How to choose the right furniture handle?

The different types of furniture handles

How do you select the perfect furniture handle for your interior? Which shape is best suited to revamp your wardrobe? Which colour harmonises with your kitchen style? Beyond the aesthetic aspect, it's important to consider various technical aspects when choosing these functional and highly decorative hardware accessories! Each type of furniture handle has its own specific features and design appeal! 

The shape, size and materials of handles or knobs should be chosen according to the furniture and its location in the home. 

Let's review all the types of furniture handles offered by modern hardware!

1. Furniture knobs 

Furniture knobs are single-point handles. Extremely easy to install: simply choose a location and fix them by screwing them in.  

Furniture knobs are available in various shapes: 

• Round knobs

Even though it's the traditional shape for door and furniture knobs, the round knob benefits from numerous updates in terms of finishes and colours! Far from the black or dull grey aluminium knob, coloured wood, polished brass or transparent glass are now widely available options for this type of handle!

• Square knobs

Hardware is evolving towards ultra-design trends! This square knob in gilded raw bronze stands out on the doors of a modern low-level kitchen unit. Why not choose models with a bold style in brass, stainless steel or wood.

• Original shaped knobs 

Furniture handles inspire the most creative designers! Take advantage of knobs with original shapes and materials such as this hexagonal glass furniture knob. Ideal for enhancing a kitchen or bathroom unit, this knob brings design and style to any type of furniture.

Some furniture handles deviate from the norm, such as this gilded semi-circular knob available in a large size 70x70x20 cm!  

On this subject, knobs are available in various sizes: 

• the small knob - up to 20 mm diameter - For decorative purposes, this type of knob, with its delicate design and fine grip, suits doors or drawers of small furniture that is rarely used. To be avoided for young children's bedroom furniture!
• the medium knob - over 20 mm diameter up to 40 mm - This is the most common type of knob. Both ergonomic and easy to handle, it suits all furniture in the home, from the kitchen to the bedroom
• the large knob - over 40 mm - Ultra-design and original, this knob is very decorative whilst offering very comfortable use.

2. Pull handle 

The pull handle is fixed to furniture using two screws. As its name suggests, this handle allows you to pull the drawer or cupboard door, making it easier to open. It can be positioned horizontally, vertically or diagonally. If you wish to replace old handles, be sure to measure the distance between the existing holes to avoid having to fill and drill new holes in the furniture door.

Pull handles are comfortable and highly functional: besides pulling and pushing the drawer or cupboard door, they provide a hanging point for a tea towel, towel or any other object. This type of handle is suitable for bathroom units, kitchen cabinets, children's bedroom furniture - the choice is endless!

3. T-bar handle

T-shaped handles are one or two-point handles with an elongated grip section. They combine the minimalism of knobs with the functionality of longitudinal handles, with a second bolt or pin to prevent any movement. They can be mounted horizontally, vertically or diagonally, and when mounted vertically, they offer a very practical hanging function. 

Available in different styles (modern, Scandinavian, wood, bronze or steel handles), these small handles are ultra-design. 

A little tip: for horizontal handles, check that there is sufficient space to fix them without knocking against other elements, thus allowing optimal use of the furniture.

4. Edge handle

Edge handles (or rim handles) integrate perfectly into minimalist interiors. They enhance the linearity of the furniture, emphasising its lines whilst remaining discreet.

There are different models: handles fixed to the front edge of the furniture, either from the top or from the side. Their installation requires some measurements as they are generally mounted at the back, above the door, and the thickness of the material must be taken into account. 

With a gilded brass finish, this model elegantly emphasises the drawers of a raw wood unit.

5. Shell handle 

The shell or cup handle has a particular charm. Fixed at two or three points, this handle offers a pleasant grip. It combines the functionality of an edge handle with the aesthetics of traditional knobs and oblong handles.

Its installation on the furniture is easy and there's no need to leave a gap between the fronts. This type of furniture handle gives a Scandinavian style to a white kitchen. The gilded or silver finish on navy blue drawers gives a maritime look to living room furniture.

6. Recessed handle

The recessed handle, also called a cup handle, consists of an element recessed into the wood of the furniture and a decorative face. You need to drill a hole, for example by milling, to accommodate it. The advantage of this type of handle is the practically flat front surface and the absence of protruding elements, which makes them perfect handles for sliding doors.

7. Pull handle 

A pull handle, also known as a tab handle or tongue-shaped handle, is a type of furniture handle that allows you to open drawers or doors by pulling on a small tab or strap. They are generally fixed to the top or side edge of the door or drawer, offering an easy and ergonomic grip.

Designed to be discreet and unobtrusive, they integrate harmoniously into the minimalist design of modern furniture. In black leather or pineapple vegan leather, this handle will make a statement on oak kitchen drawers!

Furniture handle materials

There is a wide variety of materials for furniture handles, such as brass, stainless steel, zamak, bronze, nickel, zinc, porcelain, crystal, ceramic or stainless steel. 

Each of these materials offers specific characteristics in terms of resistance, durability and aesthetics. Solid brass is renowned for its robustness and natural patina, whilst brushed stainless steel gives a modern and sleek appearance to your furniture. Coloured glass adds a chic touch to your bathroom or kitchen units

The finish of the handle is also a criterion to consider. You can choose from a gilded, chrome, bronze, polished brass, matt nickel, matt black or white lacquered finish depending on the style you wish to bring to your furniture. Coloured and decorated handles, exceptional products available at low prices, will enhance your furniture!

In summary, hardware offers various types of furniture handles! The choice of furniture handles plays a crucial role in the aesthetics and functionality of your interior space. Whether it's knobs, edge handles, discreet and minimalist, or pull handles, practical and modern, each type offers its own advantages and characteristics. These functional and decorative accessories help us to renovate our interior without changing everything and at lower cost! By carefully selecting handles that match your style and needs, you can easily transform your furniture, which will benefit your entire interior decoration. You can complete your décor by installing designer interior door handles with the same finish as those on your furniture! With such a diversity of available options, finding the perfect handle for each piece of furniture becomes an exciting creative adventure.