How to Choose the Perfect Brass Knurled Handles for Your Home

Cabinet handles and knobs are among the many elements you'll choose when building or renovating a space. These items may serve as real statement pieces - both in terms of their practicality and their special design features. While being spoilt for choice is a lovely thing, stylish brass knurled handles stand out uniquely in ironmongery.

What Are Brass Knurled Handles

Brass knurled handles have a grip section that is carefully engraved with a pattern of straight, angled, or crossed lines. This knurled design forms a detailed diamond-cut pattern that is both easy to grip and attractive. The ridges are symmetrical and beautifully cut. Its diamond-shaped ridge with facets that catch and reflect light, creates an almost iridescent sheen.

Benefits of Knurled Handles

Besides providing a comfortable grip for opening and closing doors and drawers, the warm and classic look of brass complements a variety of interior design styles. There is an assortment of sizes and finishes available for knurled handles, which can be customised according to your furniture's specific needs.

Knurled brass handles are also durable. They are resistant to corrosion and tarnishing. In addition, their sturdy construction allows them to withstand heavy use without showing signs of wear and tear. 

How To Choose Brass Knurled Handles?

Handles with knurling are an attractive and functional addition to any piece of furniture. Here are some tips for choosing brass knurled handles for your home or office.

• Decide on Hardware Types

Firstly, decide whether you prefer using all knobs, all pulls, or a combination of both. While there are no strict rules, knobs generally make it easier to open cabinets, while pulls are better suited for drawers. However, there are exceptions; for instance, vertical drawer pulls can work well for bathroom baseboard cabinets. 

Consider what hardware will feel most functional for your lifestyle when selecting hardware types. Additionally, if you aim to enhance existing furniture like a side table or media console, small antique brass knobs might provide just the right visual impact compared to longer pulls.

• Choose the Right Size

Choose the right size for your brass knurled handles. There is no set rule, but we generally recommend a pull length of 1/3 the cabinet or drawer width. 

For small drawers that are 12 inches or less, a pull that is 3 to 4 inches long or a knob that is 1 inch in diameter works best. 

Medium drawers between 12 and 30 inches are suited to pulls that are 4 to 8 inches long or drawer knobs between 1 and 1.5 inches in diameter. 

Large drawers from 30 to 48 inches require a pull longer than 8 inches or a knob at least 1 inch in diameter, with the option of using two pulls or knobs for added functionality.

• Decide a Finish 

Brass knurled handles are available in different finishes, including antique, polished, brushed, and matte. The finish you select should match or complement your home's other hardware and fixtures. Antique finishes provide a vintage look, while polished finishes give a more contemporary feel. Matte finishes offer subtle and understated elegance. While brushed brass is more muted in colour, it is suitable for modern, traditional, and contemporary styles alike. Consider your home's colour palette and choose a finish that enhances the overall theme.

How to Clean Brass Knurled Handles?

For a simple cleaning method for brass handles, start by filling a container with warm water and adding a few drops of dish soap. Dip a microfiber cloth or a clean toothbrush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the surface of the brass handles. After cleaning, dry them off thoroughly with a clean cloth.

If the handles are very dirty or tarnished, consider removing them and soaking them in the soapy water before scrubbing them clean. It's important to only use mild detergents like dish soap or soapy water with a damp cloth. Alternatively, you can wipe them over with a soft cloth treated with beeswax. Avoid using any metal cleaners or aerosol sprays under any circumstances.

Find Your Perfect Brass Handle with Brass Bee

Brass Bee has created a range of beautiful knurled unique door knockers and handles as part of its high-quality range of ironmongery. We utilise high-quality knurling engineering, a type of finish that is more difficult to achieve but is all part of our commitment to only supplying the finest quality that easily stands out.

This guide aims to provide a helpful starting point when shopping for knurled hardware. Ultimately, experimenting is the best way to find your personal preference, as every room has its own unique requirements. It is recommended that you order a smaller quantity of handles if you are unsure about your choice. This lets you try out different styles, sizes and finishes to see how they transform your space.