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Cabinet handles are one of the most used items in your home. Making the right choice means a more functional and finished-looking space. However, picking out handles seems simple until you start looking at options. There's more to think about than just how they look — you need handles that work for your space, feel good to use and last for years. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing handles for your kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
You'll find cabinet handles on kitchen drawers, cupboards, pantries and bathroom vanities. Each type of handle should fit the room — kitchen handles deal with food spills and cleaning products, while bathroom handles face water and steam.
No matter the space, you’ve got a fair few options — whether knobs, pulls or rings, we’ll explain the differences and how to choose the right fit for your home.
Your handles should feel good when you use them and suit your space. Here's what to think about before you choose:
Your cabinet handles should work with your home's overall style. These are some popular combinations, but don't feel limited.
Japandi: Bar pulls and minimal knobs in black, timber or brushed metals.
Coastal: Bar pulls and knobs in chrome, brass and timber.
Hamptons: Cup pulls, bar pulls and statement knobs in ceramic, chrome or brass.
Mediterranean: Decorative pulls and knobs in brass, black and ceramic.
Minimalist: Slim pulls and edge handles in neutral metals.
Modern Australian: Bar pulls and knob in any metal or timber.
Mid-century modern: Straight pulls and circular knobs in chrome, black and timber.
Industrial: Bar pulls and exposed bolted handles in black and metal finishes.
Rustic farmhouse: Cup pulls and knobs in timber, ceramic and antique metals.
Pulls: These come in different sizes:
Short pulls (250mm) work well horizontally on drawers or vertically on doors.
Long pulls (400mm) are good for wider drawers and tall cabinets.
Appliance pulls (600mm) are easy to grip on pantries, full-height doors and integrated appliances.
Knobs: Knobs work best with cabinet doors, but can also be used on smaller drawers.
Edge pulls: Edge pulls fit right into your cabinet edge — you usually can't see them from the front.
Recessed pulls: Recessed pulls create a groove you put your fingers into. If you like vintage style, look at bail pulls that hang down or ring pulls that add detail.
Decorative pulls: These come in more detailed designs like:
Cup pulls that curve underneath for an upward grip.
Bail pulls that hang down on two posts.
Ring pulls that have a circular pull mounted on a backplate.
Bin pulls that create a deep finger grip.
You can mix different handle types in your space — try knobs on your upper cabinets and pulls on the lower ones. Keep the colours consistent to tie it all together.
Think about where your handles will go. Kitchen handles should be grease-resistant, and bathroom handles should be water-resistant.
Your lifestyle matters too. If you cook a lot, get handles without grooves that trap food. Families with kids do better with smooth, rounded handles for safety reasons. If you're renovating a rental, choose simple handles that appeal to most people.
Good handles start with the right materials. A solid metal body is a good choice as it resists wear and keeps its finish over time. Quality handles also have strong mounting points and screws that match the handle material. The finish should feel smooth and the handle should feel heavy in your hand.
If you’re going metal, quality electroplating also makes a big difference. It adds colour and protects the material underneath. The same applies to the glaze or topcoat if you prefer ceramic or wood handles.
Yabby offers a complete range of cabinet hardware made for Australian homes. Our collection includes short pulls, long pulls, appliance pulls and knobs to suit any cabinet and decor style. Each handle is built to last with quality materials and careful attention to detail.
Take a look at our hardware and accessories range online, or pencil in a free online design consult to chat through your options.
