A Complete Guide to Choosing Kitchen Handles

More than simply a practical feature, kitchen handles play an important role in defining the overall look and feel of your space. But with so many styles, shapes, sizes, and finishes to choose from, where do you begin?

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about choosing kitchen handles, helping you find the perfect balance between style, practicality and personality.

Why Are Kitchen Handles So Important?

It’s easy to overlook handles when planning a new kitchen, but these small details can have a surprisingly big impact on the finished design.

Think of handles as the jewellery of your kitchen. Carefully chosen, handles can enhance your cabinetry, complement your colour scheme, and bring a sense of cohesion to the entire space.

Beyond their appearance, handles need to work beautifully in everyday life. From opening heavy drawers to accessing frequently used cupboards, they’re one of the most regularly touched features in your kitchen.

Explore Different Kitchen Handle Styles

The first step is understanding the different styles available and how they can complement your chosen kitchen design.

• Cup Handles – A firm favourite in traditional kitchens, cup handles bring a charming feel to cabinetry. Their curved shape makes them well suited to drawers, offering a comfortable grip while introducing subtle decorative detail.
• Knobs – Offering an understated finishing touch that works particularly well in country or classic designs. From round knobs to more decorative shapes, they’re ideal for adding personality without overwhelming your cabinetry.
• D-Handles – A timeless and practical choice, D-handles feature a design that’s comfortable to grip. Their versatile shape works beautifully in both classic and contemporary kitchens, offering a simple yet stylish finishing touch.
• Bow Handles – Elegant and curved, bow handles introduce a softer, more decorative touch to kitchen cabinetry. Comfortable to use and effortlessly versatile, they complement both traditional and contemporary designs.
• Bar Handles – With their clean lines and simple silhouettes, bar handles are a wonderfully versatile choice. Available in a variety of lengths and finishes, they work beautifully across contemporary slab doors and classic shakers alike.
• T-Bar Handles – Sleek and understated, T-bar handles bring a modern touch to cabinetry. Their compact shape makes them ideal for creating a minimalist look without compromising on practicality.
• Trim Handles – If you love a streamlined aesthetic, trim handles could be the perfect solution. Fitted discreetly at the edge of cabinetry, they create a clean, uninterrupted appearance while maintaining everyday practicality.
• Handleless Rails – Perfect for achieving a contemporary look, handleless rails create clean, uninterrupted lines across cabinetry. Integrated into the kitchen design, they offer a minimalist aesthetic that’s both stylish and functional.

K1-302 Cup Handle | K1-391 D-Handle | K1-340 Trim Handle

Choose a Finish That Complements Your Kitchen

Once you’ve settled on a handle style, it’s time to think about finishes.

The finish you choose can completely change the character of your cabinetry, introducing warmth, contrast or a subtle touch of luxury.

• Brass & Gold – Bringing warmth and sophistication, these metallic tones pair beautifully with a wide variety of cabinetry colours. Think rich greens, deep blues, warm neutrals and classic creams.
• Black – For those who love a little contrast, matt black handles are a striking choice. Their defined appearance works well against lighter cabinetry or when paired with darker colours, they can create a sophisticated, tonal look.
• Chrome & Nickel – Polished chrome brings a bright, reflective quality that feels fresh and contemporary, while brushed or satin nickel offers a softer, more muted appearance.
• Copper – With its rich, warm undertones, copper brings a distinctive touch of character. Pairing beautifully with earthy greens and natural woodgrains, it’s an ideal choice for creating a welcoming space with a hint of luxury.
• Pewter – Offering a softer alternative to metallic finishes, Pewter brings understated elegance and timeless charm. Its muted appearance works well with warm neutrals and heritage-inspired colour palettes.

K1-431 T-Bar Handle | K1-402 D-Handle | K1-301 Knob

Consider Your Kitchen Cabinet Style

Your chosen cabinet doors can influence which handles work best.

For a traditional shaker kitchen, classic knobs, cup handles, and more decorative designs can enhance the timeless character of the cabinetry. Alternatively, pairing shaker doors with sleek bar handles can create a beautiful balance between classic and contemporary.

If you’ve opted for a modern slab door, simple linear handles or discreet trim pulls can help maintain the clean, minimalist aesthetic.

However, there’s no need to follow a strict set of rules. Mixing traditional cabinetry with contemporary hardware can create a wonderfully individual look.

K1-271 Cup Handle & K1-268 Knob | K1-338 Trim Handle

Get the Size and Positioning Right

It’s not just the style of your handles that matters. Their size and positioning can also make a significant difference to both the appearance and practicality of your kitchen.

A small knob might look perfectly proportioned on a narrow cupboard, but feel less suitable on a heavy drawer. Similarly, a long bar handle can make a striking feature on wide drawers while helping create a more balanced, streamlined appearance.

When considering handle sizes, think about the proportions of your cabinetry and how each cupboard or drawer will be used.

Placement is equally important.

For example, handles on upper cupboards are often positioned towards the lower corner of the door, while handles on base units tend to sit towards the upper edge. Drawer handles are commonly centred, although positioning can vary depending on the style and overall kitchen design.

Before making your final decision, it’s worth testing different options to see what feels most comfortable and visually balanced.

K1-421 D-Handle | K1-169 Knob

Can You Mix and Match Kitchen Handles?

Absolutely! In fact, combining different handle styles can be a lovely way to add interest and personality to your kitchen.

One popular approach is to pair classic knobs on cupboard doors with cup handles on drawers. This creates a beautifully coordinated look while introducing subtle variation.

You might also choose longer bar handles for wide drawers and smaller T-bar handles for cupboards, ensuring each element feels proportionate.

If you’re considering mixing handles, try to maintain a consistent finish or design detail throughout the space. This helps create a cohesive look, even when the shapes and sizes differ.

K1-327 T-Bar Handle & K1-328 Bar Handle | K1-354 Bar Handle & K1353 T-Bar Handle

Take Your Time With the Finishing Touches

With so many exciting decisions involved in designing a new kitchen, it can be tempting to leave your handles until the very end. However, considering them earlier in the planning process can help ensure they complement your cabinetry, colour palette and overall design.

Where possible, view handle samples alongside your chosen door finish. A handle that looks beautiful on its own might feel quite different when paired with a particular colour or texture.

Pay attention to how the finish looks in different lighting conditions, how comfortable it feels in your hand, and whether its proportions suit your cabinetry. Most importantly, choose something you genuinely love.

Brass Handleless Rail | K1-306 Knob & K1-307 D-Handle | K1-361 Cup Handle

Find Your Perfect Kitchen Handles With STORI

The right kitchen handles can make all the difference, transforming beautiful cabinetry into a space that feels truly your own.

At STORI, we believe it’s the thoughtful details that make a house feel like home. With a wide selection of handle styles and finishes to explore, finding the perfect finishing touch for your dream kitchen is easier than you might think.

Ready to bring your vision to life? Explore our kitchen collections and visit your nearest STORI retailer, where our experts can help you discover the handles, colours, and finishing touches that bring your dream space together.