I have written a mini guide with tips, examples and inspirations to choose the most suitable handle to enhance antique and modern furniture.
Anyone who knows us a little already knows that here at Windowo we love practical solutions. When we talk about handles, however, we cannot think only of the functional aspects: the handle is a design object, an accessory that completes and enhances the furniture - as long as it is chosen with accuracy, of course!
I have some architect friends with whom I like to chat about design and furniture, they explained to me how they choose the style, shape and finish of the handles for their furniture. When I listen to them I feel like I'm going back to school! I followed their lesson and, with a lot of advice in my pocket, I put what I learned to good use:
here I experimented with a bit of combinations between furniture of different styles and knobs .
A few (practical) tips and various inspirations
Call it if you want professional deformation, but before starting to talk about aesthetics, I want to make you a premise of a "practical" nature: because in choosing a handle - for furniture, doors or windows - there are also many functional aspects to keep in mind.
Handles and knobs are subject to wear. To ensure that they last as long as possible, there is not much to do: you simply have to rely on trusted brands, those that guarantee quality materials.
What are the best brands of handles? We made the selection for you: here on Windowo you will find only handles and
knobs of excellent workmanship . Also in this article you will find products signed by brands of excellence, such as
Linea Calì , which since 1986 has been creating products in which functionality and design go hand in hand;
Galbusera , the artistic hardware store that works iron with artisanal methods;
Bartoli Design , an architects / designers studio that has received prestigious awards and has exhibited its products in the most important museums in the world;
Lorenz , wrought iron masters since 1945. Yes, we went to look for them with the lantern.
I want to add one more thing:
when choosing furniture knobs, always take into account the use you will make of them . I'll give you an example to explain what I mean: later I'll tell you about a crystal knob with a pure gold finish. As you will imagine, such a handle needs more care than a wrought iron one: it can be good for a display cabinet, a little less for a wardrobe that you open several times a day. Each material has its own characteristics, as I already explained to you in
the handle buying guide - if you haven't consulted it yet, I suggest you take a look at it.
Now I stop with the recommendations. Here you can find my “style exercises”.
Handles for antique furniture
With an antique piece of furniture like the one you see below you have to pay a lot of attention, especially if it is a piece of furniture that has its value and its era.
In choosing the most suitable handle, two different paths can be taken: one that follows the style and era of the furniture; another of rupture, which plays with contrasts.
The knob you see is
Daisy PB , from the Calì Line, in satin bronzed brass - it is also available in other finishes. It goes well with a classic piece of furniture like this one, because the design is deliberately retro and brass is a good option for antique wood furniture. Let's say that this is a choice in the name of consistency that does not make you take too many risks.
Then I tried to be a little more daring. This is the knob of the
Linea Calì Cosmic Crystal OZ with Swarowski® . It has a black Swarovski® crystal insert and a pure gold finish. Such a knob ennobles any piece of furniture. In this case, however, I chose it for another reason: the essential and modern design “rejuvenates” the bedside table, while gold gives it light.
Furniture knobs of poor art
A separate paragraph for the poor art furniture, which is rather simple, devoid of ornaments and frills.
Here you can opt for a discreet handle, which respects the essential style of the furniture (but without mortifying it) and, at the same time, adds a bit of character.
This is a
Galbusera knob in wrought iron, a unique handcrafted piece that I would choose with an antique gold finish (you can find the color references on the product page). The flower shape refines the piece of furniture and the brilliant finish gives it light.
Or you can experiment with something more extravagant. A piece of furniture like this, with a slightly rough charm, can be lightened and illuminated by a transparent handle that allows you to play with the reflections of the light and, at the same time, embellish the furniture.
This is a splendid
Crystal OZ knob from the Calì line. It is a real work of art, with a Swarowski® topaz handle and a pure gold finish. It is an elegant knob, capable of giving charm even to the simplest and most anonymous furnishings.
Handles for modern furniture
With modern furniture it is better not to experiment so much: you have to choose a handle with a contemporary style. It is important, however, to pay attention to the type of finish and materials: if for example the piece of furniture has metal feet, you must choose a handle that matches the color of the material and the type of finish, satin or glossy. Let's take this piece of furniture as an example and imagine having to choose a suitable knob.
The best choice is a design handle with minimal shapes like this one.
What you see is the
knob F514 by Formae by Colombo Design , Studio Bartoli. The cube shape, very essential, is suitable for modern furniture with minimal lines. It is an elegant and functional knob - as you can see there is a slight indentation that simplifies the grip. You can choose it with a glossy or satin finish. It is a perfect handle for designer furniture.
Shabby chic style vintage furniture handles
Many delight in the recovery of old furniture. And many decide to renovate them by letting themselves be inspired by the shabby chic style, a style that evokes the houses of the English countryside, furnished with old wooden furniture in slightly faded pastel colors. Which handle to match?
A great classic is the ceramic knob decorated with floral motifs. It is the most inflated choice. Do you want something more sophisticated (and even more resistant)? I chose this one in the shape of a flower.
It is a
Lorenz Ferart wrought iron knob . This is just the model, consider that it is available in many colors, from ivory to green. The light colors with an antique effect and the flower design are well suited to the romanticism of shabby chic furniture.
Finished. My architect friends promoted me with good grades, and you? :)
