Exploring Drawer Handle Designs | French Furniture Fittings

The drawer handles you choose have a big influence on the overall look of a piece of furniture.

The best part about selecting drawer handles is the wide range of options available, from a classic cup handle to a modern bar pull. Some designs lean into traditional shapes and vintage finishes, whilst others bring a minimalist look. Some drawer handle styles never go out of style and we’ve provided some insights to ensure you pick the right style for your furniture or space.

Transitional Handle Styles

Not every home falls into a purely traditional or modern design category. Many rooms and furniture choices combine classic features with contemporary appearances, this where a transitional handle design is a great option.

A popular transitional handle option available on French Furniture Fittings is the antique pewter or brass pull handle. The handle itself brings a simple and practical shape, whilst those finishes bring vintage charm. Brass handles in particular have grown in popularity due to the benefits of a sophisticated appearance without being overly traditional.

Transitional handle designs don’t tie you down and leaves future changes easy as your home involves.

Sleek & contemporary Drawer Handle Designs

One of the most popular drawer handle choices for a contemporary appearance is the bar handle. It provides an uncluttered appearance and offers high durability which is well suited to modern kitchen drawers or drawers on bespoke furniture. They’re also great for heavier drawers as they provide plenty of grip.

With modern drawer handles you have a wide range of finishes to choose from including matt black, which looks great alongside natural furniture materials such as oak or stone. Whilst brushed brass looks a little warmer and proves that modern interior design doesn’t always mean cold or clinical.

Choosing The Right Drawer Handle For Your Style

With the amount of drawer handle designs to choose from you need to find the right balance between appearance, functionality and proportion. In busy households some drawer handles will be used several times every day, so practicality should be part of your decision making.

Go With Functionality First

Some drawers will hold heavy items such as pans or paperwork and pull handles are usually the most practical option. The large grip area provides good leverage. Smaller drawers usually don’t need much strength to open so perhaps a knob or small cup handle can work better.

Getting Drawer Handle Proportions Right Is Crucial

With drawer handles, the one-third rule provides a helpful guide to handle size. Choose a handle that’s roughly one third the size of the drawer front. This rule prevents the handle looking out of scale.

Drawer & Cupboard Handles Can Be Mixed

Providing its done thoughtfully, mixing pull handles and knobs is a growing trend. A common approach is to use knobs on narrow drawers or higher cupboards, and longer pull handles on heavier drawers or lower cabinets.