Handle strips are the trend in kitchens right now. They are not only a practical way to open doors and drawers more easily, but also add aesthetic value by blending seamlessly into your interior.

However, choosing the right handle strips can be a challenge, as there are many different sizes, shapes and materials. For this reason, we would like to help you make your decision and give you important tips on selecting and installing handle strips.

What is a handle strip?

Handle strips are narrow, elongated profiles made from various materials that are attached to furniture, doors or drawers and serve as handles for opening them. Because of their slim design, they take up very little space and are often used to achieve a minimalist look. This makes handle strips a popular choice for modern furniture in kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms.

What distinguishes handle strips from other furniture handles or knobs?

When planning your kitchen or furniture, drawers and doors play a key role. However, you should not only focus on design, but also on the functionality of the fittings. After all, you will be opening cupboards, doors and drawers several times a day – and if that does not work smoothly, trouble is guaranteed.

In addition to choosing the right hinges, you should also think about suitable furniture handles and ask yourself which handles are best suited to your intended use.

Handle strips are becoming increasingly popular in kitchens, bathrooms and living rooms. But what sets handle strips apart from other furniture handles?

• Design: Handle strips are usually flat, narrow profiles mounted lengthwise on the surface of your furniture. In contrast, other furniture handles are often three-dimensional and protrude from the drawer or door. What makes handle strips special is that they can create a smooth, seamless surface, perfectly supporting the look of minimalist interiors.
• Functionality: Unlike other furniture handles, handle strips offer an effective and discreet way to open and close furniture. They are easy to grip and operate, even though they seem almost invisible. Depending on the design, many furniture knobs are less ergonomic than handle strips.
• Installation: Handle strips are usually attached to the top edge of the drawer, whereas other furniture handles often have to be screwed on from the back or even recessed into the furniture piece. In many cases, handle strips are therefore easier and quicker to install.

For which applications are handle strips suitable?

Handle strips are an ideal choice if you are looking for furniture handles that draw little attention. They do not distract from the rest of your interior, but blend seamlessly and almost invisibly into your furniture. As a rule, you can use handle strips on all cupboards, drawers and doors to open and close them discreetly.

Although handle strips are especially popular in modern and minimalist interior styles, they can also give old furniture a new look with subtle handle strips.

Handle strips are used in all living areas: In the bedroom, handle strips are used to easily open and close doors and drawers on modern wardrobes or bedside tables. In the kitchen, handle strips have even become the favourite when it comes to furniture handles. They are often used as handles on kitchen cabinets, drawers and built-in appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers.

The space-saving properties of handle strips should not be underestimated either, especially in areas such as the bathroom, where there is often not much room. Handle strips are therefore an ideal choice for bathroom cabinets, mirrored cabinets and shower doors.

Handle strips are also common in the office. They can be used as handles on office furniture such as desks, filing cabinets and drawers. Of course, handle strips are also used in a wide variety of furniture in the living room, for example on sideboards, chests of drawers and display cabinets.

What types of handle strips are available?

As with other furniture handles, there are many different versions of handle strips. Choosing the best handle strip depends on your individual requirements, the style of your interior and the area of use. Depending on which piece of furniture in the kitchen, office or living room the strip is to be attached to, different types of handle strips are suitable:

• Handle strips with harpoon fastening: These handle strips have an additional fastening mechanism in the form of a so-called harpoon rail to ensure particularly stable and secure installation. The handle strip with harpoon rail is therefore ideal for use in high-traffic areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
• U-shaped handle strips: As the name suggests, the shape of this handle strip resembles a U. This handle strip is often found in kitchen drawers and cupboards, as it offers a comfortable grip position and is available in various materials such as wood, metal and plastic.
• C-shaped handle strips: The C-shaped handle strip is similar to the U-shaped version, but is rounder and therefore perceived by many people as more ergonomic. In contrast to the U-profile, however, the C-shaped handle strip is only very rarely available in wood.
• Handle strips with lighting: Illuminated handle strips offer a trendy mix of seamless design and striking appearance. These handle strips feature an integrated LED strip to create an additional light source in kitchens or other areas.
• Towel rail handle strips: As mentioned above, space in the bathroom is often very limited. To save space, there are also combined solutions in which the handle strip can also be used as a towel rail.

Shape, size, material and finish: what you should consider when choosing your handle strips

When choosing handle strips for your kitchen or furniture, there are several criteria to consider. First of all, you should think about the size of the handle strip. How long the handle strip for your drawer or cabinet door should be depends on the size and function of the furniture piece, because a handle strip that is too large or too small can affect not only the appearance but also the functionality.

In addition to size, the shape of the handle strip should also match the design of the furniture piece. Your handle strip will be used several times a day – so make sure it is ergonomic, comfortable to grip and visually suits your furniture.

Of course, the material also plays an important role. Handle strips are usually made from one of the following materials:

• wood
• metal or
• plastic

The material you choose depends on your preference and the area of use on the one hand, and on your furniture on the other. For bathrooms and kitchens, for example, handle strips made of metal or plastic are particularly suitable, as they are water-resistant and easy to clean. Make sure the handle strip is of high quality and well made. Among other things, the edges of the handle strip should be well sanded so that you do not injure yourself when gripping it.

How are handle strips mounted or attached?

In general, handle strips are attached in one of the following ways:

• screwed on
• glued or bonded
• recessed, routed in or driven in

Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to correctly install handle strips according to the respective fastening method.

Conclusion

Handle strips are an ideal way to combine function and aesthetics. Whether for drawers or doors in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom, handle strips guarantee a modern look. When choosing them, you should make sure that the material, size and shape of the handles suit your furniture and your interior.

Ergonomics and quality are also factors you should not overlook when making a purchase. Which type of installation you choose depends on the type of handle strip and your furniture piece – work carefully so that you can enjoy your handle strips for a long time.

Frequently asked questions about handle strips