The furniture handles serve a great role in your space. First, the furniture hardware improves the aesthetic value of your entire space. Second, it provides the functional aspect, allowing you to use your furniture and storage cabinets easily. The handles keep you from transferring the dirt and oil in your fingers directly to the furniture. Also, the furniture handles protect the furniture from damage due to prolonged use.
The furniture handles come in a variety of designs, shapes, materials, and sizes. When choosing a handle for your furniture, ensure that it enhances the aesthetic value of your living space, functionality, and style.
The wrong choice of the handles will cause you frustration due to failed functionality and unattractive aesthetic for your space.
When choosing the right handles, first consider the quality. Good quality handles that will serve you for a long time. Another aspect to consider is the color and style you want to achieve when remodeling or building your space.
Here are tips to help you in choosing the best furniture handles:
- Pulls or Knobs?
There is no strict rule when it comes to deciding whether to pick a knob or a pull. What largely determines the type of handle you choose is the style you want to achieve, the costs, and how heavy the piece of furniture is.
When Can You Choose Knobs?
Knobs are minimalist. The choice of knobs you want depends on the style you want to achieve for your space. If you install a large piece of furniture, such as a large drawer, you need to use two knobs to help in supporting all the weight.
With a knob, you only need to drill one hole. If you want to keep everything simple, knobs are perfect for a minimalistic design.
Knobs are cheaper than pulls, thus a good option if you are on a budget.
When to Choose Pulls?
Pulls are commonly used as opposed to knobs. Pulls are suitable for modern designs as opposed to conventional ones. Also, you should consider pulls if you are installing a heavy piece of furniture. For instance, you should install a pull on a heavy kitchen cabinet where you store heavy utensils.
Pulls offer a better grip as opposed to knobs. You grab a pull with your full palm while you use fingers on knobs. Pulls comes in handy, especially for older people who have issues with flexibility and low strength.
Things You Should Consider in Installing Knobs and Pulls
You do not have to only stick to either pulls or knobs. You can opt to mix and match both of them in your space. You can use the knobs on the doors and pulls on drawers. However, pulls are more suitable if you are installing larger doors.
If you opt for pulls, you should consider the positioning of the doors. If the doors of your drawer are vertical, you should go for lightweight pull handles. It prevents the door from getting too heavy.
Another factor to consider when choosing the type of handles is the general outlook of your space. For instance, you should consider the lighting, the general décor of your home, the countertops, and the cabinet style. Remember to pick the handles that will complement other fixtures and décor of your living space.
Pros of Pull Handles
- Great Stability-Pulls have two attachment points that provide extra stability on the doors or drawers.
- Easy to Install-Pulls are easy and quick to install.
- Provides Comfort- Pulls have enough room for a full palm grip which is comfortable.
- Pulls are Modern-Pulls give your space a modern look. If you want to achieve a classy, stylish vibe for your space, consider installing pulls instead of knobs.
Cons of Pull Handles
- One of the major problems you are likely to encounter with pull handles is establishing the right size of the handle against the piece of furniture. The wrong size of the pull handle may fail in both the functionality and aesthetic value. An oversized pull handle makes the furniture look overwhelmed.
A tiny handle makes the furniture unattractive and may get damaged if it cannot support the weight of the piece of furniture.
Pros of Using Knob Handles
- Knob handles are Versatile-Handle knobs come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Knobs come in round, birdcage, and square shapes. They are made from different materials such as stone, crystal, ceramic, brass, stainless stain, zinc, glass, marble, and so much more. You can mix and match different types of knobs to enhance your personality.
- Easy to Install and Replace-Knobs are easy to install as opposed to pulls. You only need a screw or two to attach them to the furniture. Replacing a damaged knob is easy since you only need to unscrew the old one.
- Knobs Are Affordable-Compared to the pulls, knobs are affordable. However, top-quality knobs can be higher priced than standard pulls. The style you want to achieve should guide you in choosing the right knobs.
Cons of Using Knobs
- Not Convenient-You need to use your fingers to pull the knobs. This makes them hard to use, especially for the older people with failing strength or people who are sickly.
- Can be Annoying-The knobs depending on the size, shape, and location, can be a nuisance. It can get tangled on your cloth, causing little accidents or embarrassments.
- Hard to clean-Most knobs are knottily designed, which makes them hard to clean. Since they are frequently touched, they attract dirt and grime, hence the need for cleaning.
If it becomes impossible to clean the knobs, you might need to replace them, which becomes expensive.
- Consider the Quality of the Handles
The quality of the handles is a primary factor to consider. The quality determines for how long the handles will serve you. In considering the quality, take into consideration how often you will use the handles. To know the durability of the handles, consider the material used in making it. Hardware made of bronze or stainless steel is known to last for a long time.
3.The Functionality of the Handles
Ensure the handles can effectively serve the purpose. The handle should withstand a long time of frequent use. Also, ensure the handles are comfortable and easy to use by everyone around the house. To test the comfortability of the handles, hold them against the furniture and see if your hands fit well on the inside.
4.The material of the Handles
Furniture handles are made of different materials. The most common material used for furniture hardware is metal alloys. Here are different types of furniture handle materials and styles they achieve:
- Stainless steel-The material is best if you are looking for durability and class.
- Crystal or Glass- These materials will give you a vintage style. However, may not be durable.
- Brass- Handles made of brass are highly durable. The brass is coated with lacquer or plating, which gives them a long-lasting effect. In addition, brass has antimicrobial properties, which help in preventing the spread of germs.
- Bronze- Bronze material is perfect for furniture with thick wood. Bronze gives you a stylish look and has antimicrobial properties. It is also durable.
- Other materials- Other materials you can use on your furniture are pewter and nickel.
When choosing the best material for your furniture handles, you should consider the durability, style you want to achieve, and budget.
5.Your Budget
Your budget will guide you in choosing the right handles. The handles you choose must fit well within your budget. However, as you try to stick to your budget, always aim for quality handles. Look out for different manufacturers since the prices vary.
6.The Style You Want to Achieve
The furniture handles come in different designs and styles. The handles you choose should complement the style of your space. Here’s a guide to different handle styles:
- Transitional Style
The transitional style is a mix of both traditional and modern features. For instance, for cabinets with inset doors, consider handles that are neither contemporary nor too intricate. You should strive to strike a balance.
- Contemporary Style
The contemporary style should be a mix of lustrous lines, minimalist colors, and little additions. If you are looking to achieve a contemporary style, use simple handles. Alternatively, you can pick stainless steel handles, linear bar handles, or curved barrel handles.
- Traditional Style
If you want to achieve a traditional style, choose ornamental or decorative handles. The furniture with traditional style has elaborate details. Drop handles are perfect for a traditional style. You can complement them with matching knobs for cabinets or drawers.
- Eclectic Style
The diverse style allows you to showcase your personality in your living space. To achieve this style, consider using unique handles. For instance, you can opt for painted knobs for a warm, relaxed aura for your space. Also, if you have a beach house, you can consider using handles with seashell vibes. Whatever handles you choose, ensure it compliments your style well.
- Consider Other Furniture Fixture and Fittings Around Your Space
When choosing the right furniture handles for your home, you should consider other aspects of your space. For instance, you should consider the appliances, the décor, the lighting, and the finishing in your kitchen.
If you choose the wrong handles, you may ruin the cohesiveness of your décor and outlook. When using metallic handles, be careful not to overdo them.
Before you buy the handles, check the décor, the finishes, the colors of your space. You can order samples just to be sure if they will fit well.
- Ensure The Finishing Is Consistent
Make sure to keep the finishes consistent. Most people usually go for brushed nickel or chrome. There are various finishes that will give you the desired results.
If you have adopted a contemporary style for your home. You should consider using polished stainless steel handles. White or furniture with lighter tones will blend well with darker polished handles. For furniture with dark colors, consider handles with a light finish such as mirror stainless steel.
You can choose to mix and match different colors. However, you should ensure the colors are as close as possible. It is best to buy the handles from one manufacturer to ensure the consistency of the finishes.
Another thing to consider when it comes to finishes is the color of the furniture. For instance, white cabinets are consistent with every finishing. In addition, the décor and appliances of your home should guide you in choosing the right finishing.
Common handles finishes are:
- Brushed
- Antique
- Burnished
- Matte
- Polished
- Satin
- Brushed
- Oil-rubbed and
- Tarnished
- The Size of the Handle and the Furniture Should Be Proportional
Before buying the handles, you should first check the samples of the furniture. Hold the handles against the drawers or doors to ensure they are a perfect fit. You can order different samples of handles to enable you to find the perfect fit. You should be patient when requesting samples, as it may take a week or slightly more, depending on the shipping logistics.
In choosing the right size of the furniture handle, consider aspects such as functionality, balance, aesthetics, and proportion. If the piece of furniture is small, choose a smaller sized knob or pull. When dealing with larger pieces of furniture, consider larger pulls or knobs.
If you are going for the traditional or transitional style, consider choosing pull handles that are about one-third the length of the drawer.
If the piece of furniture is more than 8 inches wide, you need to use two or more knobs or pulls. Longer pulls that are approximately two-thirds the length of the drawer or door should adopt a contemporary style.
Also, ensure all the handles are well and conveniently placed for easy use by everyone around the house.
Here are tips for buying the perfect handle size for different types of furniture:
1.Oversized/Large Cabinet
For large cabinets, 36 inches or bigger, you should use long pulls. Consider pulls that are either 12″, 10″, 8″ or 6″. If you prefer knobs, choose one and a half inches.
2.Standard Sized Furniture
Standard size cabinets range from 12″ up to 36″. The perfect pull handle size for these cabinets is 3″ or 4″. If you are going to use knobs, consider one-3/8″ or one- 1/4″.
3.Smaller Cabinets
The small-sized cabinet or furniture should be less than 12″. If you have this type of cabinet, small-sized knobs with less than 1″ diameter or T-pulls will be perfect.
10.Buy The Hardware from A Reliable and Reputable Manufacturer
Another thing to consider when buying furniture handles is the manufacturer. The manufacturer you choose to buy from determines the quality of handles you get. Ensure the manufacturer is reliable and produces top-quality products.
Do not invest your money in substandard products that will not serve you for long. In addition, if you take time to find a reliable manufacturer, you will have a go-to place anytime you need more furniture hardware.
How to Find a reputable and reliable manufacturer?
1.Visit Your Local Walk-in Stores
One of the surest ways of finding good products is by walking to the nearest store. Most stores have a variety of furniture hardware from different manufacturers. Here, you will have the chance to inspect the products by yourself. In addition, you get the assistance of the salesperson in choosing top-quality hardware.
The benefit of a walk-in store is that you get to test the product for yourself. So, you are sure of what you are taking home. However, the walk-in-stores have a limited selection of handles. If you cannot find what you are looking for, look out for different manufacturers and products online.
2.Check the Online Stores and Manufacturers
Another way of finding a good manufacturer is by browsing online. To get a hold of a good manufacturer, check the online reviews left by the previous buyers. The reviews enable you to understand the quality of the product as well as the customer care experience.
You will have access to a wide variety of furniture handles from different manufacturers from online stores. You can be sure to get what you are looking for from online stores with different materials, colors, designs, and styles.
Another advantage of an online store is that you get the handles for lower costs than a physical store.
With online stores, you will not deal with pesky salespeople. You can freely browse through different products to get what you want. The products are neatly arranged on the website, making it easier for you to find what you want.
Bonus Tips for Choosing Furniture Handles
Most furniture, e. g. drawers or cabinets, do not come with the handles in place. You have to install the handles separately. Choosing the right hardware for your furniture is not an as easy task as it seems. You need to consider the type of handles you need, the style you need to achieve, the colors, materials, the cost, and so on.
If you are looking for the best handles for your cabinets, drawers, or doors, here are bonus tips to help you in picking the right ones.
- You Can Use Some Inspiration
If you are not sure of the handles to choose for your space, you should use some inspiration. For instance, you can go through various social media platforms, such as Pinterest to get a clue. Alternatively, you can see what other people have done in their spaces and use it as an inspiration. Inspiration can be a great source of furniture handle ideas.
2.Consider the General Theme of Your Room
When choosing the right handles for your drawer and cabinets, consider the general theme of your space. For instance, if the theme of your kitchen is modern or contemporary, you should consider installing sleek and smooth pulls. If you have a traditional kitchen model, it would be best if you choose simple handle knobs.
3.Which Type of Handles Do You Prefer?
You have to decide if it’s the knobs or pulls you want for your space. Knobs are perfect for traditional styled spaces and kitchens. Also, if you want to achieve an ornate or detailed kitchen, knobs are perfect for the job. Compared to pulls, knobs are smaller in size and won’t steal away the attention from the design of your furniture.
- Quality Matters
When shopping for furniture hardware, always consider the quality of the handles. The handles are commonly used and pulled now and then. Therefore, it is important only to choose top-quality. Even if you are chasing a stylish look for your space, always ensure to get quality and durable handles. The grip should be comfortable and the handle strong.
- You Can Try Mix and Match
With all that said, remember your space should reflect your personality. If one style or design does not bring out the flair you are looking for, you can try mix and match. You can mix different metals, colors, or design for the desired results. However, you should be careful not to overdo it, as it can ruin your space.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect knobs or pulls for your space is not easy. You should consider your comfort when using handles as you will use them nearly every day.
Do not fall prey to just attractive handles. Quality and comfort are essential. Before you settle on the handles, order a few samples to test their functionality, quality, and comfort. Consider sampling the handles from companies that offer a sample program. The handles will get shipped to your location for you to access them. Note, you should first understand the company shipping policy, as most companies require you to meet the shipping costs.
Take note of the sharp-ended handles that will grab your clothing or pockets. You should consider this aspect when picking handles. Round or curved handles are the best choice if you want to avoid this behavior.
Create a budget and stick to it. Well, you can adjust it a little when the need arises. However, do not go for low-quality handles just because you want to save a dime. Low-quality handles will get broken soon. You will incur the cost of installing new ones now and then, making it expensive in the long run.
We hope this article will be a helpful guide when it comes to shopping for your furniture handles. The key thing is to conduct proper research before you buy the handles.
Additional References
https://www.schoolhouse.com/blogs/how-to/how-to-choose-the-perfect-cabinet-hardware
https://bedroomsplus.co.uk/how-to-choose-the-right-furniture-handles/
https://www.les-bayards.com/five-factors-to-consider-when-purchasing-cabinet-pulls/
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-select-cabinet-knobs-and-pulls-2109441