Handleless Kitchen Cabinets (Design Styles)

Once molded into exuberant designs, kitchen cabinet handles have nowadays become more of an option than a necessity. The absence of the hardware promises both beauty and efficiency. It creates seamless contemporary furniture sought after by designers and homeowners today. Among the latest trends, capturing the attention of homeowners and designers is the use of handleless kitchen cabinets. 

Nonetheless, there are still practicalities to consider regarding cabinet handles – or lack thereof! Your choice of interior design style, for instance, will influence the rest of the furniture and storage. With that said, this article explores frequently asked questions when deciding on handleless cabinets for your kitchen.

 

What Are Handleless Kitchen Cabinets?

Handleless cabinets are exactly what their name suggests – cupboards without the traditional hardware like knobs or pulls used to open and close them. These types of systems don’t have any protruding knobs or handles installed on the doors. 

Instead, they have grooves, sometimes called channels, that are used to control the cabinet doors. 

These grooves are integrated at the top surface edge of the cabinet door. You’ll find a narrow gap underneath a countertop (or another drawer) that’s just enough to curl your fingers around to pull it open. 

You’ll find handleless designs in your kitchen counters, installed as horizontal grooves. They can also be integrated vertically for hanging cupboards, free-standing cabinetry, or tall built-in cabinet units – wherever the unhinged side of the cabinet door is. 

What Are Handleless Cabinets Called?

If you visit hardware stores, you’ll find different types and designs of kitchen handles. But now that you’re eliminating them, you may think you don’t have to choose over anything anymore. However, handleless kitchen cabinetry still comes with a few variations.

J-Pull Kitchen Cabinets

What designers call j-pull cabinet doors are those that have no hardware at all, except for necessary door hinges. 

At the top of its drawer units (or bottom or side for integrated units), there is a J-shaped recession cut into the door. It is shaped in such a way as to form a gap where you can put your hand to pull the cabinet door. 

J-pull or j-groove systems are the most popular handleless hardware used in many modern kitchens. They are affordable options but may require more frequent cleaning. Due to its shape, it tends to collect crumbs, dust, or splashes from spills. 

True Handleless Cabinets

The true handleless cabinet is another popular no-handle system in kitchens. Just like J-pull, it features a recessed space between drawers for your hand. 

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Instead of a curved shape, however, this space is cut out to accept a rail (usually metallic) and create a gap. The small gap allows you to put your hand behind a cabinet door and pull it. 

Push-to-Open Cabinets

Push-to-open cabinet doors are so-called because of push latches installed on the hidden side of the cabinet doors. You can simply push the doors with minimal effort to trigger a mechanical or magnetic device that will spring it open. 

Electric-Driven Systems

Some homeowners go as far as featuring electronic opening systems for their kitchen doors. These modern systems are as easy as touch-to-open, where you tap a cabinet door and it will lift or slide open. 

Are Kitchen Cabinets Without Handles A Good Idea?

No-handle cabinets have become enduring design trends for a reason – or many reasons, that is. Surely you’ve experienced your clothing or apron getting caught up in cabinet handles, potentially causing minor accidents. Others bump into them and hurt their hips. 

Another important thing to think about is little children running into these handles which may injure them.  These designs eliminate issues with safety and hindrances to efficiency. You’ll have much clearer walkways and work more safely between counters and islands. 

If you’re putting on child safety locks, handleless cabinet doors will be much harder for kids to open. The absence of traditional handles creates a clutter-free look as well, so they are a great idea for small kitchens. Both visually and physically, it streamlines kitchen activity and maximizes space. 

Are Handleless Designs More Expensive?

While it mostly depends on how large your kitchen is, handleless cabinets may cost a little more than your traditional handle-on-door cupboards.  In general, handleless cabinetry costs around 10% more than traditional cabinetry. Read more about traditional kitchen cabinets for more ideas.

There is distinct craftsmanship on customized doors without handles, whether it’s a J-shaped cut or embedding a rail – more so with electric mechanisms. These systems have special fabrication and installation procedures that add to the total cost.

The material used for cabinet door fronts should be given special consideration as well. They are being touched constantly as this is how they operate. So in addition to being sturdy, the color and finish should be resistant to stain or at least very easy to clean. Low-sheen finish, dark colors, and wood and steel materials are good low-maintenance choices. 

Are Handleless Design Kitchens In Style?

Handless cabinets are definitely in style, especially with the increasing demand for minimalist themes and contemporary looks. In fact, you’ll be surprised how long ago this design style was introduced. See more kitchen cabinet styles here.

Sleek, minimal designs such as this are reminiscent of the Bauhaus movement in the early 20th century. The simplicity of its design has adapted through the years of fast-changing interior design trends and managed to keep up with industrial innovations. 

Handleless designs blend perfectly with today’s kitchen appliances. You’ll have a consistent modern look when you match plain cabinet-fronts with the polished look of your fridge, stove, oven, or coffee maker. Check out our guide on what color cabinets go with white appliances here.

What Style Of Kitchen Looks Best With Cabinets Without Handles?

Handleless kitchens are proven to be timeless, versatile, and functional. Surely, many design styles go with them, such as the ones below:

Minimalist

There is nothing more minimal than no visible hardware. Less is more, after all! Handleless kitchens are almost synonymous with minimalist styles since they are a prerequisite in every minimalist home renovation. 

Scandinavian

Not too far from minimalism is the Scandinavian-inspired kitchen style. It focuses on simplicity and functionality so that rooms in this style always look bright and clean. 

Scandinavian-inspired cabinetry has a neutral palette and usually flat panels without ornamentation. That’s why handleless cabinetry complements this theme. 

Contemporary

Contemporary kitchens reflect global trends, which means they should be simple, efficient, and eco-friendly while still full of character. Flat-front cabinets contribute to an overall pragmatic style and thus, work towards these principles, too. 

Visit our gallery of contemporary kitchen cabinets page for more designs.