How to choose the right handles for your furniture

When we design bespoke built-in furniture or update existing pieces, handle selection is always a key part of how we bring balance and character to the final design. Handles might seem like a small detail, but they make a big difference to how furniture looks and feels. From their shape and finish to their placement and scale, these details help a piece feel considered, practical, and perfectly at home in the space.

HANDLE STYLE

The right handle should suit the style of your furniture. Shaker-style doors often look best with cup handles or classic knobs, while modern flat-fronted cabinetry suits simple pull handles or hidden edge designs. Handles are like punctuation; they finish the piece and tie everything together.

FINISH

Polished nickel, antique brass, bronze, matte black… the finish you choose sets the tone. Matching it with details like your light fittings, sockets, or hinges can make the whole room feel more connected. It’s those subtle links that make a space feel designed rather than decorated.

SIZE AND SCALE

Size really matters when it comes to handles. Larger handles make a bold statement and work beautifully on wardrobes or larder doors. Smaller handles suit bedside drawers or dressing tables where a lighter touch feels right. Getting the proportions right helps the furniture feel balanced and comfortable to use.

PLACEMENT

Even a small shift in placement can change how a piece looks and feels. Handles that sit too high or low can throw the proportions off or feel awkward to reach. Before final fitting, we always take time to step back and visualise how everything sits. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

FUNCTIONALIITY

Looks matter, but comfort matters more. Handles are used every day, so they need to feel solid, smooth, and easy to grip. We always choose fittings that are both beautiful and built to last so they feel as good in ten years as they do on day one.

MATERIAL

Handle material affects both the design and how it ages. Solid metal, for example, has a reassuring weight and durability that elevates a piece. It’s one of those details that quietly signals quality.

CONSISTENCY

When several pieces of furniture share the same handle design, it gives a room a sense of flow and unity. Wardrobes, drawers, and bedside units all feel part of one complete design, consistent but never repetitive.

For our latest project, we chose Corston’s Kilburn handles in Polished Nickel. Their simple, timeless shape complements the clean shaker-style lines perfectly, adding detail without overpowering the design. The polished nickel brings a refined, modern touch, and being high quality means they’re made to last.

Corston is one of our favourite brands to use, known for beautifully made hardware that combines design, durability, and attention to detail — the perfect finishing touch for bespoke furniture.

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Choosing handles is about more than appearance. It’s about balance, comfort, and character, the finishing details that make a design feel complete.

Share this guide or keep it in mind for your next bespoke furniture project.