Decorating
Get a Grip On Handles and Knobs from Classy to Brassy
See how you can give your furniture the finishing touch of a beautifully designed handle or knob to make it uniquely yours
The recent trend of elegant and sleek minimalist furniture can leave cabinetry looking quite homogenous and, dare I say, a bit boring? Handles and knobs have been an integral feature of cabinetry and furniture as long as they’ve been in existence, but new styles have silenced them. The likes of touch-release catches have all but eliminated handles and knobs in rooms including the kitchen and bathroom. But whether the subtle punctuation in the sentence, or a grand statement, handles and knobs speak for themselves, and will definitely not become extinct. Let’s have a look at some of these stars and see if you can honestly live without them.
Keeping it quiet
Making a statement doesn’t have to be loud. In this striking kitchen by Scott Weston Architecture Design, the subtlety of the handles is beautifully balanced with the drama created by the contrasting colours and textures of the cabinetry. The handles serve as a functional element while also tying the foreground bench to the background cabinetry via continuity of line and finish.
Making a statement doesn’t have to be loud. In this striking kitchen by Scott Weston Architecture Design, the subtlety of the handles is beautifully balanced with the drama created by the contrasting colours and textures of the cabinetry. The handles serve as a functional element while also tying the foreground bench to the background cabinetry via continuity of line and finish.
Accentuating design
This contemporary cabinet by interior designer Greg Natale features geometric shapes, repeated in the mirror, chair and diamond drawer patterning. The circular handles complete the story set against the diamond pattern. Centred on the drawer face, the handles are a focal point. Additionally, the handles bring dimension to this lovely piece of furniture by projecting forward onto another plane. This projection and the repetition of the circular shape carries our eye from the round mirror in the background, across the top of the cabinet and down to complete the picture at the centre of the drawer face. Again, imagine the cabinet without the handles –nowhere near as much personality.
This contemporary cabinet by interior designer Greg Natale features geometric shapes, repeated in the mirror, chair and diamond drawer patterning. The circular handles complete the story set against the diamond pattern. Centred on the drawer face, the handles are a focal point. Additionally, the handles bring dimension to this lovely piece of furniture by projecting forward onto another plane. This projection and the repetition of the circular shape carries our eye from the round mirror in the background, across the top of the cabinet and down to complete the picture at the centre of the drawer face. Again, imagine the cabinet without the handles –nowhere near as much personality.
Time to function
The part of the cabinetry you will touch the most is the handle.
It is a really good idea to invest the time in testing your handle selections before purchasing. Make sure your handle projects far enough out from the cabinetry so that you can get a good grip on it, not just hold it in your fingertips. The more of your finger or hand you can get into or around the handle, the easier the door or drawer will be to open. Note that the heavier or larger the door or drawer, the more of a grip you will need.
BONUS TIP: People with limited mobility or dexterity generally find a well-constructed ‘D’ handle works best.
The part of the cabinetry you will touch the most is the handle.
It is a really good idea to invest the time in testing your handle selections before purchasing. Make sure your handle projects far enough out from the cabinetry so that you can get a good grip on it, not just hold it in your fingertips. The more of your finger or hand you can get into or around the handle, the easier the door or drawer will be to open. Note that the heavier or larger the door or drawer, the more of a grip you will need.
BONUS TIP: People with limited mobility or dexterity generally find a well-constructed ‘D’ handle works best.
Partner up
Unless you are going for an eclectic mix, handles should relate to the style of furniture and other fittings in the room. This retro kitchen features the hinges, so in this instance it is a good idea to match the handles to the same finish as the hinge.
You don’t have to be a slave to a period – you might even have a modern handle on a period-style piece – but try to give a nod to the era by using the typical style, shape or finish.
Unless you are going for an eclectic mix, handles should relate to the style of furniture and other fittings in the room. This retro kitchen features the hinges, so in this instance it is a good idea to match the handles to the same finish as the hinge.
You don’t have to be a slave to a period – you might even have a modern handle on a period-style piece – but try to give a nod to the era by using the typical style, shape or finish.
Don’t screw up!
If you choose rectangular knobs make sure they have a pin to stop the knob from turning. Otherwise your feature will be misaligned and the streamlined look ruined.
Stand clear
When positioning knobs or handles in doors, check the clearance to ensure that when adjacent doors are opened back to back, the knobs/handles won’t hit against each other.
If you choose rectangular knobs make sure they have a pin to stop the knob from turning. Otherwise your feature will be misaligned and the streamlined look ruined.
Stand clear
When positioning knobs or handles in doors, check the clearance to ensure that when adjacent doors are opened back to back, the knobs/handles won’t hit against each other.
Safety second?
Beware of handles and knobs that can ‘catch’ on clothing, knees etc as you walk past. Those that also have a protrusion beyond the end, as those in this photograph do, might be problematic in this regard. But I wouldn’t rule them out. In fact, the handles in my own kitchen have this feature and I love them. However, if safety, children and high traffic are an issue, or the kitchen or bathroom space is small, then it’s probably best to avoid this style. We have had a few catches on aprons and tears of clothing over the years.
Beware of handles and knobs that can ‘catch’ on clothing, knees etc as you walk past. Those that also have a protrusion beyond the end, as those in this photograph do, might be problematic in this regard. But I wouldn’t rule them out. In fact, the handles in my own kitchen have this feature and I love them. However, if safety, children and high traffic are an issue, or the kitchen or bathroom space is small, then it’s probably best to avoid this style. We have had a few catches on aprons and tears of clothing over the years.
Have fun!
Whether they are a lifetime partner or fun-filled fling, handles and knobs (just look at the gorgeous ones on this dresser!) are one of the easiest things in your decor to update. So have your way with them.
SHOW US
We’d love to see pictures of your handles and door knobs in the comments section, and why you chose them for your home.
MORE
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Whether they are a lifetime partner or fun-filled fling, handles and knobs (just look at the gorgeous ones on this dresser!) are one of the easiest things in your decor to update. So have your way with them.
SHOW US
We’d love to see pictures of your handles and door knobs in the comments section, and why you chose them for your home.
MORE
Push and Pull: Kitchen Hardware That’s as Practical as It Is Pretty
Clever Design Ideas for Your Bathroom Vanity
15 Easy (and Wonderfully Creative) Bathroom Updates
I love the semicircular handles in this elegantly designed bathroom. They harmonise with and continue the circular pattern and theme throughout the bathroom. Sourcing such unique handles shows absolute commitment to the overall theme and design. They complete the bathroom. Imagine the room without these classy handles – still sleek and classy, but way less original.