Choosing the Right Handles
IKEA cabinets offer a wide array of handle styles, each adding a unique touch to your kitchen or bathroom. Selecting the right handles involves considering several factors, ensuring a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics.
Types of Handles
IKEA provides various handle types to suit different preferences and cabinet styles. These include:
- Knobs: Compact and often round, knobs are a classic choice, offering a simple yet elegant look. They are commonly found on drawers and smaller cabinets, providing a comfortable grip for opening and closing.
- Pulls: Available in various shapes and sizes, pulls offer a more substantial grip, ideal for larger cabinets and doors. They come in different styles, from sleek and modern to traditional and ornate, allowing for personalized expression.
- Bar Handles: These long, straight handles provide a modern and minimalist aesthetic. They are often found on larger cabinets, offering a comfortable grip for opening and closing, even with larger hands.
Factors to Consider
Choosing the right handles involves considering factors such as:
- Style: Handles should complement the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom. For example, modern cabinets may pair well with minimalist bar handles, while traditional cabinets might suit ornate pulls.
- Size: The size of the handle should be proportionate to the size of the cabinet. Larger cabinets may require larger handles for easier gripping, while smaller cabinets may benefit from smaller, more delicate handles.
- Material: Handles are made from various materials, each offering distinct aesthetics and durability. Metal handles, such as stainless steel or brass, are popular for their sleek look and resistance to wear. Wood handles add a touch of warmth and natural beauty, while plastic handles offer affordability and ease of cleaning.
- Finish: The finish of the handle should complement the other hardware in your kitchen or bathroom. Common finishes include polished chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, and oil-rubbed bronze.
Popular Handle Styles
IKEA offers a diverse range of handle styles, each catering to specific aesthetics and functionality:
- Modern: Sleek, minimalist handles, often made of metal, are popular for contemporary kitchens and bathrooms. Bar handles and simple pulls in brushed nickel or black finishes are common choices.
- Traditional: Ornate pulls, knobs with intricate designs, and handles with decorative accents are common in traditional kitchens and bathrooms. Brass or bronze finishes add a touch of elegance to these styles.
- Rustic: Handles made from wood or metal with a distressed finish complement rustic kitchens and bathrooms. Knobs with a farmhouse feel and pulls with a weathered look are popular choices.
Tools and Materials
Installing handles on IKEA cabinets is a relatively straightforward process, but having the right tools and materials makes it much easier and ensures a professional finish. The tools and materials required are readily available at most hardware stores and online retailers.
Tools Needed
A list of essential tools for installing handles on IKEA cabinets is presented below:
- Screwdriver: A screwdriver is crucial for driving screws into the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. A Phillips head screwdriver is most commonly used for IKEA cabinets.
- Drill: A drill is used for pre-drilling pilot holes for the screws, preventing the wood from splitting. A cordless drill with a variable speed setting provides more control.
- Level: A level ensures that the handles are installed horizontally and symmetrically on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. A small, 4-inch level is sufficient for this task.
- Pencil: A pencil is used to mark the locations where the handles will be installed, ensuring accuracy and symmetry.
- Measuring Tape: A measuring tape is used to determine the exact placement of the handles on the cabinet doors and drawer fronts, ensuring they are centered and evenly spaced.
- Safety Glasses: Safety glasses protect your eyes from flying debris during drilling.
Materials Needed
The materials needed for installing handles on IKEA cabinets are listed below:
- Handles: These are the most obvious requirement. Select handles that match the style of your kitchen and are the right size for your cabinets.
- Screws: IKEA cabinets usually come with screws, but it’s a good idea to have extra screws on hand in case you need them. Ensure the screws are the correct size and type for your chosen handles.
- Wood Filler (Optional): Wood filler can be used to cover up any imperfections or holes in the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. This is particularly useful if you are replacing old handles or have drilled pilot holes that are too large.
Recommended Brands
A table summarizing the recommended brands for each tool is provided below:
| Tool | Purpose | Recommended Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Screwdriver | Driving screws into cabinet doors and drawer fronts | DeWalt, Bosch, Stanley |
| Drill | Pre-drilling pilot holes for screws | DeWalt, Bosch, Ryobi |
| Level | Ensuring handles are installed horizontally and symmetrically | Stanley, Johnson Level, Empire |
| Pencil | Marking locations for handle installation | Ticonderoga, Dixon Ticonderoga, Pentel |
| Measuring Tape | Determining the exact placement of handles | Stanley, Craftsman, Lufkin |
| Safety Glasses | Protecting eyes from flying debris | 3M, DEWALT, Husky |
Installation Process: Installing Handles On Ikea Cabinets
Installing handles on IKEA cabinets is a straightforward process that can be completed with basic tools and a little patience. This section provides a step-by-step guide to help you install your handles successfully.
Measuring and Marking, Installing handles on ikea cabinets
Before drilling, it’s crucial to accurately measure and mark the handle locations on your cabinet doors. This ensures that the handles are positioned symmetrically and at the desired height.
- Determine Handle Placement: Decide on the desired handle height and distance from the edge of the cabinet door. It’s common to place handles approximately 3 inches from the top or bottom edge of the door, but adjust this based on your preference and the size of your cabinet.
- Use a Level: A level ensures the handles are installed horizontally. Place the level along the cabinet door where you plan to install the handle. Mark the desired position with a pencil or marker.
- Mark Center Points: Use a measuring tape to determine the center point of the handle. Mark this center point on the door with a pencil or marker. This point will be the starting point for drilling.
Drilling
Drilling pilot holes is an essential step before installing handles. This helps to prevent splitting the cabinet door and ensures that the screws have a smooth entry point.
- Choose the Right Drill Bit: Select a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw provided with your handles. A pilot hole that’s too large can weaken the door and cause the handle to become loose over time.
- Drill Pilot Holes: Use the drill bit to create a pilot hole at the marked center point on the cabinet door. Drill slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the door.
- Depth Control: If using a drill press, set the depth gauge to avoid drilling too deep. For hand drills, use a piece of tape on the drill bit as a depth indicator.
Securing the Handles
Once the pilot holes are drilled, you can install the handles.
- Attach the Handle: Align the handle with the marked center point and secure it to the cabinet door using the screws provided. Start with one screw, ensuring it’s tight but not overtightened.
- Tighten the Screws: After attaching the handle with one screw, secure it fully by tightening the remaining screws. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the cabinet door or the handle.
- Test the Handle: Once the handles are installed, test them to ensure they are securely attached and operate smoothly.
Tips and Tricks
- Pre-drill Pilot Holes: Pre-drilling pilot holes is crucial, especially for hardwood cabinet doors. This prevents splitting the wood and ensures a smooth installation.
- Use a Drill Press: If available, using a drill press provides greater accuracy and control during drilling.
- Avoid Overtightening: Overtightening screws can damage the cabinet door or the handle. Tighten screws until they are snug but not overly tight.
- Measure Twice, Drill Once: Accuracy is key in handle installation. Take your time to measure carefully and mark the handle locations before drilling.
Installing handles on IKEA cabinets can be a simple DIY project, adding a personalized touch to your kitchen or bathroom. However, if you’re looking for a unique and potentially valuable piece of furniture, consider an antique spool cabinet. These cabinets, once used to store thread spools in textile mills, can fetch a hefty price, as you can see in this comprehensive guide on antique spool cabinet value.
While modern IKEA cabinets may not hold the same historical significance, they still offer a practical and stylish solution for storage needs.
Installing handles on IKEA cabinets is a simple way to personalize your kitchen. You can choose from a variety of styles to match your decor, and even add a touch of vintage charm by learning how to antique your cabinets, like those detailed in this helpful guide how to antique your cabinets.
Once your cabinets have that aged look, adding new handles will tie everything together and create a truly unique kitchen space.
