What handles should I choose for my Shaker-style cabinets? (2024)

As a design professional, I've had the privilege of working with countless homeowners and interior enthusiasts who share a passion for the timeless beauty of Shaker-style cupboards. These versatile cabinets are a staple in many homes due to their clean lines and classic appeal. However, the devil is in the details, and choosing the right cabinet handles can truly elevate the aesthetics of your Shaker cupboards. In this blog, we'll explore the best cabinet handle options, with a focus on styles and finishes that will complement your Shaker cupboards perfectly.

1. Knurled Texture: Knurled cabinet handles bring a touch of sophistication to your Shaker cupboards. The textured surface provides a tactile experience that not only looks elegant but also feels luxurious to the touch. The intricate pattern of raised diamonds or crosshatches adds depth and character to your cabinets. Aged brass knurled handles are a popular choice, providing a rustic and vintage charm, while brushed nickel knurled handles offer a modern twist with a sleeker appearance.

2. Fluted Designs: Fluted cabinet handles are another excellent choice for Shaker cupboards, adding a sense of refinement and grace. These handles feature vertical or horizontal grooves that create visual interest and a subtle texture. The fluted design complements the simplicity of Shaker cabinets beautifully. Aged brass fluted handles provide an antique feel, while brushed brass fluted handles offer a more contemporary look. For a minimalist approach, consider matte black fluted handles that contrast strikingly with the white or neutral Shaker cabinet doors.

3. Mixed Finishes: Mixing finishes can add depth and visual intrigue to your Shaker cupboards. For a chic and timeless look, pair brushed brass or aged brass cabinet handles with white Shaker cabinets. The warm, golden tones of brass create a stunning contrast against the crisp white backdrop.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more modern and edgy aesthetic, matte black cabinet handles are an excellent choice. Their bold and dramatic appearance will give your Shaker cupboards a contemporary twist, creating a striking focal point in your kitchen.

4. Classic Choices: If you're drawn to a more traditional approach, brushed nickel cabinet handles offer a timeless and versatile option. Their soft silver finish complements Shaker cupboards seamlessly, blending in while adding a touch of sophistication.

For a fresh and clean look, white cabinet handles are a fantastic choice when paired with white Shaker cabinets. This monochromatic approach creates a sense of unity and simplicity that's both calming and visually appealing.

Choosing the perfect cabinet handles for your Shaker cupboards involves careful consideration of both style and finish. Knurled and fluted designs add texture and character, while finishes like brushed brass, aged brass, matte black, brushed nickel, and white offer a wide range of aesthetic possibilities. The key is to find handles that not only enhance the beauty of your Shaker cupboards but also resonate with your personal style and design vision. With the right choice, your Shaker cabinets can become the centrepiece of your kitchen, showcasing the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern appeal.

What handles should I choose for my Shaker-style cabinets? (2024)

FAQs

What handles should I choose for my Shaker-style cabinets? ›

The best handles for shaker style kitchen cabinets can depend on personal preference and the desired aesthetic, but popular choices include oil rubbed bronze cup pulls, tubular bar pulls, and matte black hardware. These options complement the classic look of shaker cabinets while adding a touch of modern elegance.

What handles are best for shaker cabinets? ›

The beauty of using wooden knobs in your shaker kitchen is that they're available in such a range of shapes, styles and finishes. Round wooden knobs are typically one of the best styles for shaker cabinets, but if you do want to deliver a more contemporary edge, then more petite, smaller knobs may be a better choice.

Do you put handles on shaker cabinets? ›

Using horizontal pull handles is a great option if you want a modern look. If your Shaker cabinets have visible stiles and rails, it's very common to place your hardware in the center of those sections. Center of the Stile: Knobs and pulls can be placed halfway up the stile of your Shaker door.

What hardware looks best on slim shaker cabinets? ›

The hardware chosen for slim shaker cabinets can also contribute to their elegance. Simple, sleek hardware options like bar or cup pull-in finishes like brushed nickel or chrome complement the cabinets' streamlined look, adding a touch of modern sophistication.

How do I choose cabinet handles? ›

Use the ⅓ rule, which states that the best pull length is about ⅓ of the height of the cabinet door and ⅓ the width of the cabinet drawer. For knobs, 1-¼” is a good choice. For a more minimalistic look, size down. If you want to make more of a statement, size up.

What size pulls for shaker cabinets? ›

What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.

Is it okay to mix knobs and pulls on cabinets? ›

Installing knobs on your upper cabinets and pulls on your lower cabinets is an excellent way to coordinate your hardware and create visual interest. Knobs are easier to grip higher up, so you can access the contents of your upper cabinets safely.

What is the rule of thumb for kitchen cabinet pulls? ›

Using a pull that is approximately 1/3 the length of the drawer is a good rule of thumb. When in between sizes, size up.

How do you layout cabinet handles? ›

Consider Cabinet Hardware Placement

Here are some general tips to get you started: Upper Cabinets: knobs or pulls should be about 2.5 to 3 inches from the bottom edge of the door or drawer. Lower Cabinets: hardware is typically placed between 2.5 to 3 inches from the top edge.

What cabinet hardware is timeless? ›

Brass has become a timeless material in kitchen hardware, known for its elegance and ability to complement features like sinks and lights. Using brass square knobs alongside longer handles can offer a chic, sophisticated look.

Are shaker style cabinets outdated? ›

Shaker cabinets are versatile, durable, and have a timeless look that will never go out of style. If you are looking for high-quality cabinets that will last for years to come, shaker cabinets may be the right choice for you.

Where to put handles on shaker cabinets? ›

Centered on the Inset Panel: This is the most common hardware placement for Shaker cabinets. The knob or pull handle is placed on the center of the recessed drawer panel (the inset). Center of the Top Rail: Place the knob or pull handle on the center of the top rail portion.

Should my kitchen cabinet pulls match my faucet? ›

Our team's short answer to this frequently asked question is, yes—generally, your kitchen faucet should match your cabinet hardware. Matching your kitchen faucet to cabinet hardware creates a cohesive look that can be applied in every kitchen style, including contemporary, modern, and traditional.

What color cabinet handles to get? ›

The cabinet hardware finish should coordinate with the cabinet color. White cabinets look great with just about any hardware finish, but light- and dark-colored cabinets should be paired with hardware finishes that make the pulls—and hinges if they're visible—pop.

What handles look best on white cabinets? ›

White cabinets are the epitome of classic style in any kitchen style. In the context of choosing hardware to complement white cabinets, silver-finished options are a timeless choice. Silver-finished hardware, such as brushed nickel or chrome, adds a sleek and modern touch to white cabinets.

Should I use knobs or pulls on kitchen cabinets? ›

Knobs have smaller profiles than handles, are less expensive, and can be used for both drawers and cabinets. They are slightly easier to install than pulls since you only need one screw to secure the knob to the surface. Pulls are larger than knobs, make more of a statement, and tend to be easier to grip.

What is the best cabinet handle placement? ›

When it comes to installing cabinet door handles (either knobs or pulls), they are always placed on the opposite side from the door hinges. You'll specifically want to place them anywhere between 1'' and 4'' from the top or bottom edge of the door.

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