When To Use Cabinet Knobs vs Pull Handles

Whether to go for knobs or pull handles is a common question. Initially it doesn’t really feel like a big deal, but in reality the choice can have a big impact on the look of your kitchen or furniture. Your choice of handle can significantly influence the overall style and even the day to day use of your cupboards and drawers.

Knobs tend to bring a more traditional look, whilst pull handles are larger and usually look more modern. Each option has its strengths, with the right choice coming down to the type of furniture in question and the use it’ll get.

In many cases mixing the two can work, but its easy to over use one over the other, which often looks cluttered and unorganised.

Understanding The Difference Between Knobs & Pull Handles

It’s easy to think there isn’t much of a difference as they’re both designed to do the same job. But once you start looking at kitchen cabinets or other furniture more closely, some key differences become clear.

Knobs are simple. They’re usually small, circular or square in shape, and are fixed to the door or drawer with a single screw. This makes them fairly easy to fit and swap out. Furniture knobs are often associated with a more traditional design themes, but they can also be suited to modern kitchens.

On the other hand, a pull handle is larger and more prominent. A cup handle is generally associated with rustic or traditional settings, with a pull handle being seen as more modern. They provide more grip and leverage which makes them ideal for heavy drawers or cupboard doors.

When To Choose Cabinet Knobs

Due to their size, knobs naturally suit cupboard doors and narrow drawers, or other furniture where space is limited. They won’t overpower the general design theme of a room or piece of furniture. They can add just enough detail without dominating.

Due their simple nature, they are usually a more affordable option and are easy to replace in the future.

They can work in modern interiors with careful thought around materials and colours, but tend to be better suited to traditional design themes.

When To Choose Pull Handles

Any pull handle instantly offers a sturdy grip so are ideal for heavier drawers or cupboards. You wouldn’t want to attach a knob to a heavy pan drawer (for example) as you’d struggle to get it open without extra leverage.

The length of a pull handle can be key as a smaller size can be practical without dominating. When it comes to proportions, furniture designers recommend the 1/3 rule, which discusses using a handle roughly a third of the width of the drawers or doors in question.

Mixing Knobs & Pulls

It’s not always the case that you have to choose between the two, many of the best kitchen designs use a combination. The key to mixing handle types is to be intentional about it as otherwise it won’t look cohesive.

A common approach to mixing handles is to use knobs on higher cupboards, with pull handles on drawers and lower units. If you’re creating a traditional interior design then you might choose to mix a classic round knob with cup handles.

The most important part of mixing handle styles is be consistent. Sticking with one handle finish will tie everything together.

Choosing The Right Handle Finish

Once you’ve decided which option is right, the next step is choosing the finish. This stage can influence the whole look and feel of your kitchen or furniture – the good news is that on French Furniture Fittings many of our products are available in a range of finishes, with carefully curated collections to ensure you can mix handle types within the same style.

For bright rooms polished chrome or polished nickel are always popular. They reflect light and make smaller kitchens feel more open. They also match neatly with modern kitchen appliances and taps.

For a more traditional or rustic appearance, you could look at antique pewter, brushed brass or iron, These warmer tones bring more character and they pair well with natural wood or painted shaker style units.

Whether you opt for shiny metallic finishes, or rustic styles you should keep it consistent across all your knobs and pull handles.