When it comes to cabinet upgrades or new installations, selecting the right cupboard handles is an often overlooked decision. Not only do they influence the look and feel of your cabinetry, but they also affect how the space functions day to day.
Whether you’re refreshing a tired kitchen, styling a new bathroom, or completing a whole-house renovation, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about choosing cupboard handles that deliver both on style and practicality.
Why Your Cupboard Handles Matter
Cupboard handles may be small in size, but they play a big role in your space. Here’s why:
- They’re a tactile feature: Handles are something you interact with every single day. Quality and comfort matter.
- They influence overall design: Think of handles like jewellery for your cabinets - they tie the look together.
- They signal quality: Premium hardware shows attention to detail. It’s often one of the first things guests notice in a kitchen or bathroom.
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They affect usability: The wrong handle size or style can be frustrating to use. Choosing with care means everything functions smoothly.
Step 1: Understand Your Cabinet Style
The first step in narrowing down your options is to take stock of the cabinetry itself. Certain handle types naturally suit specific design styles:
- Shaker and traditional profiles: Best paired with cupboard pulls, round knobs, or classic bar handles in brushed brass, satin nickel or other suitable finish.
- Modern flat-panel cabinetry: Sleek, minimal designs such as slim bar pulls or round knobs work beautifully.
- Hamptons and coastal styles: Satin nickel or brushed brass handles in round or D-shaped forms complement these light, airy aesthetics.
- Industrial or rustic cabinetry: Matte black, gunmetal grey or antique bronze finishes can help ground the space with a touch of rugged sophistication.
Matching the aesthetic helps ensure cohesion, especially in open-plan homes where cabinetry is visible across multiple zones.
Step 2: Choose a Handle Type
Hardware can be broadly broken into two main categories based on our current collection:
1. Knobs
Small, single-hole options that work well on drawers and upper cabinets. They offer a minimal footprint and can be a more cost-effective choice. Hardware Box offers a range of round and tactile knobs across several finishes. These are ideal for traditional and transitional design schemes.
2. Pulls
Also referred to as handles or bar pulls, these span a greater length and require two fixings. They suit both drawers and doors and are great for high-use areas. Our Mucheln range includes pulls in popular finishes and styles that provide comfort, grip, and longevity - with options that feel weighty and premium.
For consistency, we recommend using the same finish throughout your home, even if the shapes or sizes vary from room to room.
Step 3: Select the Right Size
Handle sizing can dramatically change how your cabinetry looks.
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Standard rule of thumb: The handle length should be roughly 1/3 of the drawer width.
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Oversized drawers: Consider longer handles (250mm+) for large pot drawers or pantry doors.
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Upper cabinetry: Smaller handles or knobs often feel more balanced on shorter cabinet faces.
- Visual weight: Chunkier handles can make a bold statement but may overwhelm smaller doors. Slimline profiles offer a more refined feel.
Still unsure? Try placing painter’s tape where the handle will go to test different sizes visually before drilling.
Step 4: Prioritise Comfort and Grip
Not all cupboard handles are created equal when it comes to function. Before purchasing, consider:
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Shape: Will it catch on clothing? Is there enough room for fingers to grip comfortably?
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Finish: Brushed finishes are more forgiving with fingerprints (a bonus in high-touch areas).
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Feel: A smooth, well-balanced handle should feel natural in your hand.
Hardware Box customers often tell us how much they appreciate the “easy installation” and “premium quality” feel of our Mucheln range - feedback that continues to inform our design direction.
Step 5: Coordinate with Other Fixtures
Handles don’t exist in isolation - they should complement tapware, lighting, and other metal elements throughout your home.
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Match or contrast: You can match finishes for a unified look (e.g., brushed brass with brass tapware) or deliberately contrast (e.g., black handles with stainless steel appliances).
- Don’t mix too much: As a general rule, stick to two metal finishes per room to avoid visual clutter.
Step 6: Choose a Finish That Works for Your Lifestyle
Popular finishes at Hardware Box include:
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Brushed Brass: A warm, elegant option that adds a hint of luxury. Pairs beautifully with white or navy cabinetry.
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Matte Black: Sleek, bold and increasingly popular in modern homes. Best in kitchens or bathrooms that use contrasting tones.
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Satin Nickel: A versatile and timeless finish that works across nearly all cabinet styles.
- Gunmetal Grey and Antique Bronze: Ideal for a moody, industrial or heritage-inspired aesthetic.
- White: Clean and minimal - ideal for blending in or adding a pop of contrast where required.
Step 7: Quality Matters
At Hardware Box, we focus on producing cupboard handles that don’t just look good - they’re made to last.
Our in-house Mücheln brand, for example, is:
- Designed with durability in mind
- Made from high-quality materials with a solid feel
- Carefully tested for ease of installation and long-term wear
As one of our recent customers shared:
“I’ve purchased multiple times from Hardwarebox and will likely do so again. The quality is great, delivery is prompt and there are never any issues. Thumbs up from me.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Choosing handles too late in the project: Make hardware part of the planning, not an afterthought.
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Using different styles on every drawer: Cohesion is key - use one or two styles consistently.
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Not considering drawer function: Large drawers need long pulls for easier leverage.
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Going too trendy: If in doubt, classic shapes in a neutral finish will age best.
Final Thoughts
Your cupboard handles do more than open a door or drawer. They anchor the look of your kitchen, bathroom or laundry - and they get noticed. When chosen well, they bring a sense of polish and intention to your space.
At Hardware Box, we stock a curated collection of architectural hardware designed to suit both modern and traditional homes. Whether you’re after brushed brass bar handles, matte black knobs or satin nickel pulls, you’ll find styles built for everyday performance and timeless appeal.
If you’re unsure where to start, our team is here to help. Need advice? Feel free to get in touch, we’re happy to help.
Looking for inspiration?
Explore our full range of cupboard handles online, and find the perfect fit for your space today.
