What Knobs and Handles Should I Choose For My Kitchen?
25th September 2025
When it comes to designing a kitchen, it feels like there are a hundred and one decisions that you have to make, but often, it’s the smaller details that are the hardest to decide on. One of those is always cupboard fittings. Should I go for pulls or cup handles, what about knobs and catches…? In our opinion, there’s no right or wrong answer; it just depends on your aesthetic and how you use your kitchen. But with that in mind, I thought I’d answer a few of our most frequently asked questions to help you as you decide.
Do my handle finishes need to match my other appliances?
This can be a bit of a contentious debate, but we think that when done well, a mix of metals makes for a beautifully layered room that feels like it has evolved over time rather than been overly curated. Of course, it’s important not to go overboard! Maybe stick to a few tones rather than a whole selection, and add them little by little to see what works.
How many different styles of hardware should I use?
We don’t have a strict rule on this, but generally we try to stick to a maximum of four different styles of hardware in one room, perhaps some pull handles on the drawers, a catch or two on the base cupboards, and knobs for the wall cupboards. With that said, within each category, we tend to stick with one design. So if we were using cup handles, we’d choose either our Classic Cup Handles or our Boho Handles, but not both.
When should a drawer have two handles rather than just one?
If a drawer box is larger than 600mm, our designers will suggest using two handles. This is mainly for aesthetic purposes, but it’s also rather practical too. Any smaller than this and we’d recommend just one handle or knob.
Is there a place where a cup handle is more suitable than a pull handle?
This really depends on you. If you have issues with opening or gripping onto things, then a pull handle will be easier to use than a cup handle, as it has a little more flexibility. So for drawers and pull-out cupboards, a pull handle is your best choice. However, if this is not a problem, then our only note about cup handles is to always use them horizontally with the aperture on the bottom, rather than using them on their side for doors or upside down for whatever reason!
And what about cupboard catches?
Cupboard catches are particularly helpful if you have young children or boisterous pets rushing around your kitchen. They give your cabinetry that little extra bit of security, so we like to put them on base cupboards in high-traffic areas.
Cupboard catches are also a great way to add a little grandeur and glamour to a utilitarian dresser or pantry, so if you want to make a statement, use just one in your kitchen and pick an item that you really want to make feel special.
How do I know what size knob to use?
We have four different sizes of knob for both our Oval and Classic designs. The smallest, petite, is perfect for an occasional cupboard, a little vintage wall cupboard, or even a bathroom cabinet. Both the small and medium sizes are ideal for base cupboards and integrated appliances. They’re classic and understated. Finally, the large is a great fit for anyone who wants to make a statement with their hardware.
Can I install deVOL handles on a panelled fridge? If so, which size should I choose?
Yes absolutely! There’s often a misconception when it comes to integrated appliances that you must use pull handles and that they have to be extra large. However, this isn’t actually the case; we’ve had customers use pulls of all sizes, and knobs too, and been really happy with how they work. For large fridges, the majority of our projects use medium or large deVOL pulls, but in the kitchen below, we actually went for our small size and found them to be just as practical as the bigger options. We make our deVOL handles to the very highest quality, so no matter what size you choose, you can trust that they will always be really strong and functional.
Small deVOL Pull Handles have been used for this integrated fridge freezer.
For an undercounter fridge, a small pull handle or knob works perfectly for both the weight of a fridge door and also the proportions of the cupboard.
What about for a dishwasher?
The deVOL look generally favours small cupboard fittings, so for an integrated dishwasher, a small or medium pull or cup handle is always our go-to.
I think I’ve covered all the main cupboard fittings here and hopefully I’ve answered a few of your burning questions too, but remember, we always respond to all of our Instagram DMs and emails, so if there’s more you want to know, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! And if you’ve fallen in love with any of these designs, or just need a few new pieces, we have a small selection of curated hardware available on the deVOL Shop.
