How to choose cabinet hardware? Part I - shape
In the last part of our guide on 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 elongated handles. However, since new materials allow for completely new, original forms, it is worth changing this division to one that focuses on the number of mounting holes required.
Handles mounted at one point
In addition to traditional furniture knobs, this category includes, for example, our Lade and Lade Om handles, which are appropriately shaped loops made of natural leather strips. They are suitable for both hinged fronts and drawers.
Handles requiring more holes
This category includes furniture handles requiring more holes (usually two) at an appropriate spacing. This parameter is important because it affects the comfort of using elongated handles – it determines how comfortably you can grasp 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 contacting small brands that handcraft their products. Our Steil brand can adapt any type of handle to a specific hole spacing, even for a single piece order.
For heavy doors or loaded drawers, consider handles mounted with four screws. Our Lade Maxi series handles will be ideal in such places.
Edge and recessed handles
It is also worth mentioning edge and recessed furniture handles, which are perfect for limited spaces or wherever we want the furniture front surface to remain as smooth as possible and free of protruding elements. An alternative to these can, of course, be the tip-on system, i.e., click-opening fronts, but also minimalist leather handles, such as our Lade Li model.
Let's not forget that replacing handles is a great trick to add accents of your own style in a rented apartment – when moving out, we can quickly replace the handles with the previous ones and take our own to the next home. In such a case, it is essential to pay attention to the existing holes in the fronts and adapt the chosen model to their spacing.
In the picture: leather handles from the Lade and Lade Ny series