Kitchen Handles UK: Styles, Finishes & Tips to Choose the Perfect Handles

Popular Styles of Kitchen Handles in the UK

The UK market offers a wide variety of handle styles to suit every kitchen aesthetic, from traditional and rustic to sleek and contemporary.

Bar Handles: These are a very popular choice in the UK, offering a clean, linear look. They are simple, functional, and come in various lengths, making them suitable for both doors and drawers. T-bar handles are a specific type of bar handle with a 'T' shape, perfect for a sleek, modern feel.

Cup Handles: Also known as cup pulls, these handles are a classic choice that adds a touch of vintage or farmhouse charm. They are semi-circular in shape and are often used on drawers and lower cabinets.

D Handles: This style is characterized by a "D" shape, with two mounting points and a curved grip. D handles are practical and comfortable to use, available in both traditional and modern designs.

Bow Handles: Similar to D handles, bow handles have a gently curved shape that is both ergonomic and visually soft. They are a versatile option that works well in a range of kitchen styles.

Knobs: Small and versatile, knobs are a great way to add a finishing touch. They are typically round or square and are often used on cabinet doors. Knobs can be paired with other handle styles, such as cup handles on drawers, for a mixed and matched look.

Flush/Recessed Handles: For a truly minimalist and handleless look, these handles are a popular choice. They are built into the cabinet door or drawer front, creating a sleek, uncluttered surface.

Profile Handles: These handles are mounted on the edge of the cabinet door, often as a hollow bar. They are another way to achieve a sleek and contemporary, handleless aesthetic without the need for touch-to-open mechanisms.

Knurled Handles: Featuring a textured, patterned surface, knurled handles add visual interest and an enhanced grip. They work well in both modern and industrial-style kitchens.

Finishes & Colours: Matching Your Kitchen Aesthetic

TheKitchenBox offers a wide range of finishes. The Kitchen Box

• Chrome / Brushed Nickel — clean, modern, reflective or softly muted.

• Pewter / Antique Copper / Brass — for warm tones, vintage or rustic styles.

• Black / White / Ivory / Oak / Champagne Gold — provide contrast or blend into cabinetry.

Practical Factors to Consider

1. Size & Proportion

   • Too large a handle on small doors looks overpowering; too small feels awkward.

   • Depth matters—make sure it’s easy to grip without hitting neighbouring doors or drawers.

2. Hole Spacing (Centres)

   • Many handles have fixed fixing centres (e.g. 128mm, 160mm).

   • If replacing existing handles, matching the centres saves you from drilling new holes.

3. Material & Maintenance

   • Solid metal handles (aluminium, stainless steel, solid brass) last longer.

   • Finishes like powder-coated black or textured black reduce visible wear.

4. Comfort & Ergonomics

   • Edges should be rounded for comfort.

   • Cup or profile handles with recessed grip offer less snagging (useful for children or if hands are often full).

Common Finishes and Materials

The finish of your handles is crucial for tying your kitchen design together. It's often recommended to match or complement the finishes of other kitchen elements, such as taps, lighting, and appliances.

Chrome (Polished & Satin): A classic and versatile finish. Polished chrome has a high-mirror shine, which can add a touch of glamour but also shows fingerprints easily. Satin chrome or polished nickel offers a similar look with a slightly softer, more refined feel.

Brushed/Satin Nickel: A popular silver-toned finish with a subtle, matte sheen. It is durable and excellent at hiding fingerprints and scratches, making it a great choice for busy kitchens.

Brass (Polished & Antique): Brass finishes are on-trend and can bring a sense of luxury and warmth. Polished brass offers a bright, golden shine, while antique brass provides a darker, aged, and prestigious look.

Matt Black: A highly sought-after finish for modern and contemporary kitchens. Matt black handles provide a striking contrast against lighter cabinetry and can create a sophisticated, industrial, or minimalist feel.

Copper & Bronze: These finishes add warmth and solidity to a kitchen. Copper has a distinctive, vibrant colour, while bronze offers a deeper, more rustic tone. Both work well with traditional and modern designs.

Pewter: A finish with a vintage, rustic feel, often used in traditional or shaker-style kitchens.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Kitchen Handles

Consider Your Kitchen's Style: The first step is to align the handles with your overall kitchen design. For a modern kitchen with sleek, flat-panel cabinets, linear bar handles or recessed pulls are a great choice. For a traditional shaker kitchen, cup handles or classic knobs in an antique finish would be a perfect fit.

Functionality and Comfort: Think about how you use your kitchen. A handle should be comfortable to grip and easy to use. If you have large, heavy drawers, a larger bar or D handle will provide better leverage than a small knob. Test out different handles to see what feels best in your hand.

Size and Proportion: The size of the handle should be proportionate to the cabinet or drawer. A large handle can overwhelm a small cabinet, while a tiny handle can get lost on a large door. As a general rule, handles are placed vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers.

Material and Durability: Consider the material of the handle. Zinc alloy, stainless steel, and brass are durable and long-lasting options. If you want a specific texture or feel, wood, ceramic, or leather handles can add a unique touch.

Think About Maintenance: Polished and glossy finishes, such as polished chrome or brass, can show fingerprints easily and may require more frequent cleaning. If you want a low-maintenance option, consider a brushed or matte finish.

Consistency vs. Mixing and Matching: For a cohesive look, it's generally recommended to choose one style and finish for all your handles. However, a popular trend is to mix and match, for example, using knobs on cabinet doors and cup handles on drawers, which can add character and visual interest.

Top Picks from TheKitchenBox & What Makes Them Stand Out

Here are a few examples of handles from TheKitchenBox’s collection with what makes them good choices: The Kitchen Box

• Bexley D Handle (Chrome / Brushed Nickel / Pewter) — Classic D-bar design. Clean lines, good for modern or transitional kitchens. The Kitchen Box

• Camden D Handle (Antique Black / Antique Copper / Brushed Nickel / Pewter) — Offers more character with colour options. Great if you want handles to ‘pop’. The Kitchen Box

• Parallel Bow Handle Brushed Nickel — Sleek, contemporary, good for larger door fronts or drawers where you want clean elegantly curved hardware. The Kitchen Box

Trends in 2025 UK Kitchens

• Mixed metal finishes: Combining different metals (e.g. brass handles with black fixtures) for a layered look.

• Matte black and gunmetal: Bold accent handles to contrast light cabinetry.

• Minimalist, handle-less look is still popular, but handles remain important on islands and feature cabinets.

• Sustainable materials and finishes with less environmental impact are getting attention.

How to Choose the Right Handle for Your Kitchen

Here’s a quick checklist:

• What style is your cabinetry (shaker, slab, framed, etc.)?

• What is your existing hardware finish (faucet, appliances, lighting)?

• Do you want handles to be a feature (contrast) or blend in (tone-on-tone)?

• What maintenance are you okay with (polishing, cleaning metal, etc.)?

• Budget: higher-end materials/finishes cost more, but can save in longevity.