Choosing handles for your kitchen is a significant decision in your renovation process, however it can be overwhelming with multitude of choices of market. We have broken down a few pointers in this decision making process in order to help you get started. 

1. Consider design style

You will almost always see knobs in a traditional kitchen and pulls in a more modern and sleek kitchen. In a transitional design style, both knobs and pulls are usually used to achieve a more layered look. See an example of mixing handles below.

Source: Pinterest

Also, consider the shape of the handles you use. A ball knob brings in a mid-century element to the space, where as a mushroom knob sprinkles a more antique element (think Victorian, Colonial, Edwardian...).

Similarly, cup pulls are a signature in a farmhouse kitchen, whereas clean-look pulls are popular in a contemporary design. A coastal farm house is usually a mix of traditional and contemporary, so either styled handles can work well depending on what design the rest of your house leans towards. 

See our cup pull handle and mushroom knob

2. The size of your cabinet 

Knobs are small and hence work well for light duty drawers or cabinet doors, whereas pulls are preferred for larger heavier duty drawers. See example below.

Source: Pinterest

However, many designers are using knobs on drawers these days by having two knobs instead of one large handle. This can create the illusion of a bigger kitchen if you have a limited number of cabinets.

Source: Pinterest

 3. Position of cabinets

Using pulls for your upper cabinet doors is not a great idea. Upper cabinets should always warrant the use of knobs for ease of operation. 

4. Function of cabinets

For integrated dishwasher panels integrated bin cabinets, consider using pulls for ease of opening when cooking and washing dishes.