Bow handles

How do you choose the right bow handles?

A bow handle is a fixed pull with two mounting points and a gently curved or U-shaped profile. The open shape leaves room for your fingers and makes the handle comfortable on both doors and drawers. Start with the hole-centre measurement when choosing bow handles. This is the distance from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other. If the cabinet already has handles, choosing the same hole centres lets you reuse the existing holes and usually avoids additional drilling.

Check the overall length, height and projection as well. A long handle can look balanced on a wide drawer, while a small cabinet door may suit a shorter model. Projection tells you how much space there is between the handle and the front. A generous finger clearance is especially useful on heavy drawers and cabinets opened many times a day. Compare all product measurements with the size of the door or drawer, and make sure the handle will not hit an adjacent wall, worktop or cabinet front.

Bow handles are a classic form of kitchen handles, but the same design also works on many pieces of furniture. Use the lines of the room as a guide: a low, simple curve often looks modern, while a rounder or more detailed design can complement traditional, country and retro-inspired interiors.

Materials, colours and finishes

The material and finish affect the appearance, feel and durability of a handle. Many bow handles are made from metal. Black creates a strong contrast on light cabinet fronts and gives the room a graphic detail. Brass and brass-coloured finishes add warmth and work well with timber, beige, green and dark colours. Chrome, nickel, stainless-steel effects and aluminium have a cooler appearance and are easy to coordinate with appliances, taps and other metal details.

A polished finish reflects more light and becomes a prominent feature on the door. Brushed and matt surfaces tend to feel quieter and may make fingerprints less noticeable. To compare more durable options, explore our metal handles. Colour names and surface treatments can vary between manufacturers, so compare product images and specifications carefully when new handles need to match existing hardware.

Where can bow handles be used?

Bow handles suit kitchen doors, tall cabinets and drawers because the open shape is easy to grip from different angles. A longer handle can provide good control on a wide drawer, while a smaller bow handle works well on narrow cupboards and glass-fronted cabinets. The same practical shape is useful in utility rooms, where cupboards are often opened while your hands are wet or occupied.

For bathrooms, choose a finish suitable for the conditions in the room and follow the care guidance for the specific material. New bow handles can also update wardrobes, chests of drawers, sideboards and display cabinets without replacing the furniture. If you prefer a more traditional pull for drawers, compare them with cup handles, which are gripped from below and create a different visual character.

How to fit bow handles

First confirm the hole-centre measurement of the new handle. Measure from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other, not between the outer edges. When replacing an existing handle, remove the screws from the inside of the door or drawer and test the new handle in the holes before tightening it. The screws must match both the thickness of the front and the thread in the handle. Screws that are too long may bottom out, while screws that are too short will not provide a secure fixing.

For new holes, mark a clear centre line and use a drilling template so every handle sits in the same position. Masking tape can help keep the drill bit from wandering and protect the marked area. Choose a drill bit suited to the screw size and support the back of the material if the surface may splinter. If you are unsure, test the process on spare material first. Tighten the screws evenly, but do not overtighten them because the cabinet front or the thread can be damaged.

Frequently asked questions about bow handles

Which hole-centre measurement should I choose?

When replacing existing handles, choose the same hole centres whenever possible. A handle described as 128 mm centres has exactly 128 mm between the centres of its screw holes. On new cabinet fronts, choose the measurement according to the size of the door, the desired proportions and how the handle feels in your hand.

Can handles be replaced without drilling new holes?

Yes, provided the new bow handle has the same hole centres as the old one. Check that the new mounting feet also cover any marks around the holes. If the measurements differ, new holes or a suitable backplate will normally be required.

Do bow handles fit IKEA kitchens?

Bow handles can be fitted to many IKEA cabinet fronts, but there is no single measurement that applies to every model and production year. Measure existing holes or carefully plan the position on an undrilled front. Always check the front thickness and the screw length required.

How should bow handles be cleaned?

Wipe them regularly with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry the surface afterwards. Avoid abrasive pads, strong acids and aggressive cleaning products unless the product care instructions explicitly allow them. Brass, lacquered finishes and plated metals can react differently, so always follow the instructions for the handle you have chosen.

Why customers choose It’s Design

At It’s Design, you can compare bow handles in different sizes, shapes, colours and materials in one place. Clear product measurements make it easier to check hole centres and overall length before ordering. You can choose a handle that fits existing holes or plan a completely new look for a kitchen or piece of furniture. If you are unsure about measurements, screws or finishes, contact us for guidance before purchasing.