Cabinet handles are hardware components used to open and close cabinets, drawers, cupboards, and other storage pieces. Cabinet handles are usually found on the outer side of the cabinet, allowing you to open and close the cabinet without having to reach inside.
Cabinet handles come in a variety of designs, materials, and styles, so you can find a handle to fit any decor. Popular materials for cabinet handles include brushed nickel, chromed steel, brushed copper, brass, and wood.
More contemporary cabinet handle styles may come with a built-in locking mechanism, while more traditional styles allow for more ornate designs. Cabinet handles can be used as both decorative and functional pieces, allowing you to achieve the look that you want in your home while providing you with a secure way to open and close your cabinets.
What are the handles on a cabinet called?
The handles on a cabinet are typically referred to as either cabinet knobs or cabinet pulls. Cabinet knobs are small round or oval-shaped handles that are typically attached directly to the cabinet door or drawer, whereas cabinet pulls are larger handles often in shapes like bars or D-shapes that are mounted onto the face of the cabinet door or drawer.
Both cabinet knobs and pulls have a variety of materials and styles available to choose from to fit with the decor of any room.
What is the difference between cabinet handles and pulls?
Cabinet handles and pulls are both hardware items that are used to open and close cabinet doors. However, there are several differences between the two. Cabinet handles are typically used for doors that open horizontally, while pulls are used for doors that open vertically.
Cabinet handles usually have two points of attachment and require two hands to operate, whereas pulls are connected to the door with a single point of attachment that most often allows a door to be opened with one hand.
Additionally, cabinet handles have a longer body than pulls, making them more comfortable to grasp.
What handles to put on kitchen cabinets?
Popular options include bar-style handles, which are long, straight pulls often made of metal or wood; round pulls, which have a button-style appearance; recessed finger pulls, which are perfect for modern and contemporary styles; and decorative handles, which come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.
Depending on the overall design of your kitchen, you may want to opt for one handle style that runs throughout for a cohesive look, or mix and match for a more eclectic approach. Additionally, consider the type of material that your cabinet handles are made of.
Metal or wood pulls can add an antique or rustic touch, while acrylic or ceramic knobs can bring a light, modern feel. Ultimately, the type of handle you choose will depend on your personal preferences as well as your budget.
Do handles go on drawers or cabinets?
The answer to whether handles go on drawers or cabinets depends on the style of handle you are installing and the type of drawer or cabinet you are working with. Generally, handle installation on cabinets goes along the top or bottom edge of the cabinet, while handles on drawers are typically located at the center.
However, if you are using a bar-style handle, then these can be installed along the side of drawers and cabinets alike. In addition, knobs may be used on either drawers or cabinets, depending on the layout of your space.
Most importantly, you should always ensure that the handle placement is ergonomic, supportive and easy to use.
What are the different types of handles?
There are three primary types of handles typically used on doors and cabinets. These include knobs, levers, and pull handles.
Knobs are the most common type of handle and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. They are typically used on both doors and cabinets, although some types of knobs, like mortise or rim locks, are specifically designed for doors.
Most knobs are circular, but can also be egg- or tulip-shaped.
Lever handles are less common on cabinets, but they are growing in popularity. Lever handles can be manipulated with one hand, making them popular on doors leading to the exterior of a home or business.
Most lever handles are used in combination with a deadbolt for added security.
Pull handles are another type of handle and may be used on both doors and cabinets. Pull handles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from traditional brass to more modern brushed nickel.
The type of handle chosen should be based on personal preference as well as function. For example, smaller, more decorative handles might make a great choice for decorative cabinets, while larger, more practical handles might be better for a door leading to the outside of the home.
When choosing handles for a door, the height of the handle should be considered in relation to the size of the door.
Where are door handles placed?
Door handles are typically placed at the center of the door at a height that is comfortable to reach. The location of the door handle should be placed just above the center of the door and you should feel it immediately when you approach the door.
Door handles come in various heights and designs and can be placed either on the interior or the exterior of the door. As a general rule, door handles are placed higher on the inside of the door than on the outside.
This is to help prevent small children from reaching the door handle, which could put them in danger if the door is opened when they are in the room. Additionally, for an aesthetically pleasing look, door handles are usually placed on the same side of the door, usually the push side, unless otherwise noted.
Where should cabinet pulls be mounted?
Cabinet pulls should typically be mounted on the upper half of the cabinet door, approximately one-third of the way down from the top. This will ensure that the pull is in an easily-reachable spot and will not interfere with the hinge when opening and closing the door.
However, if you have an abnormally tall cabinet door, it may be beneficial to mount the pulls closer to the middle of the cabinet door to make them easier to reach. It is important to always use hardware that is specifically designed for the thickness and weight of the cabinet door to avoid the pull from becoming loose or damaged over time.
Do you put handles on bottom cabinets?
The answer to this question depends on your preferences and the layout of your kitchen. Ultimately, it’s up to you. In general, bottom cabinets typically don’t have handles. This is because they don’t need to be opened as frequently since the items stored there are typically larger or heavier items, so it makes sense to leave them drawerless.
However, if you prefer having handles, there is no reason why you shouldn’t add them. In some cases, it may even be helpful. For instance, if the bottom cabinets are used for heavy storage items, such as food storage containers, then having handles can make it easier to open and close them.
If aesthetics are a priority for you, adding handles could be a way to make your kitchen look more uniformed and polished. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
Do drawer handles go in the middle?
In general, drawer handles should be near the middle of the drawer. This is the most logical place to locate them. The middle helps to evenly distribute the weight of the drawer’s contents, which can help prevent the drawer from sagging.
Handles that are placed near the bottom can cause the drawer to become unbalanced when the drawer is opened, making it more difficult to open and close. It is also easier to grip the handle when it is located near the middle of the drawer.
The size and design of the drawer handle can also dictate their placement. It is important to ensure that the handle is easily accessible based on its size and design, as this can impact its overall usability.
What is the rule of thumb for cabinet hardware?
The rule of thumb for cabinet hardware is typically that knobs should be placed between 2 and 3 inches apart from each other, and pulls should be about 8 to 10 inches apart. It is important to note that these measurements can be adjusted slightly depending on the size of the cabinet and the size of the hardware.
It is also beneficial to match the pulls and knobs to help create a cohesive look. When selecting a finish, it is often recommended to use a finish that is complementary to the other pieces of hardware found in the kitchen, such as the faucet, light fixtures, and appliances.
Whatever style of cabinet hardware you choose, make sure that it is sizable and substantial enough to provide ease of use.
What kind of kitchen handles are in style?
When it comes to kitchen handles, there are a variety of different styles and options that are currently in style. Some popular modern styles include handleless cabinets and drawers, recessed pull handles, and brass and copper hardware.
Handleless cabinets and drawers require push-to-open mechanics and add a sleek, minimalist look to any kitchen. Recessed pull handles, which flush with cupboard fronts, are also quite popular, giving your kitchen a modern and functional flair.
Brass and copper hardware have also made a resurgence in recent design trends, allowing for a bolder, more stylish statement and adding warmth to any kitchen. In addition to these contemporary styles, traditional handles such as cup and bar handles, wooden knobs, and drop handles are all still in style.
These classic styles add an elegant, timeless feel to any kitchen.
What is the most popular hardware for kitchen cabinets?
The most popular hardware for kitchen cabinets is commonly referred to as “knobs and pulls”, referring to the two basic types of hardware typically used in cabinetry. Knobs are usually installed on the upper part of cabinet doors, while pulls are placed on the lower part.
Knobs and pulls are usually made from metal, such as stainless steel, brass, or bronze, although other materials like plastic and wood are also used. Popular finishes often include brushed or satin nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and aged or polished brass.
There are various styles and designs available, ranging from traditional to modern, giving homeowners plenty of options for creating a unique look for their kitchen cabinets. Additionally, certain hardware pieces can be customized with different knob and pulls sizes to ensure an exact fit for your cabinet doors.
Is it better to have knobs or pulls on kitchen cabinets?
The choice between knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets is largely a matter of preference. While both offer a great way to open your cabinets, they have certain advantages and drawbacks that may sway your decision.
One advantage of knobs is their simplicity. They are easy to mount and don’t require any complicated installation. In addition, they often fit better on smaller cabinets, where the larger pulls may take up too much space.
Knobs are also generally less expensive than pulls.
However, knobs can be more difficult to grab and may require more effort to operate. Pulls, on the other hand, are easier to grab and allow for one smooth motion in opening the cabinet. They can also be more stylish, as there are a variety of different designs and finishes to choose from.
The downside is that pulls typically require more installation time and may be more expensive and harder to find.
At the end of the day, your choice between knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets is a matter of personal preference. Consider the various pros and cons, and pick the style that best suits your taste.