Upgrading your kitchen faucet handles is an easy way to give your space a quick makeover. With so many styles to choose from, you can find the perfect handles to match your decor.
Lever Handles
Lever style handles are the most common type used in kitchen faucets today. There are several reasons this versatile handle style remains popular:
- Available as single or double handle configurations to control water flow and/or temperature
- Sleek and streamlined contemporary appearance
- Easy to grip and turn on/off with just a flip of the wrist
Lever handles work well with nearly any kitchen decor style. You can find them in graceful arched shapes for traditional kitchens or straight and angular for modern spaces.
Variations and Features
While simple lever handles are most affordable, upgrading to a model with special features allows you to customize for convenience and functionality:
| Spray Faucets | Add a pull-down or pull-out sprayer for directed water flow when washing produce and cleaning dishes. |
| Sidesprays | A separate sprayer mounted on the side of the faucet is helpful for rinsing large items. |
| Pot Fillers | Swing arm pot fillers make it easy to fill stock pots right on the stove. |
| Water Filtration | Built-in filters help remove contaminants and improve water taste and quality. |
Blade Handles
If you want to add contemporary flair, blade style faucet handles are an eye-catching choice. The elongated, razor-thin handles have a cutting-edge look:
- Angular facets catch and reflect light for high visual impact
- Precise lever-like motion makes adjusting water simple
- Ideal complement to modern kitchen aesthetics
Blade handles work best in kitchens with an contemporary vibe. Their sleek facades pair nicely with stone or quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Styles and Finishes
These stylish handles come in a range of metal finishes. Opt for darker muted finishes like matte black or gunmetal for bold contrast. Brushed nickel or polished chrome lend a brighter, mirror-like look.
Cross Handles
Traditional two-handle faucets have vintage appeal that never goes out of style. The familiar cross shape control hot and cold water separately:
- Nostalgic style fits well with cottage or farmhouse decor
- Handles can be ceramic, metal, or glass for added personality
- Separate hot and cold handles give you precise control over temperature
This old fashioned setup works today much as it has for generations. The right or left handle controls hot or cold water for fast temperature adjustments when doing tasks like washing hands or produce.
Customization Options
While many stick to basic metal handles, upgrading to custom porcelain or crystal handles transforms the ordinary to extraordinary with minimal effort:
| Porcelain | Intricate molded handles for ornamental flair |
| Crystal | Cut glass or crystal handles refract light beautifully |
| Mismatched | Choose unique handles for hot and cold for eclectic charm |
Touchless Faucet Handles
On the leading edge of innovation, touchless faucets turn on water with just a wave of your hand. They are perfect for busy kitchens:
- Motion sensors detect when hands are nearby to start/stop flow
- Reduced contact improves hygiene
- Great for messy prep work or handling raw meat
Touchless operation also conserves water since it shuts off automatically. This makes your kitchen more efficient and earth-friendly.
Functional Features
Beyond touchless activation, many sensor faucets include convenient extras like:
| Auto-Shutoff Timer | Prevents water waste by turning flow off after a set time |
| Water Saving Modes | Low flow aerators help reduce water consumption |
| WaterSense Certification | Meets EPA criteria for water efficiency and performance |
Pull Down Sprayer Faucet Handles
Kitchen tasks require water delivery aimed precisely where you need it. Faucets with pull down spray heads give you maximum versatility:
- Flexible hose extends your faucet’s reach
- Directed spray makes filling, cleaning, and rinsing easy
- Great for quickly cleaning large items or sink
Whether washing piles dishes, large pots, or messy countertops, the adjustable sprayer tackles tough jobs with ease.
Upgrade Your Existing Faucet
Love your existing faucet but want better water control? Installing a new pull down sprayer upgrades functionality fast:
| Easy DIY Install | Typically replaces existing aerator without tools |
| Affordable | Fraction of the cost of a new faucet |
| Flexible Hose | Gives you added reach to tackle tasks |
With so many handle styles and features to select from, you can upgrade to a faucet that flawlessly fits your kitchen’s decor and function. Whether modern and sleek, traditional with vintage charm, or technologically advanced and hands-free, the right handles make all the difference.
Use this overview to narrow down the ideal handle option. Then, browse choices to discover the perfect handles to give your kitchen a fresh new look and enhanced convenience.
