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10 Hardware Handle Types For Your Kitchen Cabinets

Discover 10 hardware handle types for your kitchen cabinets, including knobs, pulls, cup pulls, recessed handles, bar handles, ring pulls, bail pulls, edge pulls, appliance pulls, and leather handles. Find the perfect style and functionality to enhance your kitchen design.


October 20, 2023


Get familiarized with these handle types to accentuate the kitchen cabinets!

When it comes to kitchen design, cabinet handles are mostly given the least consideration or get added by the contractors as per their choices. However, the kitchen hardware is one essential design element that is crucial for the finishing details of the kitchen cabinets. From styles, colors, to finishes, you need to select the right type of handles that balances equally on functionality and aesthetics!

We have listed some common kitchen hardware handles that are ideally suited to design your perfect kitchen!

T-Bar Kitchen Handles

T-Bar Kitchen Handles

Considered to be the most popular and practical kitchen handles, T-bar fittings are designed with a tube-shaped metal bar supported by two smaller bars. The handles are added as an attachment to the drawers or cabinets. The T-bar handles are easy to hold and suit almost any cabinet design. 

Bar handles with iron composition and intricate detailing will suit better for classic, traditional-style cabinets. And plain, chrome finish types can be added in modern, contemporary-style kitchens!

Bow Kitchen Handles

Bow Kitchen Handles

The bow bar handles look almost similar to the T-bar handles. The only difference is the slight curvy appearance of the same which adds a softer appeal to the hardware. It offers a firm grip when you open or close the cabinet. You can opt for a slightly shiny material for these handle types. For example, copper or brass finish bow bar handles can add a sense of warmth in the kitchen plus provide a trendy look to drawers and cabinets.

Ideally, bow handles work well in vintage, traditional-style pantries or kitchens. But, you can select them to beautify the modern cabinets as well!

Kitchen Cabinet Knobs

Kitchen Cabinet Knobs

Knobs make a vintage or classic choice for cabinet decor. These hardware fittings are mostly spherical and mounted at the opening corner of the cabinet panel. Compared to pulls, these are easy to install since it needs a single screw attachment. From simple circular shapes to more trendy options with floral or animal designs; you can select the knobs that fit your requirements.

Ideally, knobs serve as the decorative element of the furniture pieces. So, it is better to add knobs to the cabinets and not to drawers. Also, knobs provide minimal space for gripping, hence they may serve as the ideal kitchen hardware solution for people with disabilities or mobility problems.

Since cabinet knobs get used daily, they can get loose over time. That’s why it is advisable to check the knob's attachment at regular intervals. Tighten the screws or replace the old knobs if needed.

Cup Cabinet Pulls 

Cup Cabinet Pulls

Cup pull handles as the name suggests feature a design of an upside-down cup. It offers a firm grasp and grip from underneath for opening or closing a cabinet or drawer. These are quintessential traditional handles that have a vintage look to it. 

Cup pull handles in pewter or brass finish give the perfect antiquated touch to the cabinets. These handles are best suited for traditional, farmhouse, and even industrial kitchens.

Recessed Cabinet Handles
Recessed Cabinet Handles

Recessed pull handles don’t protrude off the cabinets or drawers. Instead, it mostly features a concealed rectangular shape handle that offers a grip inwards. Since these concealed handles don’t have any levers or bars, it sinks into the cabinet and provide a sleek, flat exterior. 

Know that recessed handles are not compatible with all types of storage furniture. For example, it is not that easy to replace a pull or bow handle with a recessed one. The furniture design should be such that it allows for cutting a part of the panel to fit the flush handles.

Drop Handle Drawer Pulls
Drop Handle Drawer Pulls

Popular since the 18th century, the drop handle drawer pulls are as vintage as it gets. These classic drawer pulls need to be channeled upward before opening and closing the cabinet. When not in use, the drop pull lies flat on the cabinet surface.

These vintage drawer handles feature a formal look and are compatible with traditional and transitional-style kitchens. Available in various attractive styles like a ring pull, the drop handle drawer pulls can add to the aesthetics of the kitchen drawers and cabinets.

Arch Cabinet Pulls

Arch Cabinet Pulls

Arch cabinet pulls as the name suggests have a delicate curve at the edges that softens the look of the handle and cabinet. These popular cabinet handles are super easy to grip and don’t snag the clothes when working near the cabinets.

These handles provide a classic look that is best suitable for traditional, country, and farmhouse-style kitchens. The color and finish of the same can be chosen as per the cabinet style.

C-Type Cabinet Handles
C-Type Cabinet Handles

C-type pulls feature a simple, practical yet trendy solution to the kitchen hardware. These grab handles are mostly crafted with aluminum adds a sleek and streamlined design to the furniture. These handles are attached to the edge of the cabinet panel and make for one of the most durable kitchen handles. You can select the C-type handles for modern or contemporary-style kitchen cabinets.

Handleless Cabinets

Handleless Cabinets

Handleless cabinets feature no built-in handle. Instead, there is a rail design behind the drawer which forms a space for fingers to hold and open it. These are operated with push-to-open technologies. Such furniture units can be opened from the top or side.

These handles give a sleek and streamlined look to the cabinets and make an ideal choice for modern, contemporary, and minimalistic kitchens.

Metal Cabinet Handles

Metal Cabinet Handles

Metal hardware is synonymous with kitchen staples as it provides a durable solution for kitchen furniture. Plus, these can withstand any demanding environment too. For example, stainless steel handles feature a corrosion-resistant finish, which can resist liquid splashes, heat exposure, etc. Metal handles in attractive designs and durable finishes can be chosen to add to kitchen cabinets and drawers.

Wood Cabinet Handles

Wood Cabinet Handles

Most traditional, farmhouse, vintage, and transitional kitchen layouts feature wooden accents for the cabinet hardware. Wooden handles and knobs make a classic and comfortable choice to complete the cabinet design. Attractive wooden knobs add to the beauty of classic kitchen cabinets.

Wood handles with a natural stain finish look organic and give a warm look to the cabinets. But, these handles or knobs can’t resist stains, scratches, and water damage. That’s why you need to add a sealant to them for durability purposes. 

Glass Cabinet Handles

Glass Cabinet Handles

Glass knobs and pulls add an elegant touch to the cabinets. You can select from popular material options like transparent or frosted glass handles. This novelty kitchen hardware elevates the beauty of cabinets and also brings light to the kitchen space with its transparent aesthetics!

Know that, glass handles may not be a durable choice and ideally not recommended for families with kids or pets. Also, it is a pricier choice for hardware and can be selected for kitchen designs where budget constraints are none!

Also Read: The Ultimate Guide To Choose The Perfect Kitchen Hardware

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