Cabinet Handle Styles

• Replacing old cabinet handles can bring new life to old cabinets without a lot of work or high cost. Cabinet handles come in a variety of styles, colors and materials. When looking for new handles, look at the size and color of your cabinets. You will want to find new handles that complement your cabinetry without being too overpowering and that suit your personal style and home decor.

Knobs

• A simple knob design can still add charm. door handle image by Pali A from Fotolia.com

  Knob cabinet handles are typically short and close to the cabinetry. They are commonly round in shape but can come in all shapes. More fancy knob designs can include animal shapes, shells and leaves. The knob handle can fit in one hand and is not difficult to install. Knobs are typically one solid piece with no moving parts. Knobs can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, metals, glass and plastics. Wooden knobs can be carved with elaborate designs to add a focal point to more plain cabinets without being off-putting.

Cup and Bail Pulls

• Card catalogues often use a version of the cup pull. card catalogue cabinet in academic library image by nextrecord from Fotolia.com

  Pulls are typically larger than a knob handle. The cup or bin pull is often a plate with a protruding handle that you can fit your hand under or in to pull open the drawer. The cup pull gets the name from the shape of the handle. A bail has either a solid back plate or two back plates behind the hinges. A bail pull handle hangs downwards and can be moved; this type often resembles a door knocker. Both cup and bail pulls are commonly used with drawers, not cabinets. Cup and bail pulls are often made out of metal but occasionally can be found manufactured out of wood or plastic.

Ring, Handle, Pendant and Bar Pulls

• Ring handles are often larger than other handles. yellow rings on wooden boxes image by Nikolai Sorokin from Fotolia.com

  The ring, handle, pendant and bar pulls typically sit close to the cabinetry. All of these pulls can be used on both cabinetry and drawers. Ring pulls have a solid back plate with a solid ring-shaped handle. The ring pull has a slight resemblance to a bail pull or knocker except for the handle shape. Handle and bar pulls sit close to cabinetry and are long in shape. You can fit your hand underneath and grasp the handle to open the cabinet. Pendant pulls have a small back plate with a pendant-shaped handle that hangs downwards. Pulls are most commonly manufactured out of metals, but hybrid pulls can be manufactured out of glass and wood as well.