From cupboard knobs to appliance handles, here’s what you need to know so that you can specify the right style, size and finish – every time.
An investment for the long term, high-quality kitchen hardware performs brilliantly, day after day, while complementing the overall design vision and creating an impact all of its own.
To avoid mistakes when choosing kitchen hardware, the three essential areas to focus on are style, size and finish. Each piece needs to look beautiful, function perfectly and – importantly – feel good to use. ‘It always helps to select kitchen hardware as early in the design process as possible,’ says Henry Blake co-founder, Jane Kent. ‘Think of it as an intrinsic part of the design, not a last-minute add-on.’
The context
First, consider the architectural language of the kitchen itself: both the age and style of the property, and the kitchen design scheme specifically. ‘For a period kitchen with Shaker-style or raised-panel cabinetry, consider traditional cup handles, ball, bun and mushroom knobs, and back plates, which add that country-house feel,’ says Jane. ‘In a more minimal, modern kitchen, edge pulls are a discreet way to add function without breaking the line of the joinery. Long, slim bar pulls have a similarly pared-back, architectural quality. That said, you may wish to use understated cabinetry as an opportunity to add organic rather than geometric hardware shapes, or a bold, retro-inspired style.’
Form meets function
Deciding on a kitchen hardware style is a balance of aesthetics and practicality. Generally speaking, cup, T-bar and pull handles offer better grip and leverage for heavy drawers and integrated appliances than knobs. Shallow edge pulls, while space-saving, may be slightly harder to use if you need a really good grip. ‘You can opt for a unified scheme with, for example, knobs on doors and pulls on drawers,’ continues Jane. ‘But there’s nothing to stop you from mixing them around according to what works best in different places, provided you retain visual cohesion overall. Remember that, for a wide drawer to open evenly, you’ll need either a long bar handle or two pulls or knobs. It’s also important to consider comfort. When you’re opening and closing a kitchen cupboard door multiple times a day, the hardware should be a pleasure to touch.’
Size and proportion
Provided the hardware does its job, there really isn’t a ‘right’ size to specify. That said, undersized hardware can make a kitchen feel bland and unbalanced, while too many oversized pieces overwhelm the space and add visual confusion. The key is to relate the proportions of the knobs and handles to those of the doors and drawers. For handles, start with the one-third rule, where handle length is roughly equal to one third of the drawer width or the door height, and work from there. As for knobs, a 30-35mm diameter works for many situations, with smaller sizes best used only on tiny cupboards or drawers. Larger kitchen knobs, like extra-long pulls, can create an impressive effect when fitted in the right places. ‘Another factor, easy to overlook but important in smaller kitchens, is the projection of your chosen hardware styles,’ advises Jane.
How to choose the right finish
Alongside style and size, the finish is a defining element of a kitchen handle’s impact. Start by considering how hardware finishes will work with the colours and textures elsewhere in the room, and whether you would prefer them to blend in or stand out. ‘In terms of style, brass and bronze give a warm, traditional feel,’ says Jane. ‘Chrome and graphite have a crisp and contemporary edge, while nickel has a timeless appeal.’ Finally, give some thought to how the hardware will age. A lacquered finish will remain the same for an extended period, while unlacquered brass has a ‘living’ finish that will change gracefully over time and with handling, developing a unique patina.
