How to choose cabinet hardware? Part I - shape
In the last part of the guide to furniture handles, we describe the available shapes and their possible applications.
When it comes to the shape of handles, the simplest division is into knobs and long handles. Since new materials allow the introduction of completely new, original forms, it is worth changing this division to one that focuses on the number of holes needed for mounting.
Handles attached at one point
In addition to traditional furniture knobs, this category includes, for example, our Lade and Lade Om handles, which are appropriately formed loops made of strips of natural leather. They fit both opening fronts and drawers.
Handles that require more holes
This category includes furniture handles that require a larger number of holes (usually two) in the appropriate spacing. This parameter is important because it affects the comfort of using elongated handles - it determines how convenient it will be to grab it with your hand. The most typical hole spacings are 96 mm, 128 mm and 160 mm. If you are looking for a handle with an unusual spacing, it is worth turning to small brands that make their products by hand. Our Steil brand can adapt any type of handle to a specific hole spacing even when ordering just one piece.
For heavy doors or heavy drawers, it is worth considering handles that are attached with four screws. Our handles from the Lade Maxi series will work perfectly in such places.
Edge and recessed handles
It is also worth mentioning edge and recessed handles, which are great in limited space or wherever we want the surface of the furniture front to remain as smooth as possible and free from spatial elements. An alternative to them may of course be the tip-on system, i.e. opening the fronts with a click, but also minimalist leather handles, such as our Lade Li model.
Let's not forget that changing handles is a great trick to add accents of your own style to a rented apartment - when moving out, we can quickly replace the handles with the previous ones, and take our own to the next house. In such a case, you should pay attention first to the existing holes in the fronts and adapt the selected model to their spacing.
In the picture: leather handles from the Lade and Lade Ny series