Which handle should you choose for your furniture?
If you’re looking to renovate your furniture but don’t know which handles would best suit it, we’ve put together a quick overview of some of the most common types of handle so that you can choose the best option for your wardrobe, drawers or cupboards. Different handles will suit different furniture types, so read on if you’re overwhelmed by all the choice.
Pull handle
A pull handle is one of the most common types of handle, and can be found in a number of materials and finishes, from iron to brass. Pull handles are pieces of curved metal attached at each end with a plain or decorative attachment which is screwed onto the piece of furniture, and it is most often found on chests of drawers. However, they can also be installed vertically for use on cupboards and wardrobes. Antique-style pull handles tend to come in Gothic-influenced black styles, whereas more modern attachments are in gold or silver.
Lift ring
Lift rings, or ‘trap door’ rings, consist of a metal ring which is lifted to open the chest to which it is attached. These usually come in a galvanised metal, and look best in kitchens on old wooden chests. They can also look good in minimalist bathrooms on bathroom cabinets.
Chest handles
Chest handles are usually found in pairs, and may be used as drawer handles or, for their more traditional use, on a large chest or trunk. These can be found in ornate, old fashioned designs for rustic charm when attached to a handsome wooden chest or a more modern-looking material such as zinc for use in a more contemporary design scheme.
Ring pull
Ring pulls tend to be heavy and chunky and ideal for large cupboard doors or even outdoor gates. They may come in plain or twisted metal designs, and generally suit older design schemes. These are fitted using several screws on a central rosette which is attached to the door, making it extra sturdy, and the freely rotating handle is usually weighty and durable, so is perfect if you need something that will stand up to the test of time.
A new handle can be one of the quickest, easiest ways to give your furniture a new lease of life. Rather than repainting or refinishing your furniture with a new lick of paint, which can be messy and not very cost-effective if you have to buy a whole new tin of paint just to cover one piece of furniture, why not experiment with some new handles to update your favorite pieces?
