Wardrobe Handles: Choosing the Right Fit

Wardrobe handles have a strong visual impact because wardrobe doors are large and always in view. The right handle also decides how comfortable the wardrobe is to use every single day. This guide walks you through the choices that matter: style, length, material, finish and placement.

Start with how the wardrobe opens

The way your wardrobe opens decides which handles will work at all.

If your doors slide, a standard bar handle will usually catch on the other door, so choose a recessed or edge pull instead.

Choose the right length

Wardrobe doors are big, so a very small handle can look lost. As a rough guide:

• Wardrobe doors usually suit handles with hole spacing from about 160 mm to 320 mm, or long vertical pulls on tall doors.
• Drawers usually suit 96 mm to 160 mm, and wide drawers look better with a longer handle or two knobs.
• Small shutters and side cupboards suit knobs or short bar handles.

Remember that hole spacing is measured from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other, and it is not the same as the handle's overall length. Our guide on how to measure cabinet handle hole spacing shows how to do it in two minutes. For more proportion rules, see the cabinet handle size guide.

Pick a material that suits how you live

• Aluminium is light and affordable, and it is available in many modern finishes. It suits most bedroom wardrobes.
• Zinc alloy feels heavier and more solid in the hand, and it works well for decorative and classic designs.
• Brass has a heavy, premium feel and suits traditional or luxury furniture.

If you are weighing these up, read our comparisons of brass vs aluminium and brass vs stainless steel vs zinc alloy.

Match the finish to the room

Finish changes the look of the whole room. Matte black gives a clean, modern feel. Golden and brass tones look warm and rich against dark or wooden doors. Chrome looks bright and sharp against white or light wardrobes. A simple rule is to match the finish to other metal in the room, such as lamps, curtain rods or door handles, so the room feels planned. Our guide on choosing a handle finish goes through each option.

Place the handles at a comfortable height

Handles that are too high or too low are annoying to use daily. For adults, the centre of the handle is usually fitted at around 900 to 1100 mm from the floor, and lower for a child's wardrobe. See our full guide on wardrobe handle height from the floor for a diagram and a marking method.

Before you order: a quick checklist

1. Decide how the wardrobe opens: hinged or sliding.
2. Measure hole spacing if you are replacing handles, or choose the handle first and drill to match it.
3. Measure door thickness so the screws are the right length.
4. Count how many handles you need, including drawers, and order a few spares of the same batch so finishes match.
5. Check the finish against the rest of the room.

When your handles arrive, follow our guide on how to install cabinet handles and knobs. You can browse suitable options in our cabinet handles and cabinet knobs collections, and every listing shows the hole spacing.

Frequently asked questions

What size handle should I use on a wardrobe door?

Most wardrobe doors suit handles with hole spacing between about 160 mm and 320 mm, or a long vertical pull on tall doors. Drawers usually suit 96 mm to 160 mm.

Are knobs or handles better for wardrobes?

Both work. Handles are easier to grip on large, heavy doors, while knobs suit small drawers and light doors. Many wardrobes use handles on doors and knobs on drawers.

Which finish is best for a wardrobe handle?

It depends on the room. Matte black suits modern interiors, golden and brass tones suit warm or classic rooms, and chrome suits light, bright rooms. Matching the finish to other metal in the room keeps the look consistent.

Can I use normal handles on a sliding wardrobe?

Usually not. A handle that sticks out can catch on the other door, so sliding wardrobes need recessed or low-profile pulls.