Linear-style navy kitchen with matt-black trims. A galley layout with white worktops, induction hob and built-in double oven.

Kitchen advice

How To Plan A Handleless Kitchen

Combining simplicity and functionality for a contemporary and clutter-free look, handleless kitchens create a space that is effortlessly stylish and easy to use. Read on to discover the key features of this scheme, and learn about the different ways you can create and customise this on-trend look in your home.

Open-plan white gloss kitchen idea with a linear design. Has white worktops and silver decorative trims for a modern feel.

What are handleless kitchens?

Removing the need for conventional handgrips, handleless kitchens offer discreet functionality that enables a design to be practical without compromising on style. As well as creating a streamlined effect for a pared-back feel, they can be used to accentuate architectural features for a contemporary look.

Handleless black kitchen idea using charcoal slab doors and black trims. Includes larders and drawers in a L-shaped layout.

What are the benefits?

With no extra accessories needed to operate the cupboards, handle-free kitchens create a sleek look that is also safer, as there are no protruding items that can cause injury. This minimalist style reduces visual clutter for a relaxed space, and it is also easier to keep clean as there are no additional fixtures to wipe down.

What are the different types of handleless kitchen?

Handle-free

Handleless cupboards allow frameless or framed doors to be adapted into a style that requires no handles. These units are specially manufactured to accommodate a decorative trim, which introduces leading lines, and provides a gap that can be used to open the door.

Clerkenwell Super Matt Pebble Main Set Shot

Integrated

Our integrated-handle cupboards have a built-in handgrip that forms a channel along the top edge, creating a clean, horizontal line. It allows the door to be opened and closed with ease, and requires no extra profiles to create a handle-free look. This makes it faster and less expensive to install than other designs.

See integrated handle kitchens

How to plan handleless cabinetry

Opt for ready-assembled units

Our pre-built cupboards are best used on our integrated-handle and Balham door styles. They come ready-assembled to reduce fitting time, and are available in a variety of heights, widths, and depths to help you create a custom design.

Save time with pre-cut cupboards

Specially designed to accommodate a decorative trim, our handleless cupboards have a modified frame that exactly matches the shape of metal profiles. This means the profiles can easily be slotted in and clipped into the supporting brackets.

What are the design features of a handleless kitchen?

Vertical lines

Tall cupboards, like tower units, introduce vertical lines that will draw the eye up. This creates the impression of height for a more open feel, and is great for those with lower ceilings, or large storing needs.

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Hockley Super Matt Navy Handleless - Island

Horizontal lines

Horizontal lines lead the eye through a room, giving the illusion of space– great if you have a small area to work with. This can be achieved using extra-wide drawers or banks of half-height wall units.

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Flush-fitting features

Installing integrated or built-in cooking devices creates a pared-back look, whilst keeping everything easy to access. Look for models that have time-saving features for added functionality.

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Hockley Mirror Gloss White - Sink and Tap cameo

Undermount bowls

Fitted beneath work surfaces, undermount designs are great for reducing visual clutter for a minimal feel. This rimless style also stops dirt and crumbs from being trapped, making cleaning up a breeze.

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Square counters

Square-edged work surfaces have a contemporary, geometric look and will introduce crisp lines. They will also create a stripped-back feel that is essential for creating this simplistic style.

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Hockley super matt white handleless frontals

Profiles

Profiles are fitted alongside cupboards to emphasise the linear lines of your furniture. Available in a variety of colours, including brushed aluminium and matt black, these pieces can be used to add visual interest.

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Howdens Aluminium Straight Plinth 3.0m x 18mm

Plinths

Kickboards are a great place to add another linear feature. Several colours and finishes are available, including matt black, copper, silver, and brass, all of which create an instant luxe look.

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Lights

Lights are a great way to draw attention to key features in your design. Opt for LED strips under counters and alongside towers to emphasise the horizontal and vertical lines.

Discover kitchen lighting