

Texture

Great for introducing visual interest and character to a scheme, textured handgrips offer extra grip and purchase, making it a good for homes with older family members. Look for knurled and brushed designs, which are both tactile and stylish.

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Cabinetry

If you have chosen to go for an ultra-modern, handle-free look, you will need to make sure you get the right cabinets. Our handleless cupboards come pre-notched, so they can accommodate the metal trims, making it easy to achieve a linear effect.