The right handles and knobs can change both the appearance and everyday use of your furniture. They are practical fittings, but also details that bring personality to your interior. This guide explores what to consider when choosing them.
Handles or knobs: what is the difference?
Handles are usually elongated and can offer more room for your fingers, making them a useful choice for drawers and larger cabinet doors. Knobs are often more compact and can work well on smaller drawers and cupboards. Your choice depends on how the furniture is used, how the fitting feels in your hand and your personal preference.
Find your personal style
From classic and traditional to modern and minimalist, the style of your handles influences the overall impression of a piece of furniture. Consider the existing room and choose details that complement it.
Repeating a colour, material or texture can help connect different parts of your home. For example, combine brass cabinet handles with brass door handles and brass lighting.
Practical considerations
Think about everyday use as well as appearance. In a kitchen, choose a shape that feels comfortable to grip and a finish whose care requirements suit the setting. For a child's room, consider the shape and any projecting edges rather than treating a rounded knob as a safety guarantee.
Check how much space there is for your fingers and whether the fitting is easy for you to grasp. Textured designs, such as our Diamond Cut handles, offer a different feel from a smooth surface.
Choosing a material
Wooden handles can bring warmth and a rustic character, while brass and steel create a different expression. Both the material and its surface treatment affect appearance and care.
Brass is available in lacquered and unlacquered finishes. Lacquer can help preserve the initial appearance, while unlacquered brass can develop patina over time. Follow the care instructions for the particular finish. Read more about patina.
Understanding fixing centres
Measure the distance from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other. This is the c/c measurement, not the handle's overall length. Examples of common fixing centres are 96 mm, 128 mm and 160 mm. Check the individual product for the available sizes and dimensions.
If you are replacing existing handles, matching their fixing centres allows you to reuse the holes where the mounting arrangement is otherwise suitable. If you want a different size, a wider design, an edge handle or a handle with a backplate may be worth considering. Check the mounting position and covering dimensions carefully: these designs do not automatically conceal old holes, and new drilling may be needed.
Explore all our handles and take time to compare style, materials and practical details. Balancing appearance with everyday use will help you find fittings that work for your home.
For more guidance, see how to install new handles and our guide to 30 mm and 38 mm door handle fixing centres. Or try a new project with our guide to making your own coat rack.
