When planning a bespoke kitchen, it’s easy to focus on the biggest features, such as a central island or an impressive pantry cupboard. However, it can often be the smallest details that have the greatest impact. Commonly referred to as the ‘jewellery’ of the kitchen, handles are both a practical necessity and a decorative finishing touch that can enhance the look and feel of your cabinetry. When chosen carefully, they can complement your taps, hinges, and other hardware, creating a cohesive design that brings the whole space together.

At Stoneham Kitchens, we believe choosing the right handles should never be an afterthought. That’s why we’ve put together this guide, exploring different handle styles and where they work best, helping you find the perfect jewel for your kitchen.

Popular kitchen handle styles:

Bar handles
Bar handles, also known as pull handles, are one of the most popular handle styles thanks to their wide range of shapes, sizes and finishes. Whether you’re looking for something traditional, contemporary or more architectural, there are bar handles to suit almost any kitchen design.

Available in many shapes including arched and rectangular, bar handles also come in a variety of finishes. Antique brass, bronze and burnished brass, can add warmth and character to your cabinetry, while sleek steel and brushed steel handles offer a sophisticated, architectural look. For a more contemporary feel, textured finishes such as hammered or fluted designs add tactile interest and can make a statement in the kitchen.

Cup handles
Cup handles are characterised by their curved, semi-circular shape, although modern designs have evolved to include rectangular options. Typically fitted horizontally on drawers, they are designed to be gripped from underneath the curved edge rather than from above or the sides.

Due to their timeless appearance, cup handles are particularly suited to classic and farmhouse-style kitchens and come in a wide range of sizes and finishes, including nickel, bronze and brushed steel.

Kitchen knobs
Kitchen knobs are smaller than other types of handles, making them ideal for slim drawers and cupboards that require less pulling effort. For this reason, they are often paired with other handle styles throughout a kitchen.

Available in a variety of metals, as well as textured finishes such as combed, milled, fluted and hammered, kitchen knobs add character and visual interest to cabinetry.

Depending on the look you want to achieve, round or domed knobs create a softer, more traditional finish, while square knobs offer a cleaner, contemporary appearance.

Edge grips
Edge grip handles are fitted to the edge of a door or drawer, typically along the top or side. Their discreet profile creates a clean, minimalist look by keeping the front of your cabinetry free from handles. Ideal for those who want the appearance of a handleless kitchen without relying on a push-to-open mechanism, edge grip handles offer a sleek and practical alternative.

Available in a range of lengths and finishes, including brass, bronze, gunmetal, antique bronze and brushed steel, edge grip handles can easily be coordinated with your taps, appliances and other hardware to create a cohesive kitchen design.

Loop handles
Loop handles offer a contemporary look with their distinctive pill-shaped profile. Soft, rounded edges combine with a slim pull to provide a comfortable grip. They can be fitted horizontally or vertically, depending on the height and orientation of the cabinetry. Available in different widths, loop handles also allow you to mix and match sizes, with wider handles suited to larger doors and smaller handles ideal for drawers.

Available in finishes such as stainless steel and black aluminium, loop handles look particularly effective against smooth, painted cabinetry, creating a sleek and modern aesthetic.

While choosing the right handles can have a significant impact on the overall look of your kitchen, practicality is equally essential. Remember, you will be using your handles every day, so they need to be comfortable to use and suited to the cabinetry they are fitted to. Heavy integrated appliances, for instance, require sturdy hardware and a firm grip.

To help you make the right choice, visit our Stoneham showroom to see and try different handle styles for yourself. Our expert designers can discuss your kitchen requirements and advise on the handles that will work best for your space.

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