Furniture handles and knobs for drawers
A drawer handle both makes it easier to open the furniture and allows you to personalise its front. On a chest of drawers, kitchen furniture, a desk, a bedside table or bathroom furniture, this small piece of hardware can immediately transform the style of the piece.
At Milla Handles, we offer a wide selection of furniture handles and knobs for drawers: single-fixing knobs, pull handles, bin pulls, T-bar handles, leather pull straps, edge pulls and recessed models. Our collection brings together contemporary, classic, retro, handcrafted and more original designs, in a wide range of materials and finishes.
To make the right choice, design alone is not enough. The number of fixing points, the centre spacing, the dimensions of the front, the projection of the handle and the thickness of the drawer front are also important.
Which handle to choose for a drawer?
The choice depends primarily on the size of the drawer, its weight, how frequently it is used and any existing holes. A small, lightweight drawer can be fitted with a discreet knob, while a wide or deep drawer generally calls for a more comfortable grip.
The drawer knob with a single fixing
The drawer knob is generally fixed with a single screw passing through the front. It is particularly well suited to small drawers, bedside tables, occasional furniture, desks and chests of drawers.
A knob can be round, square, oval, cylindrical, sculpted or geometric. T-bar models also have a single fixing point but offer a larger gripping surface than a standard knob.
To replace an old knob, check the diameter of its base to ensure that the new model will correctly cover the hole or any marks left on the furniture.
The two-fixing pull handle
A pull handle for drawers is generally secured by two screws. It offers a wider grip and distributes the load across two fixing points. It is particularly well suited to large drawers, pan drawers, chests of drawers, kitchen furniture and storage used on a daily basis.
Pull handles come in many lengths. Some collections offer the same design in several centre-to-centre spacings, making it possible to use shorter handles on small drawers and longer versions on large fronts while maintaining a consistent look.
The bin pull for a retro or vintage piece of furniture
The bin pull has a curved form under which the fingers are placed. It is often used on chests of drawers, workshop furniture, trade furniture and kitchens with a classic or industrial feel.
Bin pulls are available notably in bronze, brass, iron or patinated metal. Before replacing an old model, check its centre spacing and the dimensions of its base, as the latter should ideally cover the old holes and any marks on the front.
The T-bar handle
The T-bar handle combines the compact appearance of a knob with a wider grip. It typically uses a single fixing point and suits both small fronts and contemporary drawers.
It is particularly useful when you want to achieve a graphic effect without creating two new holes in the furniture.
The leather pull strap
The leather drawer handle provides a soft grip and a warm feel. It can take the form of a loop, a tab or a pull strap secured with a metal button.
Some leather pull straps in our selection are made by hand. As with any natural material, slight variations in grain, shade or texture may be visible from one piece to another.
The edge pull or lip pull
The edge pull is fixed to the top edge of the drawer front. It remains visually discreet and is particularly well suited to kitchens, dressing rooms and contemporary furniture with clean lines.
This type of handle does not always directly replace a standard handle. It is necessary to check the thickness of the front, the position of the fixings, the projection of the model and the space available between the different drawers.
The recessed handle
The recessed handle is integrated into the front to minimise its projection. It can be useful in a narrow passage, on a contemporary piece of furniture, or when you wish to avoid a handle that protrudes significantly.
Its installation may require routing or specific preparation of the furniture. It is therefore important to check the dimensions and fitting instructions on the product page before drilling.
How to measure the centre spacing of a drawer handle?
The fixing centre spacing is the distance measured between the centres of the two fixing holes of a handle. It should not be confused with the total length of the handle.
For example, a handle may measure 150 mm in total length while having a smaller centre spacing. To replace a handle without re-drilling the furniture, the new centre spacing must match that of the existing holes.
The measurement must be taken from centre to centre:
- locate the two holes or two screws of the old handle;
- measure the distance between the centre of the first hole and the centre of the second;
- compare this measurement with the centre-to-centre spacing stated on the product page of the new model;
- also check the total length and the width of the base to cover the old marks.
If the furniture has only one hole, you must choose a knob or handle designed for a single fixing. A two-point handle cannot be installed without drilling a second hole.
Other dimensions to check before ordering
The centre spacing is not the only useful measurement. To avoid mistakes, it is also advisable to check:
- the total length, to maintain good proportions relative to the front;
- the width or diameter of the base, to cover the old holes and marks;
- the projection, i.e. the distance between the front and the tip of the handle;
- the grip space, to allow your fingers to pass comfortably behind the handle;
- the thickness of the front, which determines the required screw length;
- the number of fixing points and their position.
A handle with the correct centre spacing may nonetheless reveal marks from the old model if its base is narrower or shorter. It is therefore important to compare all dimensions before ordering.
Which handle to choose based on drawer size?
There is no universal size that suits all furniture. The choice must remain proportionate to the front and suited to the effort required to open the drawer.
For a small, lightweight drawer, a knob or short handle generally provides sufficient grip. For a large kitchen drawer, a pan drawer or deep storage unit, it is preferable to choose a handle that ensures a comfortable grip and a fixing suited to the intended use.
A long handle placed in the centre can emphasise the width of a large drawer. Two knobs can also be used to create a more classic or symmetrical look. This solution does, however, require precise positioning to ensure both elements are perfectly aligned.
For a piece of furniture with several fronts of different sizes, using the same collection in several lengths makes it possible to achieve a more harmonious overall look.
Drawer handle in brass, bronze, porcelain or wood: which material to choose?
Our selection includes handles and knobs in brass, bronze, porcelain, real wood, leather, iron, steel, stainless steel, aluminium, zamak, copper, natural stone, concrete and crystal. Each material has its own look, feel and ageing characteristics.
Brass handles and knobs
Brass provides a warm tone and suits both antique furniture and contemporary designs. It can be polished, brushed, satin, patinated, lacquered or unlacquered depending on the model.
Unlacquered brass naturally evolves with exposure to air and handling. It gradually develops a patina that is part of the character of the material. A lacquered model retains its original appearance for longer, provided it is properly maintained.
Bronze handles and knobs
Real bronze is particularly prized for bin pulls, sculpted knobs and models inspired by antique hardware.
Its surface may feature nuances and variations that contribute to its authentic character. Our selection includes bronze pieces made in Belgium, in forms ranging from minimalist knobs to decorative handles.
Porcelain and ceramic knobs
The porcelain knobs allow you to introduce colour, a pattern, or a glossy or matt finish to a piece of furniture. They are particularly well suited to chests of drawers, bedroom furniture, character kitchens and children's furniture.
Some pieces are made or decorated by hand. Slight differences may therefore appear between several knobs from the same collection without constituting a defect.
Wood, leather and natural materials
Real wood provides a warm feel and pairs naturally with an oak, beech, walnut or painted wood front. Leather allows for softer pull straps, while natural stone gives each knob its own unique veining and appearance.
These materials may display variations in colour, grain, shape or texture. These differences are part of their natural or artisanal character.
Zamak, aluminium, steel and stainless steel
Zamak allows for a great variety of shapes and finishes. It is particularly common in contemporary handles, geometric knobs and models available in several centre spacings.
Aluminium is lightweight and is particularly well suited to long handles or edge pull designs. Steel and stainless steel offer a more technical or minimalist look, suited to kitchens, offices and contemporary furniture.
The exact material and finish must always be verified on each product's page.
European manufacturing and handcrafted pieces
The Milla Handles collection brings together the work of various European workshops, manufacturers and makers. Depending on the reference, drawer handles and knobs may be made in France, Belgium, Italy or Poland.
Our range notably includes brass knobs crafted using French expertise, bronze pieces made in Belgium, glass and brass models produced in Italy, and a wide range of contemporary zamak or aluminium handles made in Poland.
Some references are produced industrially to offer several lengths, centre spacings and finishes. Others are made by hand, produced to order or in small batches. The manufacturing method is specified on the product page when it has a notable characteristic.
Black, gold, bronze or coloured: which finish to choose?
A black handle creates a strong contrast on a light or natural wood piece of furniture. Gold, brass or bronze finishes add warmth, while chrome, nickel and stainless steel blend easily into a contemporary interior.
Porcelain, wood or mineral material knobs also allow for more unusual colours: white, blue, green, pink, red, ivory or natural tones depending on the collection.
The same finish name may show slight variations depending on the material, the workshop or the manufacturer. To fit several drawers with a uniform look, it is preferable to choose all handles from the same collection, in the same material and the same finish.
How to replace an old drawer handle?
Replacement is straightforward when the new model has the same number of fixings and the same centre spacing as the old handle. Simply remove the old fitting, clean the front and fit the new handle into the existing holes.
Before final fitting, however, check that:
- the new base covers the old holes and any existing marks;
- the screws match the thread of the handle;
- their length is suited to the thickness of the front;
- the handle is correctly centred and aligned;
- the tightening holds the handle in place without damaging the furniture.
The contents of the packaging and the screw length may vary depending on the reference. It is therefore important to consult the product page. If the screw supplied is not suited to the thickness of your drawer front, a screw of a different length may be required.
For a new installation, use a template and mark each point precisely before drilling. This precaution is particularly important when a piece of furniture has several drawers, as a slight offset quickly becomes visible across all the fronts.
Updating a chest of drawers or kitchen furniture
Changing the handles is an effective way to renovate a piece of furniture without replacing its entire structure. A classic chest of drawers can be modernised with black knobs or brass handles, while a contemporary piece can gain character with bronze, porcelain or leather.
To restore antique furniture, also discover our handles and knobs for antique and vintage furniture. You can also browse our selection of handles for chests of drawers or handles for kitchen furniture.
Ordering your drawer handles correctly
Before confirming your choice, note the number of handles required and check the unit of sale indicated on each product page. Furniture handles and knobs are generally sold individually, but some references may have specific conditions or minimum quantities.
For a project involving many drawers, it can be useful to order a single piece first to check the colour, dimensions, feel and compatibility with the existing holes.
Discover our collection of drawer handles, drawer knobs, bin pulls, edge pulls and pull handles in a wide range of materials, sizes and finishes.
Also discover our full range of furniture handles and knobs to personalise your cupboards, wardrobes, chests of drawers, dressing rooms and kitchen furniture.