What handles to choose for a kitchen set?

Selection rules

Kitchen furniture handles are completely different, but there are general requirements for any options:

• Opening comfort. You will have to use handles for the kitchen more often than any other - they should be ergonomic, comfortable to hold in your hand.
• Safety. The hardware should not be traumatic: check it for sharp edges, notches and other defects so as not to damage the palm.
• Proportionality. Kitchen furniture of the same size will look good with the same handles. If the dimensions are different, it is better to choose different sizes of handles for the kitchen: larger and smaller.
• Harmony. The dimensions of the fittings are selected not only for the furniture, but also for the size of the kitchen. The optimal solution for a small kitchen is flush-mounted or compact models that do not protrude and will not interfere with movement around the room.

In the photo, the option of using black fittings in a bright kitchen

Types of pens

Kitchen handles are divided into 4 main types.

• Railing. Translated from English, rail is a rail, fence or railing. Looks like a straight bar on two handrails at a 90 degree angle. Due to its laconic appearance, it is most often used in modern high-tech, loft, scandi, modern kitchens. The sizes of this type of handle range from 9.8 to 60.8 cm.

• Brace.Standard option. There are two forms: U-shaped or in the form of an arc. There are many models with different designs and materials. For modern styles, practical chrome furniture handles are suitable, for classic kitchens - bronze, gold, blackened. Often made of metal, they look reliable, therefore they are considered strong and durable. Not suitable for headsets with many narrow fronts.

• Button.The appearance resembles a fungus on a leg, it has fasteners different from the first two options - only one screw. Because of this, they are not suitable for massive, long and heavy doors. Stylistically, it is most suitable for Provence or country kitchens, but some round models will look appropriate even on classic carved doors and modern minimalistic ones. Knob knobs on wall cabinets are often combined with rails or brackets on lower modules.

• Mortise.Their main advantage is flush installation into the facade, which means that nothing will stick out on the surface and the kitchen will become safer. However, it is almost impossible to install them on your own, and in terms of comfort of use, the built-in handles are inferior to rails or brackets.

What characteristics are important when choosing?

The modern market is oversaturated with various models of handles for kitchen furniture, so be sure to evaluate all the necessary parameters before buying.

• The size. The length of the brackets and rails depends on the center-to-center distance. Among the huge assortment, you will find both miniature 16 mm models and noticeable options over a meter in size. Professionals advise to select options that occupy 50-80% of the width of the facade. Such models will look stylish and modern.If your goal is a graceful interior, choose the finest small handles. Large, wide samples, on the contrary, will become a bold accent - especially for knobs.

In the photo there are long modern roof rails

• The form. Handles, rails, buttons - not all available options. Recently, the shell has been popular - the streamlined curved shape allows you to grab onto it only from below. Brass, copper, bronze shells are appropriate in the style of country, scandi, provence. Forgotten, but no less original drop handles with a hinged leg and a hanging part for a grip. It is rarely used in kitchens because of the inconvenience, but it is suitable for creating an entourage - for example, as a handle on a sideboard or sideboard. The drop-like shape of the ring provides a more comfortable grip. Thanks to its rounded shape, the fittings smooth out sharp corners and balance the space. Depending on the design, they are suitable for different styles: smooth chrome plated fit into high-tech, engraved or carved - into classics and baroque.

• Material. Most kitchen furniture handles are made of metal. The most popular alloy is zinc + aluminum. With simple maintenance, the fittings will serve for many years, retaining their original appearance. Chrome plated door handles are best suited for trendy modern furniture (gray, white, dark), bronze, brass, gold or silver plated - classic kitchen style. Gold-plated handles with ceramic inserts look very romantic. And if you take a combination of acrylic or glass with chrome-plated metal, you will get fittings in a modern style. The most inexpensive are plastic handles - they are less durable, but some models look no different from metal.

How to match by style and color?

Kitchen style is a fundamental factor to rely on when choosing all fittings.

• Classical. When designing, you can go in two ways: conciseness or design accent. In the first case, choose a rounded shape with a minimalist design. In the second, take a look at the cast metal handles with plant motifs, rhinestones or ceramic inserts. The main rule of choice is that the more massive the kitchen facade, the larger the fittings.
• High tech. Modern designers are moving away from emphasis on details, with an emphasis on practicality and minimalism. Chrome comes to the fore in the form of simple rails, brackets, mortise and sensor mechanisms from trusted manufacturers. We will talk about the latter in the paragraph "Variants of unusual design". Or the standard handles are generally replaced by the push-to-open system, hidden profiles.
• Rustic. Country, Provence, chalets - any options for imitating a country house - need vintage handles. Pay attention to delicate porcelain or ceramic retro options, or more rough ones - wooden in the color of furniture, matte metal.
• Eco. In this direction, mainly natural materials are used; processed dried tree branches, leather, natural stone can be used as handles.
• Loft. Black matte roof rails, all-metal staples, rings, patinated shells - anything that looks brutal will do. First of all, pay attention not to appearance, but to functionality.
• Scandinavian. Simple yet striking Nordic peoples design, emphasizes color and material. Leather loop handles, black staples, shells or rails on a white headset look appropriate.

In the photo, porcelain decor in a classic style

As for the shade, you can go 3 ways:

• In the color of the kitchen. This will make even a bulky handle invisible without disturbing the design.
• Contrasting facades. A good example is a white scandi headset with black handles. But there may be other combinations, the main thing is that the decor is clearly visible.
• In the color of the fittings. Combine roof rails, shelf brackets and more in one color for a harmonious look.

The photo shows a white kitchen in a Scandinavian style with black elements

How to arrange it correctly?

In order for the finished kitchen to look harmonious, you need to properly install the handles. To do this, you will need to observe the center-to-center distance, the same indents at the top and sides. For convenience, use the template:

1. Take a small piece of thin plywood and draw center lines up and down.
2. Mark the correct position of the handle.
3. Drill one or two holes (depending on type).
4. Mark the center on each door or drawer.
5. Mark future holes using a template.

To extend the lifespan of handles and doors, fit extra washers inside on glass and wood fronts.

Mounts can be located not only in the center. Central placement is convenient for drawers. On the other hand, standard cabinets are easier to open from the side. In this case, the handles are installed on the upper modules from the bottom from the edge, and on the lower ones - from the top.

Vertical rails instead of horizontal rails or buttons will also make it easier to open the cabinet.

Unusual design options

Some people choose simple and functional, others - beautiful and elegant. Designer handles for the kitchen can be themed: for example, in the form of cutlery, tree twigs or even insects. So simply unusual, as in our gallery - when handles perform not only the function of opening doors, but also are the main detail of the interior.

In the photo, a non-standard version of furniture fittings

Among the popular models today there are touch pens. They are equipped with LED backlighting, which lights up with a light touch. They are made of special plastic that scatters light and creates a translucent effect on a light glossy facade.

Photo gallery

Handles can add style and make a kitchen look better, or vice versa ruin even the most expensive furniture. Don't ignore this small but important element.