Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

Complimentary Australia-wide shipping on all orders over $300. No-fuss 30-day returns. ***IMPORTANT NOTICE: Lo & Co Interiors is in the process of moving warehouses. Please note that there is currently a slight delay in the dispatch time for orders. Thank you for your patience.***

06 / Journal

Care

How to Replace Cabinet Handles | Kitchen Handle Guide

lo and co maximus handles polished brass left and right

How to Replace Cabinet Handles: Your Guide for a Luxurious Kitchen Upgrade

Updating your cabinet handles may seem like a minor detail, but it's one of the most impactful upgrades you can make in your kitchen. A simple replacement can transform the entire look and feel of your space, making it feel fresh and modern without the need for a full renovation.

At Lo & Co, we’ve compiled this guide to show you how to replace kitchen cabinet handles, walking you through the whole process, including detailed insights and helpful tips. With our beautifully crafted designer door hardware, you can raise your kitchen’s aesthetic to new heights.

Why Replacing Cabinet Handles Matters for a Luxury Kitchen Upgrade

The kitchen is a central space where families come together and create memories. So, its design should reflect functionality as well as style. Cabinet door handle replacement is a small but mighty step towards achieving a high-end aesthetic. Old handles can detract from the visual appeal of even the most luxurious of kitchen cabinets, while new ones can uplift the design as a whole. When you make the switch to premium handles from Lo & Co, you’re choosing pieces that provide visual impact and communicate the quality and sophistication of your home.

Still, functionality is just as important. Sturdy, well-designed handles make it easy to open and close cabinets smoothly. And it’s this practical enhancement that makes a home feel as well as look luxurious. 

A Simple, Style-Driven Way to Modernise Your Kitchen

One of the most effective ways to achieve a luxury-level refresh in your kitchen is by replacing your cabinet handles. This transformation doesn’t require a complete overhaul, yet it has an immediate and profound visual impact.

Breathe new life into your kitchen with cabinet handles with metal finishes to blend in or contrast with the colours and textures of your cabinets for an effortless style upgrade.

Improved Ergonomics and Everyday Use

Luxury kitchens are as centred on comfort and usability as they are on aesthetics. Well-designed cabinet handles that are comfortable to grip have an impact on how you interact with your kitchen. Handles made with ergonomic principles in mind make using your kitchen more enjoyable.

A pasta-inspired polished nickel handle on a cabinet
A kitchen with pendant lamp, marble countertop and pasta-inspired polished nickel handle on a cabinet
Project: Surgeon’s Haven by Studio Tali Roth. Photography: Lillie Thompson and The Artline

What You Need Before You Start Replacing Cabinet Handles

Before diving into the details of how to replace cabinet handles, let’s first prepare for a smooth process from start to finish.

Tools and Materials for Cabinet Door Handle Replacement

Having the following tools and supplies at your disposal will help you make a clean, precise installation and save you time throughout the process:

•Drill (along with drill bits suitable for your cabinet material)

•Screwdriver (either a flathead or Phillips, depending on your handles)

•Spirit level

•Measuring tape

•Painter's tape (can be used for protection or marking)

•Sandpaper (may be required if you are filling old holes)

•Wood Filler (to seal old holes)

Choosing Luxury Cabinet Handles for Your Kitchen

With Lo & Co’s exquisite range of handles, selecting the right styles, finishes and sizes becomes an enjoyable undertaking. When choosing your new handles, consider the design of your kitchen. Select your finishes (such as brushed brass, polished chrome or matte black) to complement existing fixtures. Pay attention to the scale and proportions of the handles to make sure they balance well with your cabinets.

Modern kitchen with marble bench, window, stool and stool
Cabinet with appliance handle in a bow inspired design in bronze
Edgecliff Apartment by SMAC Studio featuring Forma handle in bronze. Photography by Dave Wheeler

How to Replace Cabinet Handles: Step-by-Step Kitchen Handle Guide

The following steps will show you how to replace cabinet handles to achieve the best results:

Step 1: Remove Existing Cabinet Handles or Knobs

Start by safely removing your existing handles or knobs. Use the correct type of screwdriver to carefully unscrew them. Take your time to avoid scratching the cabinets or damaging surrounding surfaces. If your handles were previously painted over or are stuck, gently pry with a flathead screwdriver to avoid damage.

Step 2: Clean, Fill and Prepare Each Cabinet Door

After removing the old handles, clean the surrounding area around each attachment point. If you're replacing cabinet knobs with handles, you may find holes left behind from the old knobs. Fill these holes with a wood filler, and once dry, gently sand the area to create a smooth surface.

Step 3: Measure and Mark for Perfect Handle Placement

Precision is key to maintaining a high-end finish. Measure the desired placement of your new handles. They should be equidistant from the edges, and the spacing should have a good visual flow in your kitchen. Use a spirit level to create straight markings and use painter’s tape to delineate where the handles need to go.

Step 4: Drill New Holes for Your Kitchen Handles

Be cautious with drilling. Select a drill bit that precisely matches the width of the screws for your new handles. Adjust your technique depending on the cabinet material you’re working with (e.g. laminate, MDF or wood) to prevent splintering while drilling clean new holes.

Step 5: Install and Align Your New Cabinet Handles

Important: The drill method below applies only to brass knobs and handles, not for marble products. Please refer to the method for all marble products. It’s finally time to install your new handles. Place and align them over the drilled holes. Tighten the screws securely but not too tightly because this could damage the cabinet material. Step back to make sure everything is correctly aligned.  

dune by graya project featuring karu wavy door pulls by lo and co

Dune Project by GRAYA featuring our Karu Pull Handles

Selecting the Best Handle Style to Replace Cabinet Knobs

When choosing handles to replace knobs, think about styles that offer a contemporary feel. Sleek, minimalist designs or bold statement pieces can make a huge difference to the appeal of your kitchen. Make sure the proportions align well with your cabinetry for a balanced look.

Common Mistakes When Replacing Cabinet Handles and How to Avoid Them

Replacing cabinet handles is simple, but mistakes can compromise your kitchen's luxury look. Here’s how to avoid them.

Misaligned Cabinet Handles or Uneven Spacing

To prevent misalignment, use templates to mark where each handle should go. Double-check all measurements for even spacing before drilling to avoid crooked handles that can detract from the final look.

Damage to Laminate, Timber or MDF Cabinetry

Take care to protect your cabinetry from damage during installation. Use protective barriers, such as painter's tape around the drilling area and apply gentle pressure when drilling.

Choosing Handles That Clash With Your Design Style

Always aim for a cohesive design style (modern, traditional or transitional) when selecting your new cabinet handles. Avoid clashing styles that don’t harmonise with your kitchen’s existing decor.

 

Kitchen Handle Replacement Tips for Australian Homes

Understanding these local considerations can impact your project:

Hardware That Performs Well in Australian Conditions

With climatic fluctuations in humidity and temperature throughout Australia, it’s important to choose hardware that can withstand these conditions. Look for handles with durable finishes designed to resist corrosion.

Tips for MDF, Laminate and Timber Cabinets

For successful installation, when working with MDF, laminate or timber cabinets, use the correct drilling techniques for each material, including appropriate drill bits and speeds.

When to Call a Cabinet Hardware Professional

Many homeowners can replace cabinet handles themselves, but in some cases, they need professionals. If your cabinets are intricate or use high-end materials requiring special techniques, hire a professional. Their expertise promises a luxurious look and prevents damage.

Bathroom with wooden cabinetry and marble bench top
Close up on wavy handles on wooden cabinets
Roscomare Project designed by House of Rolison.

Final Styling Tips to Elevate Your New Cabinet Handles

Once your new handles are installed, take some time to refine the look of your kitchen. You may like to include complementary interior accents such as light fixtures, faucet finishes and appliances to match your new handles.

Shop Luxury Cabinet Handles with Lo & Co Interiors

Replacing your cabinet handles is an easy yet impactful way to upgrade your kitchen. By following this guide, you can improve the visual and functional aspects of your cabinetry. 

If you're embarking on a DIY project or simply seeking inspiration, Lo & Co is here to help you achieve a stunning transformation in your home. Explore Lo & Co's range of premium handles and start your journey towards a more luxurious kitchen today.