Understanding Cupboard Door Knobs and Handles: When to Choose Each

Cupboards are such an important part of our homes, yet it’s easy to take them for granted, right? After all, most of us see cupboard spaces as ‘just’ storage. Yet, without that storage, your house would be pretty messy. Cupboards are also pretty expensive, which is why taking care of them is important. For example, when did you last check your cupboard door knobs and handles? Or replace them?

We understand that it can be easy to overlook something as simple as cupboard door handles and knobs. They are only the little devices we use to open the cupboard door, so on the face of it, they don’t seem too important. However, in our conversation with Lock & Key Leeds, we learned just how important your cupboard door knobs and handles are. We also picked up some valuable advice we wanted to share about when to choose between door knobs and door handles for cupboard doors.

If you are looking to upgrade your cupboards, it might be time to replace the cupboard door handles and knobs. Where do you start, though? What is the most compatible solution?

Cupboard Door Knobs And Handles: Aren’t They The Same Thing?

No, they share the same purpose – to open your cupboard doors – but they serve different functions. This might seem like semantics, but there are times when having cupboard door knobs makes more sense than cupboard door handles.

Functions change depending on the type you use. A handle, of course, is a lever-like object that you turn. When you turn that handle, the lock mechanism (if it has one) on the cupboard doors disengages, and the doors open. With a knob, you simply tug on the knob and pull the door towards you. The knob should then force the door to open. Then, you have different types of handles and knobs.

You also need to factor in aesthetics. Handles work better on more modern furniture that emphasises minimalism and sleekness; they tend to be easier to hide, especially pull handles. By contrast, knobs tend to look better on more ornate cupboard door designs. You need to factor in:

• The style of handle or knob you think would be best suited to your cupboard door
• How much space do you have to play with? Will the handles/knobs hit anything?
• The budget you have to spend: Can you find a style of handles/knobs that fits?
• The materials: what kind of handle/knobs do you need? Wood? Plastic? Metal?

When To Choose Cupboard Door Knobs VS Handles

There are quite a few variables to consider when choosing between cupboard door knobs and cupboard door handles. While every individual has their own decision to make, consider:

Ease Of Use

First and foremost, your new cupboard door knobs and handles must be easy to use. If you buy a style that is awkward to grip or hold, you are making your life more challenging needlessly!

Always make sure that you factor in the cost of use. In fact, we would argue that ease of use should be the #1 priority; if you need to sacrifice a little bit of aesthetics for functionality, so be it. Cupboard door handles and knobs that do not open comfortably are absolutely not worth the hassle. They should open the door comfortably and without any resistance; if they cannot do that, find an alternative.

Design Compatibility

You also need to make sure that your choice of cupboard door knobs and handles matches your design. This brings into account shape, size, style and material – that’s a lot to consider, right?

However, this is worthy of your consideration. For older styles of furniture, you might find that knobs work best. Knobs tend to feel more aligned with old-school design choices, so you should find that a knob set looks best here. However, knobs also tend to look best for eye-level, upper-area cupboards.

Meanwhile, you might find that you need something like sliding handles for cupboard doors if you are working with something like cutlery storage, pantries, and spice racks. Handles – specifically sliding handles – tend to look best on more modern cupboards and cabinets, as they tend to match the more minimalist approach.

Material matters as well. Think about material compatibility:

Plastic and wooden handles can look good on most wooden and plastic cupboards, but they might not look great with metal. Metal handles, though, can look good with plastic, wood and/or metal.

Stainless steel, nickel and chrome cupboard door knobs and handles are easy to clean and generally blend in well with just about any cupboard type you have.

For older furniture, though, it’s better to go down the route of a complimentary wood or a brass finish. Pewter handles and knobs can also work well in this setting, too, with a darker, more aged design. If your older cupboard spaces are made from wood or stone, though, it might be best to go with metal.

Accessibility

You also need to think about accessibility for everyone in your house. Now, this comes in two forms: some cupboards need to be easily accessible for kids and elderly family members, while others need to be near-impossible for them to open.

You might wish to look at lockable cupboard door knobs and handles for spaces you wish to keep out of reach for children. That could be where you keep everything from sweet snacks and sugary treats to where you keep the cleaning equipment – or even their birthday/Christmas presents. For elderly residents, think about their ability to open the cabinet without needing help; that might mean buying a smaller size of handle/knob, and making sure they are able to grip it properly.

Always Prioritise Functionality Over Fashion

We understand that you want to make your house look nice, and your cupboard door knobs and handles play a role in that. However, functionality should always come before aesthetics.

You can usually find that functional cupboard door handles and knobs look good, too. They can usually feel like the perfect combination in terms of size, style, profile, and material. If you find yourself having to choose between function and fashion, though, always go for the former.

It’s better to have slightly less opulent cupboard door knobs and handles that actually remain operational than stylish designs that leave you unable to open the cupboard door without straining!