Handles come in many shapes and sizes, they equally come in an array of finishes and colours. Door handles most often come in a range of metals, however there is also a market for wooden handles as well as plain and patterned colours.
Matt
Matt or brushed handles are a popular choice due to their ability to hide smudges and fingerprints and their versatility in styling. They work well in combination with a matt or painted door and look fantastic with modern and traditional kitchens. Brushed handles are more resistant to visible wear and tear giving them a longer lifespan.
Polished
Polished handles that are made from a metal that will easily tarnish, such as brass, are sealed with a lacquer coating. Therefore, it will not age or tarnish however over time this lacquer can slightly discolour or dull over time. On the other hand, this gives them a consistent finish allowing for mixing of handle styles and colours. They are versatile, allowing them to be matched with any door finish and style. Nickel and Stainless Steel do not require lacquer to maintain their shine.
Antique
An antique finish handle can come in two forms. The first being unlacquered brass which initially starts out life clean and shiny naturally wearing over time, giving you that antique look. For those who would rather imitated antique finish handles, these can be found as chemically aged brass. These handles have been put through a process of chemicals to start the aging processes during the manufacturing. These pre-tarnished handles often have a more consistent finish not having the same charm as a natural antique handle.
Novelty
Novelty handles can be a nice way to bring a distinct personal style to your kitchen without having to make a big commitment. Colourful stamen and novelty handles can be made from painted wood, ceramic, acrylic, and lacquered metals. These types of handles can be highly ornate resembling anything your heart desires from fluffy animals to sail boats.
Black
Matt Black hardware is contemporary, utilising a powder coating method, this process results in a finish that won't show fingerprints. Cheaper hardware can be less durable resulting in wear over time becoming more visible. Instead, you could opt for a slightly higher end handle, or one made from wrought iron in more traditional kitchens.
Nickel
Nickel handles are available in brushed and polished finishes; the neutral colour make it a perfect compromise between brass and stainless-steel handles. It is warmer and richer than chrome, perfect for if you want a minimalist handle that compliments a homely kitchen style. Unless it is lacquer sealed, this finish may tarnish which some may find adds to its charm.
Bronze
Bronze handles are a solid alternative to antique finish handles. Bronze is less reactive than copper and will wear more slowly over time, making it a good option for coastal properties that are exposed to high levels of salt as it is less likely to corrode than brass or copper.
Stainless Steel
Solid stainless is corrosion resistant so it is suitable for kitchens that get a lot of use. Available brushed and polished, a stainless-steel finish is easy to match without appearing out of place next to your stainless appliances. Plated stainless pieces are a good option indoors but will not hold up outdoors whereas solid stainless-steel is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use as the finish can be polished or even lightly sanded to remove surface scratches.
Ceramic
Ceramic and porcelain knobs come in an almost infinite number of colours and designs. Often these handles are associated with a floral design however more contemporary options are available in both solid colours and bold patterns. Solid colour options can come in matt, gloss and iridescent variations and can be fluted to create unique shapes.
Oak
Wood is also excellent for creating a design specifically with a neutral style, they can be made from a range of woods, giving you a large selection on finish, however oak is the most popular. Wooden handles can be stained to match other wooden elements in your kitchen such as the worktops or even the same colour as your cabinet doors to create a contemporary Scandinavian inspired look.