Where To Put Cabinet Door Handles

When it comes to kitchen design, every detail matters. From the type of cabinets you choose to the hardware you select, each element can impact the overall look and feel of your space. One often overlooked but important detail is the placement of cabinet door handles.

Where you put your cabinet door handles can affect the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. Here are a few things to consider when making this decision:

Functionality

The primary purpose of cabinet door handles is to provide a way to open and close the cabinets. The placement of the handles should make this task as easy and efficient as possible. Consider the following when choosing a location for your handles:

Reach: The handles should be placed within easy reach of the person who will be using the cabinets. This means they should be high enough so that you don't have to stoop or bend down to reach them, but low enough that you don't have to stretch or strain.
Grip: The handles should be easy to grip, even with wet or greasy hands. Avoid handles with sharp edges or awkward shapes that can be uncomfortable to hold.

Aesthetics

In addition to functionality, the placement of cabinet door handles can also impact the aesthetics of your kitchen. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Style: The style of the handles should complement the overall design of your kitchen. If you have a traditional kitchen, you might choose ornate handles with intricate details. If you have a more modern kitchen, you might prefer sleek, minimalist handles.
Balance: The handles should be placed in a way that creates a balanced look. Avoid placing handles too close together or too far apart. The handles should also be aligned with each other, both horizontally and vertically.
Scale: The size of the handles should be proportionate to the size of the cabinets. Small handles can look lost on large cabinets, while large handles can overwhelm small cabinets.

Common Placement Options

There are a few common placement options for cabinet door handles:

Center mount: The handles are mounted in the center of the cabinet door, either horizontally or vertically.
Edge mount: The handles are mounted on the edge of the cabinet door, either at the top, bottom, or side.
Inset mount: The handles are recessed into the cabinet door, creating a more streamlined look.

Choosing the Right Placement

The best placement for cabinet door handles depends on the specific design of your kitchen and your personal preferences. Consider the following factors when making your decision:

Type of cabinets: The type of cabinets you have will affect the placement of the handles. For example, frameless cabinets typically have handles that are mounted on the edge of the door, while framed cabinets can have handles that are mounted either on the edge or in the center of the door.
Door style: The style of the cabinet doors will also affect the placement of the handles. For example, raised panel doors typically have handles that are mounted in the center of the door, while flat panel doors can have handles that are mounted either on the edge or in the center of the door.
Overall kitchen design: The overall design of your kitchen will also influence the placement of the handles. For example, a traditional kitchen might have handles that are mounted in the center of the door, while a modern kitchen might have handles that are mounted on the edge of the door.

Conclusion

The placement of cabinet door handles is an important detail that can impact the functionality and aesthetics of your kitchen. By considering the factors discussed above, you can choose the best placement for your handles and create a kitchen that is both beautiful and functional.