How to choose the right cabinet handle

If you're replacing existing handles, measure the hole-centre spacing — the distance between the two screw holes — on the handle you're removing, and match it exactly so you don't need to drill new holes in the cabinet front. If you're fitting handles to a new cabinet-only vanity, the drawer or door width determines a comfortable handle length: wider drawers generally suit longer bar handles, while single doors and small drawers usually suit a knob or a short handle positioned off-centre. Cabinets from 750mm up often use one long handle per drawer rather than two shorter ones.

Finish is largely a style decision. Brushed nickel and chrome sit well with cooler-toned tiles and stone tops, matte black adds contrast against light cabinetry, and brushed brass suits warmer, traditional palettes. Stone-effect knobs, such as the Vale range, add a tactile, natural texture that pairs particularly well with timber-look vanities. Order one sample handle first if you're unsure of a finish before committing to a full set across a multi-drawer vanity.