When it comes to kitchen design, we tend to focus on the big-ticket items: the layout, the cabinets, the worktops, the splashbacks… but what about the humble handle?
Choosing the right kitchen handles might seem like a small job—something to think about once everything else is sorted—but let us tell you, they can completely change the look and feel of your space. They’re the finishing touch, the cherry on the cake, the bow on the perfectly wrapped present. And let’s be honest—no one wants a beautiful new kitchen ruined by dodgy handles.
So, whether you’re planning a full kitchen renovation or simply want to upgrade your existing cabinets, here’s your no-nonsense, banter-filled, BH Bespoak-approved guide to picking the perfect kitchen handles.
Why Handles Matter More Than You Think
We get it—handles aren’t the most exciting part of your kitchen (unless you’re us). But they’re the bit you’ll use day in, day out, and they affect not just how your kitchen looks, but how it feels to use.
Imagine a slick, modern kitchen with big, glossy slab doors… and then someone’s whacked on a pair of dainty little ceramic knobs. Or a rustic shaker-style kitchen with ultra-modern, sharp-edged bar pulls that look like they belong in a nightclub. It’s jarring, right?
Your handles need to match your kitchen’s vibe and your lifestyle. And once you’ve got it right, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference those small bits of metal (or wood, or leather…) can make.
Start With the Style of Your Kitchen
Before you fall in love with that fancy brass pull handle on Instagram, take a step back and look at your kitchen’s overall style.
1. Shaker-Style Kitchens
Classic, timeless, and ever-popular—shaker kitchens pair well with a variety of handles. You can go traditional with cup pulls and round knobs in brushed nickel or antique brass, or modernise the look with sleek bar handles or slimline pulls.
Top Tip:
Mixing knobs and cup handles works beautifully in shaker kitchens. Knobs for doors, cups for drawers—it just makes sense.
2. Modern / Flat-Front Kitchens
Sleek, minimalist cabinets need handles that won’t steal the show. Think simple bar pulls, edge pulls, or even go fully handleless with push-to-open mechanisms or integrated J-pulls.
Top Tip:
If you’re going for a glossy finish, consider handles that don’t show fingerprints (your future self will thank you).
3. Traditional or Country Kitchens
If your kitchen’s rocking those warm wood tones, butler sinks, and maybe even a cheeky exposed beam or two, then you want something with a bit of charm. Think wrought iron, aged brass, ceramic knobs, or vintage-inspired pulls.
Top Tip:
Match your handles to other finishes in the kitchen—like your taps or light fittings—for a really pulled-together look.
Think About the Finish (It’s More Than Just ‘Silver’)
Handles come in every finish under the sun. And while chrome and brushed nickel are still crowd favourites, there’s a whole world of options to explore.
Chrome
Shiny, modern, and easy to clean. Great for modern or transitional kitchens.
Brushed Nickel / Stainless Steel
A softer look than chrome. Hides fingerprints better, too.
Black
Bang on trend and incredibly versatile—great for everything from modern monochrome kitchens to rustic farmhouse styles.
Brass
Warm, luxe, and making a big comeback. Aged brass works great in traditional kitchens, while satin or polished brass adds a bit of glam to contemporary designs.
Copper
Not as common, but great for a bold statement or industrial feel. Pairs well with navy, green, and dark wood cabinetry.
Wood
Yes, handles made from wood! Ideal for Scandi or rustic-style kitchens. Natural, warm, and lovely to touch.
Leather
You heard us right. Leather loop handles are soft, stylish, and perfect for anyone who wants something a bit different.
Size Matters (It Really Does)
You want your handles to be comfortable and proportional. Tiny handles on massive drawers? Not practical. Huge bar handles on a tiny spice cupboard? Looks daft.
Some rough BH Bespoak-approved guidance:
- Cupboards under 600mm wide? Go for handles around 128mm centre-to-centre.
- Wide drawers or pan drawers? 160mm+ handles will look and feel better.
- Super wide drawers (900mm+)? Consider two handles or one long one (256mm or more).
Top Tip:
Always test the handle in your hand. If it feels awkward or digs in, you’ll hate it after a week. Trust us—we’ve had that argument with a drawer handle before.
What About Handleless Kitchens?
Can’t talk about kitchen handles without mentioning… no handles.
Handleless kitchens are sleek, modern, and perfect for minimalist spaces. You’ve got a couple of options:
- Push-to-open mechanisms: Give the door a gentle push and it springs open. Great for high cabinets and wall units.
- J-pull or integrated handles: Built into the cabinet door itself. Very clean look and no bits sticking out to bump into.
Things to think about:
- Handleless = more fingerprints (especially if you’ve got glossy doors).
- Might not be ideal for very busy households or people with reduced hand strength.
- On the plus side, it’s very easy to clean and looks incredibly smart.
Functionality First: Think About Who’s Using the Kitchen
Let’s be real for a second. The best-looking handle in the world isn’t worth much if it’s annoying to use.
Ask yourself:
- Do you have kids? Avoid sharp corners or protruding handles that’ll catch small heads or big foreheads.
- Any elderly family members or anyone with arthritis? Consider D-handles or cup pulls—they’re easier to grab and pull.
- Is it a high-traffic kitchen? You want handles that are durable and easy to clean. No one wants to scrub gunk out of intricate designs.
Don’t Forget Placement
Not technically about the handles themselves—but just as important.
- Cabinet doors: Usually, handles go on the opposite side to the hinges, a few inches from the corner.
- Drawers: Centred horizontally and vertically for smaller drawers. On wider drawers, handles are either centred or two handles spaced evenly.
Callum’s Pro Tip:
Before you drill a single hole, test handle positions with masking tape or Blu Tack. You’d be amazed how much difference a few millimetres can make.
Mixing It Up – Can You Combine Handle Styles?
Absolutely! In fact, mixing knobs and pulls is one of the best ways to add character and keep things practical.
Our favourite combos:
- Knobs on top, cups on bottom: Keeps drawers easy to grab and doors nice and tidy.
- One finish, multiple shapes: Use the same finish across the kitchen, but vary the shape depending on the unit.
- Statement handles on the island: Go bold on your island or feature cabinets, and keep the rest more understated.
Just keep it intentional—if you’re mixing styles, make sure there’s a common thread (finish, shape, design line).
How Many Handles Do You Need?
We see this question a lot, and it’s easy to work out:
- Count every door and drawer front that needs a handle.
- For wide drawers (900mm+), decide whether you want one handle or two.
- Add a couple of extras—just in case one breaks, or goes walkabout during fitting (it happens more than we’d like to admit).
Always check with your kitchen fitter (👋 that’s us!) if you’re unsure. We’ll help you order the right number.
Price: What Should You Expect to Pay?
Handles come in at all price points—from a couple of quid each to £30+ for high-end or handmade ones. If you’ve got 20+ units, that cost adds up quickly.
BH Bespoak advice:
- Don’t go for the cheapest plastic ones unless you absolutely have to—they’ll wear quickly and feel flimsy.
- You don’t need to go designer either. Mid-range options (£4–£10 per handle) often give the best mix of quality and value.
- Splurge on statement handles for visible areas like islands or pantries, and use simpler options elsewhere.
Our Go-To Handle Suppliers (and Why We Rate Them)
We’ve fitted a lot of kitchens. Here are a few suppliers we trust and often recommend to clients:
- Häfele UK – Huge selection, great quality, reliable finish options.
- Second Nature – Stylish handles at a fair price. Their cup pulls are solid.
- Armac Martin – For the “treat yourself” projects—luxury British-made handles, absolutely stunning.
- Dowsing & Reynolds – Great for unique finishes like matte black, copper, and smoked bronze.
Let us know what look you’re going for, and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Final Thoughts (And a Word from the Fitting Side)
Handles might be the last thing you choose, but they should never be an afterthought. The right ones will lift your kitchen design, make it easier to live with, and honestly? They just make things feel done.
Whether you want traditional, modern, quirky, or completely invisible—there’s a handle (or lack of one) to match. And if you’re not sure, you can always give us a shout. We’ve tried them all, fitted them all, and yes—we do have strong opinions on them. 😄
Ready to start planning your dream kitchen?
Get in touch with BH Bespoak and let us help you bring it all together—right down to the last handle.