Leather is a wonderfully durable, luxurious material that looks great on vehicle interiors, bags, and couches. If you’re really a fan of leather and want to add a special touch to your bedroom, kitchen, or even baskets, there’s something you probably never thought about — leather handles.
Leather handles are used for carrying bags, holding utensils, and opening drawers. They are popular for trunks, cabinets, drawers, baskets, and knives and are designed to be comfortable and durable. Leather handle types are available for various functions and distinctive looks.
Are you looking to upgrade the look of your kitchen or chest of drawers and not sure how to do it? Leather handles go beyond bags and purses for truly unique looks on drawers, trunks, and even cabinets.
What is a Leather Handle?
A leather handle is used to carry baskets or bags, hold utensils, and open cabinet doors or leather drawers. It is designed to be comfortable to handle and aesthetically pleasing. A leather handle on any accessory should be strong, sturdy, and pleasant to the touch.
Popular Leather Handle Uses
Leather handle uses go beyond purses and briefcases. So, where can one find leather handles? Let’s look at some popular leather handle uses.
Check out this helpful DIY tutorial video to learn how to make your own leather drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and loop pulls.
Leather Handles for Trunks
Whether for storage or traveling, trunks come in several varieties. Trunks with leather handles are easier to pick up, carry, and move while adding a classic look. For wooden, metal, and even leather trunks, leather handles offer a classy way to store and carry your belongings. These leather handles are comfortable to hold and will be durable for many years to come.
Leather Handles for Bags
From handbags to totes, no bag is complete without a leather handle. Whether a high-end leather purse or a classy fabric purse, leather handles for bags provide an elegant, durable touch to any bag.
They make it easier to carry your things, and leather handles can also come in single or multiple straps. These allow you to bring some bags handheld or over the shoulder. In some cases, leather handles for bags will include both options!
Leather Handles for Cabinets
Consider leather handles for your cabinets for a truly unique look in your kitchen or bathroom, consider leather handles for your cabinets. Some cabinet leather handles are leather-wrapped metal bars, while others are looped leather pulls. Leather handles for cabinets come in many different colors, finishes, and styles. Whether flat or braided, leather handles for cabinets give a unique and durable aesthetic.
Leather Handles for Drawers
Leather handles for drawers can add character to any room with a highly durable look. With the proper care, leather drawer handles can last a long time, even with daily use. From leather bands to looped leather pulls, many different options are available. Labels can even be tooled into the leather to indicate drawer contents.
Leather Handles for Baskets
Leather handles can add a truly one-of-a-kind look to baskets. Wicker baskets, crocheted baskets, and even metal baskets get a high-class look with leather handles. Creative leather handles for baskets are available, like belts, braided handles, flat handles, and even fancy tooled leather handles.
Leather Handle Wraps for Tools and Knives
For true comfort and class, there are leather handle wraps for tools and knives. These go far beyond the standard plastic, metal, or wooden handles. Leather handle wraps can make any job, carving, or cutting much more comfortable. From axes to carving knives, a leather handle wrap gives a classy look to your tools.
Custom Leather Handles
Can’t find what you’re looking for in leather handles? Custom leather handles can help you achieve what you want with a custom design to achieve that perfect look in any room or on any accessory. The only limit is your imagination. So what would you create for your custom leather handle?
Types of Leather Handles
Beyond the leather handle uses, there are several variations on the types of handles.
Leather pull handles are a great way to add some flair to a kitchen or bathroom or perhaps even a chest of drawers.
Leather Flat Handles
Leather flat handles are made to look very similar to your standard handles. They are fastened to a drawer or cabinet on both ends and lay almost flat on the surface. There is just enough room to slide in a couple of fingers for a smooth, streamlined look. Leather flat handles are a great alternative to the standard metal handles you often see in kitchens and bathrooms.
Leather Pull Handles
Leather pull handles are similar to flat ones but more prominent. In some cases, leather pull handles are larger loops or more curved handles to accommodate several fingers for pulling open a drawer or cabinet door.
Some even offer the option of a leather wrapped metal pull for a truly classy look. Leather pull handles are a great way to add some flair to a kitchen or bathroom or perhaps even a chest of drawers.
Leather Finger Pull Handles
Leather finger pull handles are smaller drawer pulls with a lower profile. These are small enough to fit a finger or two to pull open a drawer but still classy and high-end. Leather finger pull handles are a small way to make a big impact in any room.
Leather Loop Handles
Leather loop handles are much like the finger pulls, only larger. These can fit several fingers for pulling open drawers or cabinets, perfect for larger doors or heavier contents. Some can be flush mounted to cabinet faces, while others hang flexibly. Leather loop handles offer a rustic look for a kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom.
Leather Knob Handles
For a truly modern look, there are leather knob handles. This style has several variations, from library drawer pulls to leather-wrapped metal knobs. Leather knob handles are lower profile but higher class. And there are so many different options to choose from!
Person Preferences For Kitchen Cabinet Leather Handles
I asked several friends and family members if they were to replace the handles on their kitchen cabinets and drawers; which leather handle types they would consider. Here is a table representing the percentages of their responses and what I learned from the poll about leather handle preferences.
| Leather Handle Type | Times Selected |
| Leather flat handles | 33% |
| Leather pull handles | 14% |
| Leather finger pull handles | 13% |
| Leather loop handles | 20% |
| Leather knob handles | 13% |
| Not a fan of leather handles | 7% |
Best Types of Leather For Leather Handles
According to researchers Wang, Picton, Turner, and Attenburrow, the quality of leather used for handles can be measured by softness and physical and mechanical properties. When used for handles, whether it’s for drawers or purses, it’s important to choose the right kind of leather.
It should be comfortable, high quality, attractive, and durable. These are the highest quality types of leather with the best feel, resistance to moisture, and durability.
- Full grain leather
- Top grain leather
- Genuine leather
Benefits of Using Leather Handles
Leather that is high quality does tend to carry a higher price tag, but trust us when we tell you the cost is worth it. Here are some of the benefits of using leather handles:
- Luxurious feel
- Personal touch
- Distinctive look
- Moisture resistance
- Durability
- Long-lasting
Final Thoughts
Leather handles add a luxurious touch to anything. They are classy, functional, durable, and long-lasting. From bags and purses to baskets and drawer pulls, leather is a great choice for a unique and high-class look. Which leather handles will you choose for your next project?
Other Resources:
- Leather Home Goods – Adding Style to Your Living Spaces
- Guide to Choosing a Leather Bed for Style and Comfort
- Leather Drawer Pulls – Types and Options for a Stylish Touch
- Leather Upholstery – Choosing Classic Style and Durability
- Leather Knife Roll – A Guide to Buying this Chef’s Essential
- Cowhide Rug – Keys to Choosing a Rustic and Unique Style