Do All Kitchen Handles Need To Match | French Furniture Fittings

If you’re designing a new kitchen its easy to get bogged down in big decisions around worktops and appliances. However, the smaller details like the kitchen cabinet handles and knobs can really bring the whole look and feel together.

A common question we hear from customers is:

Do all my kitchen handles need to match?

And it’s a fair question.

Matching handles can provide an instant coordinated and clean look, and we mostly see matching handles. But if you’ve been browsing interior design magazines or Pinterest, you’ll likely have noticed a shift towards mixing up hardware styles.

Why Matching Kitchen Handles Have Been The Norm

There something satisfying about a kitchen that has matching handles on all cupboards and drawers. It brings order and is ideal for people who prefer clean and consistent interior design.

Any kitchen will already have a lot going on from lighting styles to tiles and worktops, and having matching handles can ensure things don’t feel too busy.

Matching handles also makes sourcing them easier. You don’t need to worry about design clashes and providing that one handle has enough stock you can purchase them in one go. It can also be more affordable.

Why Mixing Kitchen Handles Can Work

So, now for the interesting part. Whilst matching kitchen handles have always had their place, mixing things up is becoming popular. This is especially the case where people want to bring personality and character to their kitchen design. When executed well, a mix of handles, knobs or finishes can add charm.

A big reason why mixing handles in kitchens works is due to the multifunctional nature of the space. You may have a freestanding island, high cabinets, deep pan drawers or maybe even a pantry – which all service different purposes. Many people are now choosing to mix handles styles across these areas to help define them. For example, on heavy drawers you may choose a sturdy cup handle, but add a small knob on wall cabinets. Or potentially something more decorative on a statement kitchen island.

Mixing handles is also effective in kitchens with some design quirkiness or chic, where not everything has to match perfectly. For example, in farmhouse style kitchens mixing handles will actually look better as it gives an appearance of a space that has evolved rather than being created in one go.

The key is to mix handles intentionally rather than randomly.

How To Mix Kitchen Handles The Right Way

Mixing your handles needs thought. It isn’t just about buying a selection of random handles and hoping it all comes together. There’s an art to it, but is also fairly easy to pull off.

The easiest way to mix is to keep one key element consistent. This could be the material or finish (say chrome handles). The will tie all the handles together even when the size, shape or style is different.

You should use the layout of your kitchen as a guide. You could choose to use kitchen pull handles on drawers which are usually pulled more forcefully, and then knobs on cupboards. This is a popular combo that doesn’t over complicate things.

Remember to use restraint. Stick to 2 or 3 styles max otherwise you’ll start to make the kitchen look cluttered or confusing. Plus, don’t just randomly place handles around the kitchen, be specific on how you use ease style to ensure balance.