When choosing door handles for white kitchen cabinets, you’ll want to consider both form and function. The handles should complement the clean, bright look of white cabinets while also being easy to grip and providing durability. There are many factors to take into account, including the style of your kitchen, the size and shape of the cabinets and drawers, and preferences for metal finishes. Read on as we explore the top options for door handles to pair with white kitchen cabinets.
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Matching Metal Finishes
One of the most important considerations when selecting handles is choosing a finish that coordinates well with the other metal finishes in your kitchen, such as faucets, appliance handles, and lighting fixtures. Here are some of the most popular metal finishes to consider:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is a classic choice that looks great with white cabinets. Brushed stainless steel has a soft, understated sheen that doesn’t clash with white. Stainless steel communicates an elegant, uptown look. This versatile metal works equally well in traditional and modern kitchens. Stainless steel is also extremely durable and easy to clean.
Chrome
Polished chrome has a shiny, reflective surface that evokes a sleek, contemporary style. The high-gloss finish pairs nicely with crisp white cabinets. Chrome is also practical since it resists corrosion and is easy to keep clean. Just be aware that fingerprints and water spots show up more on chrome than on brushed stainless steel.
Matte Black
For a modern, high-contrast look, choose matte black hardware. The inky black tone makes a bold statement against bright white cabinets. Matte black metal finishes have an understated, industrial vibe. Compared to polished chrome, matte black better disguises fingerprints. This is an on-trend choice for contemporary kitchens.
Brass
Brass hardware brings a touch of luxurious warmth to a white kitchen. Polished brass has a sophisticated look, while brushed brass is more relaxed and rustic. Aged brass finishes are also available for a unique antique-inspired look. Brass communicates timeless style. Just note that brass requires more maintenance since it’s softer and prone to scratching.
Nickel
Satin nickel is a flexible neutral that works with many kitchen styles from traditional to modern. The soft, grayish sheen of nickel coordinates well with white cabinetry without overpowering it. Brushed nickel conveys understated elegance, while polished nickel has a more regal effect. Due to its versatility and durability, nickel is an easy choice.
Handle Styles
In addition to the metal finish, the style of the door handles also affects their appearance and function. Consider the overall look you want to achieve. Here are some top options:
Bar Pulls
Bar pull handles have a clean, straight horizontal line that creates a minimalist, contemporary aesthetic. The simple rectangular shape integrates seamlessly into modern, Shaker-style cabinetry. Bar pulls work well on both drawers and doors. They lay flat against the cabinet.
Arch Pulls
For a more traditional look, arch pull handles have an elegant curved shape. The rounded design accents the doors while adding visual interest. Arch pulls work best on cabinet doors rather than drawers. They project slightly from the door front.
Knobs
Going knob-only for your white kitchen cabinets creates a vintage, cottage-inspired style. Mixing knobs and pulls together lends contrast. For knobs, choose petite, dainty shapes rather than oversized designs to complement white cabinets. Convex or faceted knob styles look more appealing than plain round knobs.
Handle Length
Proportion is also key. Avoid selecting overlong handles that span almost the entire width of the drawer or cabinet door. For a balanced look, choose bar pulls and arch pulls sized around two-thirds the width of the door or drawer. Extra-long handles suited for oversized drawers should still be slightly inset from the outer edges.
Size of Hardware
Door handles for kitchen cabinets are available in a range of sizes to complement different cabinet styles and door sizes. Follow these guidelines:
Full-Height Cabinets
For full-height kitchen cabinets that stand 36 inches or taller, larger handles in the 10-12 inch range help the doors feel balanced proportionally. opt for long bar pulls or broad arch pulls.
Wall Cabinets
Wall cabinets tend to have smaller doors, around 15-18 inches wide. For these, opt for mid-sized handles in the 6-8 inch range. Dainty knobs also look great on wall cabinet doors.
Drawers
Kitchen drawers front panels vary in height from 3-6 inches typically. To match, choose small to medium handles in the 3-5 inch range for drawers. Tiny knobs around 1-2 inches wide work here too. Avoid oversized handles that overwhelm drawers.
Appliances
Appliance handles should align in size and style with the other hardware for a cohesive look. Bring a sample cabinet handle when buying appliances to match handles.
Finish Variety
While matching finishes creates harmony, don’t overlook the design potential of mixing and matching metal finishes for added flair. Here are some ideas:
Mix Finishes by Cabinet
One approach is to use different finishes on upper and lower cabinets. For example, stainless steel hardware on wall cabinets can contrast with matte black pulls on full-height cabinets for contemporary style.
Use Finishes by Function
Alternating finishes can also delineate different functions or cabinet contents. For instance, use bronze pulls on spice cabinet doors and chrome bars on utensil drawers.
Create Accents
For a pop of contrast, choose one finish for the majority of the hardware and use a different finish to accent the island or glass-front cabinets. Brushed nickel handles with champagne bronze on the island makes a statement.
Location of Hardware
Proper handle placement impacts the look and function. Follow these tips:
Standard Door Height
On full-height doors between 30-36 inches, install the handle vertically centered at 36 inches above the floor. This puts the handle right at the average wrist height for ergonomic access.
Non-Standard Doors
For shorter doors down to 24 inches high, vertically center the handle on the door itself even if it ends up closer to the bottom. Visually centering looks best.
Upper Cabinets
For wall cabinets, install handles horizontally centered for symmetry. Measure the door width and divide by two to find the center.
Multiple Handles
For double doors like on wide pantries, place handles 4 inches from the outer edge of each door, aligned vertically at 36 inches high.
Drawers
Locate drawer pulls 3-4 inches from the top center of the drawer front panel. Pulls should align horizontally when the drawer is closed.
Corner Cabinets
On diagonal corner cabinet doors, position the handle at the halfway point angled 45 degrees from the corner.
Handle Installation
Installing handles properly ensures they function smoothly and safely. Follow this process:
Materials Needed
– Tape measure
– Pencil
– Drill
– Screwdriver
– Cabinet handles
– Screws sized for handles
Steps
1. Clean cabinet doors and drawers. Remove any debris where handles will be installed.
2. Mark handle locations lightly in pencil according to proper handle placement for each door and drawer.
3. Drill pilot holes at the marks. On wooden cabinets, drill pilot holes slightly smaller than the screws to avoid splitting wood.
4. Insert screws into pilot holes. Use a screwdriver to drive screws in most of the way.
5. Carefully position handles over screws and tighten screws using screwdrivers until flush with hardware. Avoid over-tightening.
6. Open and close doors and drawers to test movement. Adjust if needed so doors and drawers operate smoothly.
7. Remove any pencil marks visible under hardware. Give a final wipedown to remove dust.
Handle Costs
Cabinet door handles vary in price depending on the materials and styling. Here are typical price ranges:
| Handle Type | Average Price Range |
|---|---|
| Plastic | $1 – $10 per handle |
| Zinc Alloy | $5 – $20 per handle |
| Stainless Steel | $10 – $40 per handle |
| Chrome | $15 – $50 per handle |
| Brass | $20 – $75 per handle |
| Crystal | $50 – $100+ per handle |
Budget
Plastic and zinc handles offer an affordable option under $10 each. Opt for durable zinc alloy over cheap plastic that breaks easily.
Mid-Range
Most stainless steel, nickel, chrome, and brass handles fall in the budget-friendly $15 to $40 range. These provide good value for the money.
Premium
For high-end looks, crystal, enamel, or handforged metal handles run $75+ apiece. Window shop sales to find deals on luxury styles.
Choosing Your Cabinet Door Handles
The door handles finishing off your kitchen cabinets impact both aesthetics and functionality. As you shop, keep these tips in mind:
– Consider the style of your kitchen first when choosing a handle finish and design. Is your kitchen modern, traditional, transitional? Match the handles to the overall look.
– Select handles sized appropriately for your specific cabinets and drawers so they look balanced.
– Ensure handles complement other metal finishes like faucets in the kitchen through matching or purposeful contrast.
– Install handles on all doors, drawers, and appliances in keeping with standard placement guidelines for convenience and visual harmony.
– Set a hardware budget to narrow options, but know that higher priced handles offer quality and durability.
– Mix and match finishes is an option as well if done thoughtfully to add flair.
The right cabinet door handles accentuate the crisp, airy look of white kitchen cabinets. With the above information on optimal handle placement, sizing, and finishes, you can choose hardware that makes a statement and creates a cohesive style. Let handles be an accent that draws the eye and brings your whole kitchen together into a beautiful space.