The right handle makes the difference between a kitchen that feels 'finished' and one that looks just slightly off. But which kitchen handles suit your cabinet fronts? Below, you'll find out which handle color and shape work best for each type of kitchen, how long a handle should be, and what to look out for when replacing the handles on your kitchen cabinets.
Short answer
Choose handles that either contrast with or complement your kitchen. Matte black creates a sleek contrast on white, light-colored and wooden fronts. Gold adds warmth to dark, green or anthracite kitchens. Silver and stainless steel are timeless and blend in the most subtly. Then choose a shape that suits your style and use the same center-to-center measurements as your old handles.
Which handle color suits your kitchen?
Use this table as a quick guide. Click on a color to view the matching kitchen cabinet handles.
Black: sleek contrast
Gold: warm and luxurious
Stainless steel: understated and timeless
The same oak drawer with three colors of the Amsterdam handle.
Handles for each type of kitchen
Which handles suit a white kitchen?
White is the most versatile base. Matte black handles create a sleek contrast that suits a modern or industrial style. Silver or brushed stainless steel keeps things understated. Gold gives a white kitchen a warm, luxurious look.
Which handles suit a wooden kitchen?
Black works very well with wood-effect and oak fronts: it adds structure without competing with the wood grain. Gold suits a warm, classic or rustic atmosphere. Stainless steel can look somewhat cool with light wood, but is a beautiful accent with dark wood.
Which handles suit a black or anthracite kitchen?
Gold handles stand out the most on dark fronts. Black on black creates an understated, almost handleless look. Silver or stainless steel sits somewhere in between.
Which handles suit a grey or concrete-effect kitchen?
Grey and concrete suit black and stainless steel for a rugged, industrial look. If you want more warmth, gold is a surprising choice.
Which handles suit a green or blue kitchen?
Deep colors such as dark green and midnight blue look best with gold. Matte black also works and keeps the overall look sleeker.
Can you combine colors?
It is best to choose one handle color for each room, including for knobs. If you do combine colors, make sure the handle color is reflected in, for example, the tap or lighting.
Which handle shape suits your style?
In addition to the color, the shape of your cabinet handles determines the look of your kitchen.
Handle or knob, and what length?
A handle with two screw holes is most convenient for drawers and larger cabinet doors. A cabinet knob with one screw hole is well suited to small doors and narrow drawers. As a rule of thumb for length, choose a handle that is approximately one-third the width of the front. So a drawer 60 cm wide will suit a handle of around 160 to 192 mm center-to-center.
Good to know: all handles from Grepenwinkel.nl are made of solid stainless steel and are available in black, silver, matte silver or gold. The sizes range from 64 to 640 mm, so you'll find a suitable handle for tall cabinets too.
Don't forget the measurements
No matter how beautiful a handle is, it must fit. Choose the same center-to-center measurements as your current handles, and you won't need to drill.
Choose kitchen handles by size
Frequently asked questions about choosing kitchen handles
Which color kitchen handle is the most popular?
Black is the most popular color at Grepenwinkel.nl. A black handle suits white, light grey and wood-colored kitchens.
Do black handles suit a white kitchen?
Yes. Matte black on white creates a sleek, modern contrast and is one of the most timeless combinations.
Which handles suit an oak kitchen?
Black for a modern, sleek look or gold for a warm, classic look.
How long should a kitchen handle be?
As a rule of thumb, about one-third the width of the front. If you are replacing existing handles, choose the same center-to-center measurements.
Can I replace kitchen cabinet handles myself?
Yes. With a screwdriver and handles with the same center-to-center measurements, you can replace them in a few minutes per cabinet.
Grepenwinkel.nl
Find the handle that suits your kitchen
Handles for kitchens and cabinets in black, gold and stainless steel, made from solid stainless steel and in all standard sizes.
Unsure about the color? Send us a photo of your kitchen and we will be happy to advise on the best handle. Contact us. We wrap kitchens every day and install handles for customers. Read our story.
