How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Handles (And Whether to Go Handleless)
When designing a new kitchen, most people focus on the big decisions first - layout, cabinets, worktops, and appliances. But one of the details that can have the biggest impact on your kitchen's final look is something much smaller: your handles.
Kitchen handles might seem like a minor finishing touch, but they play an important role in both the style and functionality of your kitchen. The right choice can enhance your design, complement your cabinetry, and make your kitchen easier to use every day.
At Kitchen World, there are many handle styles available in a wide range of finishes and designs, allowing you to tailor the look of your kitchen to suit your personal style.
Here are some key things to consider when choosing the perfect handles for your kitchen.
1. Match Your Handles to Your Kitchen Style
Your handles should complement the overall design of your kitchen.
For example:
Modern kitchens
Slim bar handles
Minimalist linear designs
Matte black or brushed steel finishes
Classic or shaker kitchens
Cup handles
Round knobs
Brushed brass or chrome finishes
Traditional kitchens often benefit from softer, more decorative hardware, while contemporary kitchens tend to suit clean lines and simpler shapes. Handles can act as subtle accents or statement details depending on the finish and design you choose.
2. Choose Between Handles, Knobs, and Cup Handles
There are several types of cabinet hardware commonly used in kitchens, and each creates a slightly different look.
Bar Handles
Bar handles are one of the most popular options in modern kitchens. Their sleek design works well with contemporary cabinetry and they offer a comfortable grip for everyday use.
Knobs
Knobs are small, simple, and timeless. They are often used on cabinet doors and can be paired with handles on drawers for a classic look.
Cup Handles
Cup handles are typically used on drawers and are especially popular in traditional, shaker, or farmhouse-style kitchens. Their curved shape gives a softer, more classic feel.
Many kitchens combine these styles to create a balanced and practical design.
3. Consider the Finish
The finish of your handles can significantly influence the overall feel of your kitchen.
Some popular finishes include:
Brushed stainless steel – modern and practical
Chrome – bright and contemporary
Matte black – bold and stylish
Brushed brass or gold tones – warm and luxurious
Choosing a finish that complements other elements in your kitchen - such as taps, appliances, or lighting - can help create a cohesive design.
4. Think About Size and Proportion
The size of your handles should suit the scale of your cabinets and drawers.
Large drawers often work best with longer handles.
Smaller cabinet doors usually suit knobs or shorter handles.
Using consistent sizing across similar cabinets can also help create a clean and balanced look throughout your kitchen.
5. Don’t Forget Practicality
Handles are one of the most frequently used elements in your kitchen, so practicality is just as important as appearance.
When choosing handles, consider:
How comfortable they are to grip
How easy they are to clean
The durability of the finish
Since cabinets and drawers are opened many times every day, choosing handles that feel good to use will make a real difference.
Mixing Handle Styles for a More Designed Look
A common assumption when planning a kitchen is that every cabinet must have exactly the same handle. In reality, mixing handle styles can create a more thoughtful and visually interesting design. The key is to keep the finish consistent, even if the shapes vary.
For example:
Bar handles on tall units and integrated appliances
Cup handles on drawers
Knobs on cabinet doors
Using the same material or finish, such as brushed brass, chrome, or matte black, keeps the design cohesive while allowing different handle styles to suit different cabinet types. This approach also improves functionality. Larger drawers may feel more comfortable with wider handles, while smaller cupboards often work better with simple knobs. When done well, mixing handles can give your kitchen a more considered, designer look.
Handles vs Handleless Kitchens: Which Is Right for You?
Another decision many homeowners face when designing their kitchen is whether to choose traditional handles or a handleless design.
Handleless kitchens have become increasingly popular in modern homes. Instead of visible handles, the cabinets use integrated rails or recessed grip channels that allow the doors and drawers to open smoothly. This creates a very clean, minimalist appearance that works especially well in contemporary and open-plan spaces. However, kitchens with handles remain extremely popular and offer several advantages.
Handleless Kitchens
Handleless designs offer:
A sleek, modern appearance
Very clean lines
A minimalist aesthetic
They are often chosen for contemporary homes or where the kitchen flows into a living area.
Kitchens With Handles
Handles provide:
More design character and detail
A wider choice of styles and finishes
Often easier grip for opening larger drawers and appliances
Handles can also act as decorative accents that help personalise your kitchen. In many cases, the decision comes down to the overall style you want to achieve.
Some kitchens even combine the two approaches, using handleless cabinets in some areas while incorporating handles elsewhere.
The Finishing Touch That Brings Your Kitchen Together
Kitchen handles may be small, but they make a big difference to the final look and feel of your space. Whether you prefer classic knobs, elegant cup handles, sleek bar handles, or a modern handleless kitchen, the right choice helps bring your entire design together.
At Kitchen World, our designers can guide you through the available handle styles and finishes, helping you find the perfect combination to suit your kitchen design and how you use the space every day.
View a selection of our handles on our site or instore.