Design tips for handleless kitchen units

Without handles, kitchen cupboards and drawers are opened with inset grooves or holes on the front of or underneath, or via touch-open mechanisms. These usually work via special, sprung runners and catches and often use small magnets to help the doors or drawers stay shut.

Visually, handleless kitchens work so well in a contemporary kitchen because each unit blends in seamlessly with one another, creating a smooth transition across the space and making your space appear larger, more open, and sleeker. Handleless kitchens benefit from uninterrupted lines, offering a streamlined look. Ideal for open-plan designs, they'll make large, exposed kitchens feel even more spacious. They look especially good in gloss finishes and can offer a high-tech, minimal feel.

Handleless units also have many practical benefits. No handles means there are fewer things for young children to bump into – they are also much harder for mischievous hands to open. Unlike units with handles, you don't get as many awkward gaps for dirt to hide in – although some might argue that doors and drawers can look a bit grubbier because of all the fingerprints and hand marks can build up and stand out on a monotone surface.

Integrated spotlights can really help handleless kitchens shine – especially glossed finishes. In-built cabinet lights will cast a beautiful subdued glow that's reflected by, and draws attention to, your kitchen design. The sleek and modern lighting style also echoes the rest of the room's aesthetic. Spotlights will also aid with cooking and create a warm atmosphere while you're cooking or dining with the family.

Handleless kitchen designs create the perfect opportunity for a beautiful focal point. A handleless central island will look especially good and will add a definite wow factor; guests won't realise your unit is stuffed with storage.

As handleless kitchen cabinets create a free-flowing look, it's important to keep clutter at bay to keep in line with the minimal aesthetic. You'll need storage space for kitchen utensils and appliances you'd otherwise have on surfaces.

If you're considering a complete kitchen redesign, think about whether you're going to have enough drawers and cupboards to keep surfaces clear and how many of your appliances you can integrate hidden behind doors or built into units.

If you're concerned all the flat surfaces might make things look a bit 'samey' but you still don't want to add business, play around with the height of your handleless units. Try adding an island that's of a lower height or introduce a raised breakfast bar. This will create interest without looking cluttered.

While the design of a handleless kitchen usually has a minimalist aesthetic, you can inject some texture and interest through your flooring, whether that's textured tiling or herringbone laminate flooring to bring a textured effect. Try our flooring design guides for tips.

Feeling inspired? Look at our advice and inspiration section and discover many more kitchen ideas.