How to choose the right kitchen cabinet handles

They might be small in size, but kitchen cabinet handles can make or break a kitchen. Here are some points to consider.

Do you like the look of the handles?

Naturally, your first consideration when choosing handles and knobs for your kitchen is whether or not you'll like how they look. If possible, take a sample home to see how they'll look on your cabinetry before you make any firm decisions.

Will they suit your kitchen?

It makes no sense to choose an ornate handle for a contemporary, minimalist kitchen – or vice versa. For pointers on what makes a perfect match, flick through magazines and visit showrooms to see what handles and cabinetry styles have been paired together.

Are they functional?

Do your chosen handles do their job, and do it well? Or are they too small and fiddly to operate easily? The only way to find out is to get hands-on. So, if possible, try to visit a showroom where the handles are mounted on doors, allowing you to give them a test run.

Are they 'timeless'?

If you want your kitchen to go the distance, take extra care when selecting handles – the wrong choice now could seriously date your kitchen down the track. If you want to choose a 'timeless' handle, opt for something simple and unobtrusive.

Are the kitchen handles a suitable size?

When your handles are installed, will they allow your cabinet doors to open and close unimpeded? This is particularly important on corner cabinets where the doors are bi-folding: choose a handle that's too big or long and you may not be able to open the door without causing damage to the finish.

Don't be afraid to splurge

If you've spent a considerable amount on a new kitchen, don't shortchange the end result by choosing inexpensive handles that could potentially make the rest of the room look cheap and nasty.

Quality kitchen cabinet handles can go a long way towards making a less-expensive kitchen look more polished, so find out the range available by heading to a fittings store near you: