4 steps to choosing the perfect cabinet handles

If cabinetry is the tailoring of a room, then the handles are the jewellery. It’s a comparison often made in interior design – and for good reason. Just as the right pair of earrings can elevate a simple outfit, the perfect cabinet hardware can make a room sing.

Whether it’s a full kitchen renovation, a handmade study, bespoke bedroom furniture or you’re simply looking to refresh your existing cabinetry, the handles you choose aren’t just a finishing flourish, they’re central to the aesthetic you want to create. Plus, you’ll touch these handles every single day, so they need to feel as good as they look.

Here’s how to navigate the vast world of cabinet hardware in four steps – to help you find the perfect match for your home.

1. Defining your aesthetic

Before you look at finishes or shapes, consider the architectural language of your cabinetry.

For a classic shaker design

If you have opted for a timeless shaker design, organic and traditional shapes tend to work best. Cup handles (often called bin pulls) look fantastic on drawers, offering a nod to heritage farmhouse styles. We often pair these with classic mushroom or bun knobs on cupboard doors to create a sense of history and elegance.

For the contemporary home

If your cabinetry is sleek or minimalist, with flat panel or ‘slab’ doors, your handles should echo this. Knurled handles with their textured design, T-bars, and long, linear appliance pulls are excellent choices. They add an urban edge and a tactile quality that feels modern and substantial.

2. Understanding the types

Mixing and matching hardware types is a great way to add visual interest, provided the finish remains consistent.

Knobs

Versatile and timeless. Whether round, square or hexagonal, these work beautifully on cabinet doors.

Pull handles

These offer excellent grip and are available in various lengths. They are often placed vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers.

Cup handles

A staple of the country kitchen, these are designed for drawers and heavy pull-out units.

T-Bars

A modern favourite. Shaped like the letter ‘T’, they are easy to grip and perfect for smaller cabinets or as a subtle statement on larger doors.

Appliance pulls

Don’t forget your integrated fridge or dishwasher. These require robust, longer pulls that can withstand the weight of the heavy appliance doors.

Images courtesy of Armac Martin. 

3. The importance of quality brands

We believe that your cabinet hardware should never be an afterthought. Because handles are high-traffic items, quality manufacturing is imperative. Cheaper materials can pit, tarnish unevenly or feel lightweight in the hand.

This is why we recommend hardware from the foremost manufacturers for our handmade cabinetry. We offer an extensive selection from brands known for their craftsmanship and innovative designs, including:

• Armac Martin: Synonymous with luxury solid brass hardware.
• Crofts and Assinder: A blend of British heritage and modern design.
• Turnstyle Designs: Known for using leather and unique textures.
• Hendel and Hendel: Fantastic for contemporary and industrial looks.
• Clemo + Finch: Refined and elegant architectural ironmongery, made locally in Kent.
• Amerock: Offers a vast array of trend-led styles.
• Jolie: Handmade sand-cast solid brass for a unique, artisanal feel.

By not tying ourselves to a single supplier, we ensure that you have access to the very best designs the industry has to offer.

4. Selecting your finish

The finish of your handles can dictate the atmosphere of your room:  

Living finishes

Unlacquered brass and bronze are “living finishes”. They will oxidise and darken over time, developing a beautiful, unique patina that tells the story of your home.

Matte black

Perfect for creating a dramatic, graphic contrast against light cabinetry.

Lacquered and plated

If you prefer a pristine look that doesn’t change, opt for chrome, polished nickel or lacquered brass.

The bespoke choice

Choosing handles can feel overwhelming simply because there’s so much choice. That’s where we come in. At our spacious and welcoming showroom, you can compare different options against your preferred cabinetry finish, to ensure the weight, grip and look are exactly right for your home.

Visit our gallery to see how different hardware choices have transformed our recent projects, browse our blog for more interior design inspiration, or please call us to book a design consultation.