Stiley Living Blog

Cabinet handles in the grand scheme of things might sound like a small detail, but in reality they are a big and crucial decision when you’re decorating. Get them right and they can pull an entire room together. Get them wrong and, well, you might find yourself staring at your cupboards wondering why something just doesn't quite feel right.

Luckily, this is where we come in.

At Stiley Living, cabinet handles are like our thing. From sleek and contemporary designs to more traditional styles, textured finishes and statement pieces, we know a thing or two about what makes a great handle.

So, whether you're updating your kitchen, refreshing your furniture or starting a project from scratch, here's our guide to choosing the right cabinet handle for your space.

Handles: Consider your style:

Before you start choosing between brass, black, antique copper or something a little more unexpected, think about the overall look you're trying to create. Are you drawn to clean, contemporary spaces? Do you love the character of a traditional home? Or perhaps you're somewhere in between, with a home that mixes old and new?

Your cabinet handles should complement that style rather than compete with it. For a modern space with flat-fronted cabinetry, sleek bar handles can create a streamlined, minimalist look.

For more traditional or Shaker-style cabinetry, cup handles and classic knobs can add a timeless feel. And if you're working with a period property, choosing hardware with a more heritage-inspired finish can help enhance the character that's already there.

Handles: Consider the size:

It's easy to get carried away by a handle you love. We get it. But before you order enough for every cupboard in the house, it's worth thinking about scale. A handle that's too small can look lost against a large cabinet door, while an oversized handle might dominate a smaller cupboard.

We have a really nice mix of handles on our website. Small cupboard knobs and big drawer handles. A kitchen might call for a longer bar handle, while a bathroom vanity could suit something smaller and more delicate. The key is to create a sense of connection between the spaces, whether that's through the same finish, shape or design style.

Handles: Consider the finish:

The finish (colour) can change everything. Now we're getting to the really fun part. The finish you choose can completely transform the personality of your cabinetry.

• Matt black - Bold, modern and effortlessly cool.
• Brass - Warm, sophisticated and a little bit luxurious.
• Antique copper - Full of character and perfect for adding a little depth.

The same cabinet design can look completely different depending on the finish you choose. That's why it's worth considering the other materials already in your room before making your decision. Look at your taps, lighting, appliances, shelving and other hardware. You don't necessarily need everything to match perfectly, but choosing finishes that work well together will help create a more considered look.

Handles: Consider Texture:

Sometimes, it's not just about the colour of your handle. It's about how it feels. Textured handles, including knurled designs, are a brilliant way to introduce another layer of detail into a space. The textured surface catches the light and adds visual interest, while also giving you something tactile to interact with every time you open a cupboard.

This can be particularly effective in kitchens, for example kitchens with simple, flat-fronted cabinetry. When there isn't much detail on the doors themselves, an interesting handle can become a feature in its own right.

Finishing Touches:

We believe cabinet handles deserve a little more thought than simply choosing the first option that fits. They're one of those details you interact with every single day, so they need to look good, feel right and work with the space around them.

That's why cabinet handles are at the heart of what we do at Stiley Living. We understand the difference a finish can make. We know how texture can change the look and feel of a design. We know that the right size and shape can make cabinetry feel completely different.