Handle with Style: Sleek and Chic Kitchen Handle Trends You Need to Know

As we step into 2025, kitchen design continues to evolve, blending functionality with style. One of the smallest but most impactful details in a kitchen is the choice of cupboard and drawer handles. Whether you prefer a sleek, handleless look or decorative statement handles, this year’s kitchen handle trends offer something for every taste. From classic finishes to contemporary materials, here’s what’s shaping up as the most popular kitchen handle styles in the UK.

1. Kitchen Handle Trends: Antique Brass Finishes

Warm metal tones are making a strong comeback, with antique brass leading the way. This finish adds a sense of character and pairs beautifully with dark wood and deep green, grey, or navy kitchen units. Whether you choose simple bar handles or intricate traditional styles, brass can bring a touch of vintage elegance to both classic and modern kitchens. 

2. Kitchen Handle Trends: Kitchen Gallery Rails

Inspired by traditional shaker kitchens, gallery rails are making a return to popular kitchen handle trends. These delicate metal rails are often fitted to the front of open shelves or cupboards, adding a decorative element while keeping items secure. They’re particularly popular in classic kitchen designs, bringing an extra layer of detail and craftsmanship. 

3. Matching Your Kitchen Handles to Cupboards

More homeowners are opting for a seamless look by matching their handles to their cupboard doors. This could mean choosing painted handles in the same shade as the cabinetry or selecting wood handles that blend naturally with timber finishes. This approach creates a streamlined, contemporary feel while ensuring the design remains cohesive. 

4. Wooden Kitchen Handles for a Natural Touch

For those who love warm, natural textures, wooden handles are a popular kitchen handle trend and make a great choice. Designs in walnut, oak, or ash add a soft, organic feel to kitchen spaces and work beautifully in both rustic and modern interiors. Wood handles in a curved or minimalist shape help maintain a refined, timeless look.

5. Polished Nickel and Chrome for a Sleek Look

Shiny metal finishes such as polished nickel and chrome are gaining popularity, reflecting light and adding a clean, modern feel. Polished chrome finishes provide a cool, blueish-silver appearance and work particularly well in contemporary kitchens with high-gloss cabinetry or handleless units, creating a subtle contrast that enhances the overall design. This finish is distinct from polished nickel, which offers a warm, silver tone with a subtle golden hue. The warm undertones of polished nickel make it particularly suitable for traditional or period properties, adding a touch of elegance and warmth to the décor.

6. Handcrafted and Textured Kitchen Handle Finishes

Tactile, handcrafted kitchen handles are growing in popularity, offering something unique for those who prefer an individual touch. These might include cast metal handles with a textured or hammered surface, leather handles, or even hand-turned wooden knobs. Imperfect, organic finishes add personality and a bespoke feel to kitchens, making them a great choice for homeowners who want something a little different. 

7. Kitchen Handle Trends: Mixed Metals for Contrast

While some prefer a uniform look, others are embracing contrast by mixing metals. Brass handles on matt black units or copper handles against deep blue cabinetry create a striking visual effect. This kitchen handle trend works well in both classic and contemporary kitchens, allowing homeowners to add subtle pops of colour without overwhelming the space. 

8. Kitchen Handle Trends: Slim Bar Handles for Minimalist Style

Sleek, linear kitchen bar handles remain a favourite for modern kitchens. Thin, streamlined handles in brushed stainless steel, matt black, or bronze offer a discreet, contemporary touch while maintaining a practical grip. These work particularly well on slab doors and add a touch of elegance without drawing too much attention. 

9. Sustainable and Recycled Materials

As sustainability becomes a bigger consideration in kitchen design, many brands are offering handles made from eco-friendly materials. Recycled metals, reclaimed wood, and even repurposed glass are being used to create stylish and ethical options. Choosing sustainable fittings allows homeowners to invest in durable, high-quality pieces while reducing their environmental impact.

10. Oversized Kitchen Handles for a Statement Look

For those looking to make an impact, oversized handles are a popular kitchen handle trend. Extra-long bar handles on tall cupboards or large D-shaped handles on drawers create a bold, designer-led aesthetic. Choosing a contrasting finish can further highlight these statement pieces, making them a key design element rather than just a functional feature.

Kitchen Brand Highlights: Who’s Leading the Way?

Several kitchen brands are embracing these modern kitchen handle trends and offering a diverse selection of stylish handles: 

• Nobilia – A leader in modern German kitchens, Nobilia specialises in sleek, handleless designs but also offers stylish bar handles and subtle integrated options. 

• Alku – Known for their classic and contemporary kitchen designs, Alku provides a range of customisable handle choices to suit all styles. 

• JJO – A British brand that blends traditional and modern elements, offering a variety of handle styles, including brushed metals and painted finishes. 

• Bauformat & Ballerina – German brands known for high-quality engineering and contemporary designs, offering both minimalist and bold handle styles. 

• Brigitte – A family-run business with a strong focus on craftsmanship and timeless kitchen designs, featuring a wide selection of classic and modern handles. 

• Ashley Ann – A UK-based brand offering bespoke kitchens, where handle choice plays a key role in creating unique, characterful designs. 

• Omega – A British manufacturer renowned for luxury fitted kitchens, offering a variety of elegant handle options that suit both modern and classic styles. 

Conclusion

Kitchen handle trends in 2025 focus on blending style and practicality. Whether you prefer the seamless look of integrated handles, the elegance of antique brass, or the warmth of natural materials, there’s a design to suit every home. The right handles can elevate your kitchen’s overall aesthetic, adding subtle details that make a big impact. With options available from top brands like Nobilia, Alku, JJO, and Omega, it’s easier than ever to find handles that complement your style and enhance the functionality of your kitchen. 

Considering a kitchen upgrade? Visit your local kitchen specialists to explore different handle styles in person and discover the best options for your space.