Facades without handles: how they are designed, opening options, user reviews

Advantages and disadvantages of a white kitchen set

There is a lot of debate about the convenience of white kitchens without handles. Modern light-colored sets are ideal in a small room.

Additional advantages:

• stylish look;
• relief, expansion of the room;
• increase in aisles;
• neat appearance;
• in corner white kitchens without handles, when opening cabinets, adjacent surfaces are not damaged;
• no need to clean the fittings and the areas underneath them;
• bruises from elements protruding from the doors are prevented.

The most convenient mechanisms are on bars and magnets that open by pressing.

Flaws:

• all furniture must be level;
• when equipped with an electric drive, problems are created during power outages;
• when filling boxes, do not exceed a certain weight;
• doors open when touched accidentally;
• Due to the lack of domestic manufacturers, problems arise if the mechanisms break down.

In fact, cleaning labor costs increase. The white surface requires careful care. For many styles, modern white kitchens without handles are not suitable.

Possible ways to open cabinets without handles

From a technical point of view, there are three ways to open facades without using front fittings:

1. Opening by pressing. On sale you can find several options for additional components, in which the cabinet without handles opens by pressing. The ejector mechanism can be built into the hinge itself or mounted separately on the cabinet body.
2. Installation of profile handles . A special profile for easy grip when opening is attached to the end of the door or cabinet body and practically does not protrude beyond the front surface.
3. Shape of facades . When making furniture facades from MDF, laminated chipboard or solid wood, various types of recesses and beveled ends are provided, which are commonly called “integrated handles”.

Method 1. A mechanism for opening cabinet doors without push handles

The mechanism for opening the valves by pressing for swing doors is cheaper and easier to implement. To do this, you can use furniture hinges with a built-in adapter or overhead/mortise “pushers”.

For drawers, the push-to-open system is more complex and therefore more expensive. More “advanced” options also provide balancing (synchronizer) - so that the drawer extends evenly when pressed anywhere on the facade and does not warp during movement.

The most popular and complete lines of handleless cabinet opening systems are presented in the series of well-known furniture fittings manufacturers Blum and Hettich. They are called TIP-ON and PUSH-TO-OPEN respectively. Each series contains:

• Linear adapters (mortise and surface-mounted).
• Furniture hinges with built-in ejector.
• Guides for drawers without handles, which can be used separately or integrated with other drawer systems.

Method 2. Using Gola profile and end profile handles

Fronts without handles, designed using Gola profiles, aluminum or plastic, with a colored coating or metallic finish, look stylish and attractive in kitchens. Its peculiarity is that it is installed not on the facade itself, but on the cabinet body. In this case, a special cut is provided on the side walls.

A significant advantage of the Gola profile false handle is its integrity and the absence of seams between cabinets during installation. The length of the profile is 3-4 m; it is installed both horizontally and vertically, depending on the type of cabinet.

Drawers can be opened by “grabbing” both from above and from below, if the profile is installed in 2-3 rows. For this installation, they use not an L-shaped, but a C-shaped version.

A separate type of Gola profile is also available for kitchen upper cabinets.

Profile options with built-in LED lighting are available for sale.

End profile handles, unlike Gola, are installed (or rather “put on”) on the edge of the facade, on each separately, on the horizontal or vertical side. There are a lot of shapes of profile end handles. They are made from metal alloys and plastic.

Method 3. Integrated handles for hinged facades and drawers

The third way to make cabinets without handles is to provide a special recess for gripping in the facade itself.

In the simplest interpretations, it is a cut or a crack in the facade. This option can be found especially often on drawers inside sliding wardrobes.

The integrated handle looks much more aesthetically pleasing on facades made of MDF or solid wood. These materials can be easily milled (unlike laminated chipboard) and allow the implementation of many solutions.

For MDF facades, the appearance and practicality of the integrated handle largely depends on the finishing coating. They can be plastic, PVC film, enamel or veneer.

The best option is painted MDF with an integrated handle (aka enamel-coated MDF). The inner surface of the integrated handle can be painted in any color, which expands the design possibilities.

Plastic is rarely used to implement built-in (integrated) handles. It's not flexible enough for that. Just like PVC film, the shape of the end for a beautiful, uniform “fit” with the film can be very simple, with a separate edge on the sides or with additional overlay elements.

Veneered MDF facades with an integrated handle are rare for the same reason, the original “non-plasticity” of the material. You can find this version of facades of attractive design and good quality, mainly made in Italy.

Here are the main ways to achieve what you want with different costs and appearance. It’s up to you to use mechanisms that open the façade against pressure or equip cabinets without handles with end profiles and modify the shape for ease of grip. We recommend installing closers on drawers and cabinet doors - with them you won’t have to “push” the handleless facade to the closed state, the closer will do it for you and absolutely silently.

Which set is better - with a matte or glossy surface?

If comfort is important, you need to buy a white kitchen without handles with matte surfaces. There are no glares on rough facades made of wood or plastic, creating a feeling of warmth.

The matte surface “collects” dust and other contaminants. This makes care more difficult. You need to buy cleaning products suitable for specific facades. If it is wood, it is periodically coated with wax.

A white glossy kitchen without handles (see photo) visually expands the space and does not absorb dust and grease. This is an option for industrial and loft. Maintenance involves wiping with a damp cloth.

White glossy kitchen without handles visually expands the space

The main disadvantage is glare. The interior of a kitchen without handles, white gloss, requires careful selection of lighting fixtures and a special layout for their placement, otherwise they will reflect into the eyes at the most unnecessary moment. This set is not for a room with a large window. The ease of maintenance is offset by the frequency of cleaning, because even drops of water are visible on the gloss.

How to do without handles in furniture: solutions

If you are a fan of minimalist, laconic design, then you have probably noticed furniture with smooth fronts without protruding parts. But no one has canceled ergonomics. How to make it convenient to use furniture without the usual handles? Profile handles, mortise sink handles, K-PUSH TECH facade opening system - this is the answer to this question.

K-PUSH TECH - automatic door opening system by pressing. The system has three length options: short, medium and long pusher stroke. The same pusher can be installed in both a mortise and overhead manner. The overlay version has a mounting pad that is used as a template and is installed near the edge of the panel. For mortise mounting, a hole is drilled in the end of the body into which the pusher is installed. The mechanism requires a very small activation gap between the front and the body, minimum 2 mm, which improves the aesthetics of the structure. K-PUSH TECH has a wide adjustment of the push stroke - up to 6 mm, to compensate for any possible movement of the loops. The version with a long pusher stroke ensures comfortable opening of a façade of any size. Two versions of K-PUSH TECH are available: with a damper and a magnet. K-PUSH TECH can be used with gas elevators, hinges, guides. The magnetic version is designed to be used with four-hinge return hinges or with springless four-hinge hinges for a wider opening angle. For opening very heavy fronts, a version with a reinforced spring is available. A wide range of strikers satisfies all the needs of furniture makers. Three colors are available: white, gray and anthracite.

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If the option with a push mechanism is unusual for you, but you want to have facades without protruding elements, then mortise profile handles will be an excellent solution for you. Aluminum handles are built into the upper part of the façade, forming a recess that is easy to grasp by hand. In the lower part, such handles have a special protrusion with a ribbed edge. To install the handle, a cut is made at the end of the facade into which this protrusion is inserted. The ribbed surface holds the handle securely in place. Profile handles are often sold as a rod and can be cut to size. Before installation, when cutting to size, it is necessary to treat the ends, including with special restoration materials, a stroke or a marker for metal, with which you can paint the ends after cutting in the color of the product itself.

Another option for profile handles is handles that are installed on the facade without insertion. Even a non-professional can handle the installation of such handles. The handles are placed on top of the end of the facade and secured with self-tapping screws. Handles are available in various lengths. Using handles from the same collection but of different lengths, you can create a harmonious interior in the same style. Some models are produced as a whip and can be cut to the desired size.

The GOLIGHT and GOLINE aluminum profile systems are deservedly popular. Their design allows you to open the facade from its inner side. GOLIGHT and GOLINE can be used for hinged fronts and drawers. To install the system in the housing, special cuts are made. Profile material: aluminum. You can install backlighting in GOLIGHT profiles. For this purpose, LED strip with a cross section of 8 and 10 mm and diffusers are used.

The long-familiar sink handles are also suitable for interiors with smooth facades, because many models of sink handles practically do not protrude beyond the plane of the facade, while they are very ergonomic and have an attractive appearance. However, their installation requires milling the facade, which is impossible without special tools.

Handles are available in popular colors: chrome, stainless steel, gold, graphite, black, white, as well as matte color options. You can easily choose handles for almost any interior. To care for the handles, do not use aggressive chemicals; do not use products containing abrasive and oxidizing components. Do not leave the cleaning agent on the handles for too long. If these rules are followed, furniture handles will last for many years.

See also: Pushers for facades Profile handles for the kitchen Sink handles Profile handles for the width of the facade Profile for facades without handles

Combination with wallpaper and curtains

It is better to buy wallpaper that is washable, moisture-resistant, and does not change color from sunlight. Paintable canvases that can be painted several times are considered a good option. For white facades, any monochromatic version is suitable. With a large area, a kitchen without handles can even be black and white. Purple and dark blue wallpapers are also suitable.

In a small room, the walls can be light orange, gray, or blue. Country style involves animal and plant motifs. The minimalism style does not include images on the wallpaper.

For a white kitchen without handles with a wooden countertop, wooden blinds are suitable. The combination of white and brown is allowed in any style. Laconic Japanese curtains can also be considered a good option.

In addition to wallpaper and curtains, accessories and decorative elements are required:

• dishes;
• towels;
• serving textiles;
• stands;
• lighting;
• Wall Clock.

Indoor plants are perfect for decorating a kitchen with a white gloss texture with handleless wood.

What styles does it suit?

These headsets are suitable for several styles:

• minimalism (plain colors, almost no decor, a lot of appliances), a good option is a white and gray kitchen without handles;
• high-tech (ergonomics in plain, calm colors with “smart” technology);
• scandi (white combined with blue, olive, beige, themed wallpaper, wooden figurines), a good option for a kitchen without handles - white bottom, green top;
• futurism (spectacular, bright, with round facades and decorative lighting, hanging table and chairs).

A white kitchen without handles up to the ceiling visually raises its level. This option is worth considering if the ceiling is low. With a height of 3 meters or more, cabinets are difficult to make even to order.

Varieties

I think you will be interested to know what kind of opening mechanism is installed on facades without handles. I partially told you about this in the article about kitchens without handles, but I did not voice some points.

Before making a choice, installing certain facades without handles, it would be logical to study all the options.

You can realize your idea by closing cabinets, drawers, a built-in refrigerator and durable furniture using:

• push-to-open mechanism;
• recesses;
• profiles;
• long facades;
• invisible;
• smart systems;
• servo-drive;
• smart open.

Now let's look at each option separately. I will name their strengths and weaknesses.

Push-to-Open

One of the most popular solutions that are equipped with lower and upper drawers. The bottom line is that special loops and pushers are used.

To open, just press the door. It will spring back, and thus access to the contents will open.

Such systems allow you to use:

• hands;
• elbows;
• legs;
• knees;
• heels;
• any objects in hand, etc.

Convenient, but not very practical. Due to constant contact, the facades will have to be frequently wiped to remove traces. There are many names. But the essence is the same.

Systems are either mechanical or electrical. Suitable for regular cabinets as well as drawers. Relatively inexpensive.

The advantages are as follows:

• looks modern and beautiful;
• type of kitchen of the future;
• There is nothing complicated in wiping the facade;
• facades can be installed with virtually no gaps;
• inexpensive, but high quality.

There are also disadvantages:

• the door opens partially;
• you need to perform two actions: press and then open completely;
• facades will become dirty faster and more heavily than conventional systems with handles;
• the mechanisms require maintenance;
• There is a risk of accidental pressing.

Evaluate the pros and cons and make a decision.

Using Notches

In fact, these are facades with milling. Recesses are cut into the doors into which it is convenient to insert your hand or fingers. Then pull to open the drawer or door.

Reminiscent of classic pens in functionality. But more invisible. They look neat.

It will cost more than a standard headset. This is a privilege of premium kitchen furniture.

Mostly, recesses are made from MDF or solid wood. Not suitable for film materials.

The notches themselves are located below, above, and also in the middle. Another name is integrated handles. I have already talked in detail about facades with integrated handles.

Installing profiles

There are a number of manufacturers here who offer facades with profiles. Many people are familiar with the Gola brand. One of the best in this regard.

The profiles resemble integrated handles. That is, notches. But here special profiles are installed. Usually made of aluminum. You can grab onto them, like a notch, from above and below.

Most profiles are silver. Black and white counterparts are rare. In theory, you can paint it any color with your own hands.

A more budget-friendly solution is a profile installed on top or bottom of the facade, rather than built into the frame itself. Looks stylish. But mainly suitable for those who use gray and silver solutions in the interior.

Long facade

Another option for how facades without handles can be implemented. Based on mechanical opening.

Please note that this solution is only relevant for installation on wall-mounted headsets.

The point is to install a door (facade) that will be longer than the body itself. This gives an unusual appearance to the room. Mainly used for hinged hinged structures.

The closing process will not be as convenient as opening. Plus the technology is not particularly modern or practical.

The Invisibles rush to the rescue

The case when the handle is not visually visible. But they exist.

The structures remain invisible. Therefore, visually it seems that the furniture lacks the usual handles.

To achieve the desired effect, you can install miniature fittings or paint them in the color of the facade.

Servo-drive system

Somewhat reminiscent of facades without handles, made with a push-open opening mechanism.

The difference is that you need to click not on the facade itself, but on a specific button. Or to a point on the facade. Closing is also implemented via a button.

The difference is that the system is as quiet and smooth as possible. But the price is exorbitant.

The conditional advantage that manufacturers and their PR department trumpet is the ability to open such facades manually, mechanically.

But here a question arises. If a person is in a hurry, wants to quickly get to the contents of the closet, what will he choose? Wait until the door opens smoothly by itself due to the electric drive? Or quickly pull the door and open it? The answer, I think, is obvious.

Eventually it turns into a habit.

Don't forget that we are talking about an electric drive here. The system must be connected to the electrical system in the house. And if the light is turned off, then the drive will stop working.

Smart Open System

These are facades without handles, which can be considered the most advanced and modern.

But their practicality and attractiveness are only on paper. In reality, there are many questions and complaints.

But first, the point. The façade opens using gestures, voice commands, or light touches. Not like push-open. There is also the possibility of opening through the gadget.

But now to the point. Who will turn on the phone or tablet to open the drawer? Gestures are also recognized with errors. You can simply cook or communicate with something, make a similar gesture, and then a cabinet that you don’t need will open.

The same goes for voice commands. The idea is interesting. But if you say a code phrase during a conversation, the facades without handles will open again. Although you didn’t ask the smart system for this.

Photo gallery of innovative kitchens without handles

A selection of photos shows that there are many options for using such a headset. It would be appropriate in a Stalinist building or a huge studio. It is better to buy furniture made of wood or MDF, with high-quality painting (so that the facades do not turn yellow). These materials are good in matte and glossy versions, complemented by glass and aluminum decor and indoor plants. It is easier to match household appliances and kitchen utensils with white furniture. If you don't have enough free time, you shouldn't buy such a headset.

Analysis of the trend: Kitchen without handles - is it worth the investment?

Design:

suitable for minimalism and modern style, as well as kitchens in the style of Scandinavian countries and modern Italian neoclassicism.

Any smooth matte and glossy facades, facades with dark and light stone or wood finishes look good without handles.

Not suitable:

for paneled facades, classic and retro kitchens

Functional

• The “tip-on” or “push-to-open” system opens doors and pulls out drawers by pressing. You can do this with your fingers, the back of your hand (when your hands are dirty or busy), or even just your knee.

• The mortise handles (armholes that are made directly into the facades) and Gola profiles that are screwed to the upper edge of the facade are long and comfortable. There is no need to grope for the handle - just pull the profile in any convenient place (this can be done automatically, without looking).
• Clothing, the edges of an apron or towels do not catch or tear on the handles.

• It is easier to maintain the cleanliness of such a set: we wipe the facades one way or another every day or every other day - at least lightly walk over them with a damp cloth, because splashes fly during cooking.

But rubbing overhead handles until they shine is a topic for general cleaning. So, aggressive kitchen contaminants accumulate on the handles themselves and around them over time. So it turns out that a kitchen without handles requires less maintenance effort.

• A set without handles is safer (especially in small kitchens) - there is less risk of bumping (families with children especially appreciate this).

Important: kitchens with bracket handles may be inconvenient for girls who are used to wearing long nails. To be sure of your choice, visit the Kitchen Factory showroom and test different types of opening.

Reliability

• Gola mortise handles or profiles do not break, do not unscrew and last 10-15 years longer than usual. In addition, there is no situation where the handle will spoil the facade over time (a known problem in kitchens of the 2000s).
• Push-to-open systems open and close doors and drawers silently - so the hinges will last longer, and you will be less tired of extraneous sounds.

Price

• Gola profiles and handles are inexpensive and have virtually no effect on the final price of the kitchen
• Mortise handles (when recesses are made in the facades that can be pulled), as well as push-to-open systems increase the price by 3-9%, depending on the complexity of the design and the manufacturer of the fittings (the most reliable are European Blum and Hettich).

What should you pay attention to?

In most cases, it is better to combine different types of openings in the kitchen.

Topmost, third row of cabinets

Always opens upwards using gas lifts. It is not recommended to install handles here in any form. When opened, such a door rises to the very ceiling. The handle will hit the ceiling and leave marks, and if the ceiling is suspended, the canvas will instantly tear.

Therefore, if you have a kitchen up to the ceiling, be sure to order the top row with a push-to-open mechanism.

Middle row of cabinets

He doesn't need pens either. If you make the fronts a few millimeters longer, it will be convenient to open the cabinets simply by the edge. This is also the most economical option

If desired, medium cabinets can also be equipped with push-pull opening or designed to open upwards with folding - convenient for tall dish storage systems.

Important: If you free the middle row of cabinets from handles, and leave the bottom row with handles, the kitchen will not lose functionality, but will look more laconic and neat. This option is suitable for those who do not want to spend money on expensive European systems for opening the lower rows, but also do not like to overload the interior.

Drawers, built-in refrigerator and lower line of cabinets

A combination of systems can be used here. Make the drawers open when pressed (it’s easy to get to the contents even if your hands are full), but handles are a must for the dishwasher and built-in refrigerator.

The fact is that dishwashers have very strong springs - according to safety standards. To avoid breaking your nails and accidentally hitting yourself, it is better if the dishwasher opens using a traditional handle.

The shot below shows that the kitchen, where most of the cabinets are without handles, and only the dishwasher and refrigerator with handles, looks light, stylish and modern.

It is convenient to use a dishwasher with profile handles that are attached to the top of the fronts. If the kitchen is under dark stone, they are almost invisible, but only add soft plasticity and graphics to the set.

Quote from the designer of "Kitchen