The Ultimate Guide to Wardrobe Handles

By Usha Balasubramanyan- May 22, 2024

Function and beauty are the two most important factors that you should consider when choosing wardrobe handles. Handles seem inconsequential, and for many people, they are an afterthought—but choose the wrong handle, and you’ll have to put up with it for a long time!

wardrobe handle guides

We’ve rounded up the various options available, in terms of design, material and finish; and give you the lowdown on aesthetics as well as functionality.

1. Bar Handles

The simplest and most functional of all handles, bar handles are, as the name indicates, in the shape of a bar that is screwed into the shutter and can be gripped to pull it open or push it shut. Bar handles are typically long handles for wardrobes that are available in various finishes. From the popular chrome and stainless steel to vintage porcelain, wooden, metallic and more, there’s something to suit every décor theme.

Pro Tip: Bar handles that are long will distribute the weight of the shutter more evenly, reducing the stress on the hinges.

bar handle ideas

2. Knobs

Such wardrobe profile handles are well suited to classical and ornate vintage styles, knobs are circular and fixed in the middle of the shutter. Whether you want to go for a minimal wardrobe design, or a modern and lavish modular wardrobe design, knobs can do wonders in both the cases. If your wardrobe shutter is heavy, these round wardrobe handles are not the preferred option as they could become loose over time, due to the point load on the holding screw.

Pro Tip: While each shutter has just one knob, very wide drawers could use two knobs to distribute the load evenly on both channels, and facilitate easy opening.

knobs ideas

3. Edge Profile

Edge profiles lend a sleek and minimalistic sliding wardrobe design, and are hollowed-out profiles in aluminium or wood that are fitted to the edge of the shutter. By putting your fingers in the hollow, you can pull the shutters open or push them closed. These are perfect handles for sliding wardrobe doors with edge profiles that can be used both on cabinet shutters as well as drawers and are ideal for contemporary modern designs.

4. Handleless (Push to Open)

Handleless drawers use a push-to-open mechanism to open shutters or drawers. A slight push activates the spring of the slide, allowing the shutter to slide open. The spring releases the drawer only partly, and the rest of the opening has to be done by hand. This mechanism provides a slick, streamlined look and is the preferred option when there is paucity of space – you can also choose to go for designer wardrobe handles to beautify your space.

Pro Tip: Never compromise on quality, as cheaper versions will not last long. The spring could give way due to wear and tear over the years, and could become damaged with very rough use, or if the drawer is heavily loaded beyond its capacity.

push to open handle ideas

5. Recessed Handles

Recessed bedroom wardrobe handles are embedded in the shutter, and allow you to pull it open easily. Usually made of aluminium, these profile handles for sliding wardrobe are completely flush with the surface of the shutter and can therefore also be used for sliding shutters. Such concealed handles for sliding wardrobe are very easy to use, and lend a sleek and modern appearance to the wardrobe.

recessed handles

6. Bow Handles

Bow handles are similar to bar handles, except that they differ in shape, being curved in appearance. They can be gripped only in the middle of the curve, unlike a bar handle which offers an even grip all along the length. These wardrobe brass handles are best suited to classical, transitional or traditional wooden wardrobe designs.

bow handles for wardrobes

7. T-Bar Handles

Shaped like a T, these brass wardrobe handles are fixed at one point on the shutter instead of two, like bar handles. This style looks good for transitional kitchen designs or for minimalistic shutters with a flat finish.

t-bar handles

What Are the Different Finishes Available?

Handles are available in many different materials and finishes, and you can match the look to the ambience of your kitchen.

Chrome: One of the most popular finishes, with a shiny or matte metallic surface. These handles usually have a metallic core with chrome-plating that is resistant to stains and can be easily wiped clean.
Copper or Bronze: These handles lend themselves well to old-world décor, as they are ageless and lend traditional charm.
Stainless Steel: The most popular, cost effective and durable material for handles, stainless steel requires minimal maintenance and is a stylish, sensible option.
Antique Finish: This vintage-lookalike material is much loved, and goes beautifully well with old-fashioned décor styles.
Aluminium: Lightweight, durable and long-lasting, aluminium handles adapt well to modern décor styles. They are susceptible to scratches and for this reason must be maintained with care.

Wardrobe Handle Lookbook

Here’s the HomeLane Wardrobe Handle Lookbook, for you to steal ideas from — and we promise we won’t tell!

Stunning In Glass

These handles for wardrobe doors feature floor-to-ceiling glass shutters framed in black. This glass wardrobe design is thoughtfully crafted out of rubber wood and offers plenty of space to hang up clothes.

glass wardrobe design

Bow Handles With Flat Edges

A variant of the cylindrical bow handle, these stainless steel pieces are flat at the edges, allowing for an easier grip.

bow handles with flat edges

Sleek Long Handles

These steel sliding door wardrobe handles make a style statement all on their own! Combine them with simple veneered shutters for a lovely aesthetic. The drawers sport matching horizontal handles.

sleek long handles

Stylish Wardrobe with Edge Profile Handles

Simple and streamlined, these ash wood wardrobe drawer handles use edge profile handles in a darker wood for lovely contrast. Open shelves in the same dark wood tie the look together.

Red, White and Blue

This bedroom wardrobe design makes a play on colours, and uses both open shelves and closed shutters for a unique look. The shutters and drawers are fitted with elegant coloured porcelain knobs.

red, white and blue bedroom wardrobe design

White and Wood

Shaker style cabinet shutters are fitted with burnished gold handles that follow a lovely ornamental curve, while the wooden drawers alongside showcase gold knobs.

white and wood wardrobe design

Antique Charm

These lovely antique metal handles will never lose their appeal. Match them with solid teak wood shutters to add a touch of timeless elegance.

antique metal handles

Elegance in Wood

Long wooden handles like these will never fail to make an impact! Use them on cream or white shutters for a blend of the classical and contemporary.

wooden handles

Aluminium Edge Profiles

As functional as they are stylish, these lightweight sliding shutters are fitted with aluminium edge profiles and allow for easy gripping and holding.

aluminium edge

We hope we’ve given you plenty of ideas that you can borrow for your own home. Need design assistance? HomeLane has your back!

FAQs

1. How Do I Choose a Wardrobe Handle?

When it comes to choosing wardrobe handles, you need to consider a few points that can make a significant difference to this highly functional furniture in your home. Let’s take a look at them:

Functionality: Different wardrobe doors require different types of handles to function effectively. For instance, sliding wardrobe handles won’t be the right choice for a swing door and vice versa.

Size: The wardrobe handles should be large enough to offer a good grip. Typically, long wardrobe handles offer an excellent grip.

Style: Consider the overall style of the unit. Is it modern, traditional, transitional, or contemporary? Select a wardrobe handles design that will complement it.

Quality: Ensure that the wardrobe handles you select are made of durable and high-quality material.

2. How do you measure wardrobe handles?

Three types of measurements are generally used to define the size of wardrobe handles. They are:

Centre-to-Centre Distance: It is the distance between the two screw insertion points in your wardrobe door handles. It starts from the centre of one insertion and ends in the centre of the other.
Overall Length: This covers the distance from one end point of a wardrobe handle design to the other.
Projection: This distance measures how far the wardrobe handles the project from the wardrobe surface after its installation.

3. What are the different types of handles?

There are five main types of handles designed for different applications. They are:

Pull Handles: They make an ideal choice as wardrobe drawer handles or on doors that open inwards, such as walk in wardrobe design.

Door Handles: While there are plenty of wardrobe door handle designs, ensure that the one you select matches the style, finish, and overall vibe of your space.

Cabinet Handles: Consider using this handle for your kitchen wardrobe design. The right kitchen wardrobe handles will add an aesthetic touch to the unit.

Door Knobs: Knobs function in the same way as handles for wardrobes. That’s why they are sometimes used in place of modern wardrobe handles.

Lever Handles: This type of handle consists of a lock. Such handles are often used for bathroom doors but rarely as wardrobe handles.

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