How Should I Choose Handles For My Shaker-Style Cabinets ?

When remodelling your kitchen, you’ve to take numerous decisions from the flooring and appliances to the cabinet style and hardware. And it can get confusing to select what you want. Smaller details like the type of cabinet hardware are often initially ignored. Cabinet hardware, such as handles may be a tiny part of your kitchen, but it can significantly add to the overall aesthetics of your kitchen. 

If you have chosen Shaker-style cabinets for your kitchen, you’re sorted. That’s because Shaker cabinets can flawlessly blend into kitchens with diverse styles and layouts, so they are highly preferred. Shaker cabinets are ideal for a traditional style or a farmhouse-style kitchen and they can transform the ambience of your kitchen with the fitting cabinet hardware. Thus, the small kitchen cabinet hardware is equally important in your kitchen renovation process. 

Whether you like pulls, handles, or knobs, or you can’t decide. Don’t worry a bit, you can mix and match different styles of handles for an entirely personalised look. And to complete the look, you’ll have to select from diverse colours and finish options.

In your pursuit of selecting the perfect kitchen cabinet hardware for your home, Handles and More has compiled a handy list of practical handles and knobs ideas that will endure for a long time.

Let’s Understand About Shaker Cabinets

With a simple and elegant design, Shaker cabinets use panel construction with recessed panel doors and rail frames to produce cabinet design with clean lines. This cabinet style is constructed using a 5-piece door: one sunken middle panel bordered by four raised pieces (i.e. two stiles and two rails). Shaker cabinets are made of wood, but they can be painted, covered, or panelled to suit individual’s preferences by custom cabinet makers.

Types of Handles That will Complement Shaker Style Kitchen Cabinets

Here is a curated list of the best handles and knobs for Shaker-style kitchen emphasising styles and finishes that gel with Shaker cabinets and cupboards impeccably. 

1. Edge Pull Handles

If you’re someone who long for simplicity, you may find edge pulls a worthy option because of its minimalistic design. Edge pulls aren’t mounted on the front of the cabinet like you normally see; rather, they are fixed at the edge of your shaker cabinet or drawer to form a low-profile pull that you can use to open and close the cabinet. We love the look of edge cabinets and drawer pulls for Shaker cabinets because they bring out your cabinet’s exquisiteness.

2. Cup Pull Handles

Installing cup pull handles on your Shaker cabinets and drawers can transform the space from an ordinary kitchen to that of a farmhouse kitchen of your dreams. Cup pulls are available in various shapes and sizes but they often look like half-moons. It facilitates you to pull open the cabinet and drawers using a handle that is enclosed on one side. Cup pulls are perfect to accomplish a rustic appeal and you can choose from many types of cup pulls to harmonise the style you want to achieve; for this reason, we love cup pulls for Shaker-styled cabinets.

3. Arc Pulls

Though arc pulls are one of the extensively used hardware styles, it won’t appeal to everyone. Those who love the curved lines will find arc pulls as the perfect solution. Arc pulls can make a space lighter and harmonise the lines on the Shaker cabinets and drawers. Arc pulls are also available in various colours, shapes and sizes and they will seamlessly pair with your Shaker kitchen cabinets. Arc pulls also suit a Shaker-style kitchen.

4. Bar Pulls

Bar pulls have widely been used in the past few years making it a preferred choice for Shaker kitchen cabinet hardware. They render a sleek and modern look without giving out a generic feel. Bar pull handles add clean lines to the space and can be mounted on the cabinets vertically or horizontally seamlessly. As per your preference, you can choose bar pulls as they are available in diverse lengths. Also, you can mix and match different lengths for different types of cabinets or drawers in your kitchen.

5. Knobs

Knobs for shaker cabinets can be equally appealing like the pull handles and they only need one hole in the door or drawer and have a much smaller profile. Like pull handles, you can get cabinet knobs in varied materials, letting you to add your style to the space. You’ll get knobs for your Shaker-styled cabinets and drawers in various finishes, including sleek brass knobs, matte black finish, and eclectic pattern. Knobs are the perfect choice for busy kitchens.

Ideal Materials for Shaker-style Kitchen Handles

1. Brass: Brass material exudes warmth and is the perfect choice for those who want to bring a touch of warmth and character into their kitchen. The golden hues of brass add a delightful vintage feel while still retaining a contemporary ambience.
2. Stainless Steel: Stainless steel handles are a perfect choice for maintaining a minimalist and modern look. Their sleek and clean look harmonises flawlessly with the straightforward look of Shaker cabinets, forming a unified and classy design.
3. Distressed Iron: Distressed iron handles can provide the perfect finishing touch for those looking for a farmhouse-style or rustic kitchen. Their battered appearance adds visual interest and texture to the overall design.
4. Classic Brushed Nickel: Brushed nickel handles ooze sophistication and ageless appeal, making them one of the trendiest choice for Shaker-style kitchen cabinets and drawers. Their smooth and sleek finish harmonise the clean lines of the Shaker design, forming a balanced aesthetic. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to mix and match cabinet hardware? 
Yes, you can adorn your kitchen the way you want maximising functionality and visual appeal. For instance, you may want to mount knobs on your upper kitchen cabinets and install pulls on your lower kitchen cabinets, you can mix and match these two options accordingly to achieve the desired functionality and aesthetics. Nonetheless, ensure using the same colour and finish for both the pulls and knobs to look the style intentional.

What is the ideal size for pull handles in Shaker-style kitchen cabinets?

With numerous options available, it boils down to personal preference. Nonetheless, most kitchen designers suggest that the pull should be around 1/3 the width of the drawer and 1/3 the height of the cabinet door. If you need guidance selecting the right size for pull handles, reach out to the expert team at Handles and More, and we’ll gladly assist you.