KITCHEN FURNITURE WITH HANDLES: TO EACH ITS OWN STYLE

16 March 2022

Renewed attention to design has recently brought the handle back on the scene for kitchen furniture, thanks to the infinite opportunities for customisation provided by kitchen furniture with handles. There are many types of handles, and an almost endless supply of models. From a mainly aesthetic point of view, handles should be chosen last, to give a composition that extra personal touch.

However, as with every other aspect to take into consideration when planning a kitchen, choosing a handle must observe precise canons of ergonomics and functionality.

HOW TO CHOOSE A HANDLE

Choosing the right handles for kitchen furniture may appear to be looking for a needle in a haystack. There are so many models on the market, in turn presenting a host of variants and finishes.
That’s why it’s advisable to seek expert advice from a competent person who can suggest the most suitable solutions by presenting a range of choices based on the customer’s needs.

For example, Gentili Cucine provides a vast catalogue of handles for customising base, wall and tall units. What’s more, the Gentili Cucine showroom at Miane (TV) displays a wealth of models to examine hands on, so that you may choose the most functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for your kitchen and living area.

When thinking about handles to use in your kitchen the password is Quality. How many times will the handle on a kitchen cabinet be used and subjected to wear and tear?

It is essential that it provides excellent grip, is resistant and does not create problems, such as, for example, catching cloths and garments, or constituting a knock hazard, especially for children. The grip must not only be comfortable, but also pleasant to touch, and made with shapes, materials and colours that are easy to clean and maintain.

TYPES OF HANDLES

We can rank six important types of handles: classic protruding (bar pull or knob), protruding, integrated, recessed or grip profile. These are also available with a wide range of artistic propositions, for example special designer models or antique reproductions.

  • Classic handle
    This is the handle, the most simple and versatile type, usually some sort of bar pull or a knob. Bar pulls are usually metal (steel, aluminium or wrought iron), whereas the most common type of knob is in wood or plastic. The classic handle is in any case always protruding so it must be chosen bearing in mind the door or drawer opening space between the kitchen cabinets. It’s usually screwed onto the cabinet, so it’s advisable to check occasionally that the screws are tight.

  • Handle with protruding profile
    This is a profile that protrudes horizontally a few centimetres from the door or drawer. As it is integrated into the cabinet, or recessed into the top of the door, this type of handle is particularly solid, especially if it is made of aluminium or steel. A protruding profile may be more exposed to fingerprints or food residue, but the materials used are quick and easy to clean.

  • Integrated handle
    The most popular choice for modern and contemporary kitchens, integrated handles with a metal (or wood) profile eliminate protrusions and create a minimal effect that harmonises the kitchen decor. The profile creates a groove that provides the fingers with a grip on its inside. It can come in materials and coloured finishes that coordinate with the furniture panels, creating an ‘invisible’ effect, or it can be in contrast, providing a host of opportunities for customisation.
  • Recessed handle
    Another type of ‘invisible’ handle is a recessed one, that is to say a horizontal slot recessed into the door or drawer front. This is also a very popular solution for contemporary design that privileges essential, clean-cut lines. As there are no profiles in other materials, and being ‘protected’ by a top or upper modules, this type of handle does not usually involve problems of accumulations of dirt or food residue, and can be easily cleaned with the same detergent used for doors, panels, etc.

  • Grip profile
    We have dedicated a special article to this type of opening. It’s a sort of indentation along the top edge of the door or drawer that ensures particularly harmonious, elegant design, hygiene and resistance to wear and tear. Gentili Cucine provides two versions for this solution: Trendy, a groove, and Flat, as its name suggests. The Trendy version can coordinate with square or 30° doors, whereas Flat goes with 30° profile doors or recessed handles. Both grip profiles are available in five standard finishes, but can be customised with matt, glossy or metallic lacquered finishes.

  • Artistic or custom made handles
    This includes all those models that because of their design, dimensions or materials cannot be considered classics. They can be hand or custom made by artisans such as blacksmiths or carpenters, but let’s not forget other materials such as, for example, glass or ceramics They can also be designed by interior designers and made with unusual shapes and colours, or again have features peculiar to a certain producer. Certainly eye-catching, these solutions must in any case always be highly functional. When buying one-offs and made to measure, it’s a good idea to purchase more handles than you need so that you have replacements if they break or must be changed.

HANDLE STYLE

In the case of modern and contemporary styles featuring simple, essential lines, it is preferable to use slim, non-voluminous handles or solutions such as recessed handles or grip profiles that are more suitable for linear, compact design. However, the use of large handles can provide an unusual idea of motion, as for example in kitchens inspired by industrial design. The variety of materials and finishes for profiles provides the opportunity to play freely with creative colour schemes.

Handles for classic kitchens go from bar pulls or knobs to elegant models made to measure in quality materials that go well with wood and the textures of marble or stone.In the Romantica 01 composition by Gentili Cucine, for example, the framed drawer and door fronts are enhanced by sinuous metal handles that interpret and modernise a taste for the classical.

HANDLE DIMENSIONS

Often models for kitchens come in different sizes, which could lead an inexperienced customer to choose a mix of different sizes. An expert would certainly not propose such a solution, for two main reasons. First of all, aesthetically it would risk creating a sort of puzzle effect which would soon become annoying and discordant. Secondly, because the kitchen is an environment in which comfort and safety are essential. The grip on doors, deep drawers and drawers should be instinctive, comfortable and familiar. That’s why it’s important for handles to be all the same size. Once the ideal, most practical and ergonomic size has been decided, it’s better to apply that to all the handles and opening systems. 

FINISHES

Besides harmonising with the kitchen decor, handles can create interesting matches with other elements, such as, for example, household appliances or equipment. Think of a home slicer in bright red chromed steel, or an imposing fridge in satin-finish steel, but also light fittings and complementary items such as tables and chairs, going on to open concept compositions that provide continuity of style between the kitchen and living area.

There can be an infinite host of combinations. Gentili Cucine carries a vast range of integrated or standard handles, also with variable pitches, available in a wide range of standard finishes, to which can be added numerous customisation options.