T-Bar Handles & T-Knobs: Where to Use Them, How to Pair Them
A T-knob (often called a T-bar knob or T-bar handle) is a short bar that sits on a single central post, so it looks like a small letter T from the side.
In short
- The lookT-knobs look different from a traditional round knob: the short bar gives a cabinet an elegant, distinctive design feel, and it's a look we see chosen often in high-end homes and renovations.
- Light dutyA T-knob is held by one screw, so too much side force can turn it. That's why we recommend them for cupboard doors, not drawers.
- PairingEvery T-knob we sell has matching bar handles in the same range. Most of our T-knob orders include a bar handle from the same range.
T-knob vs round knob
A T-knob and a round knob do the same job on a cupboard door. The difference is the look. A T-knob has a direction: it draws a short, clean line across the door, which gives it an elegant feel that's quite different from a round knob.
In the hand, you can grip a round knob from any direction; with a T-knob your fingers hold the bar on either side of the post.
Where T-knobs work, and where they don't
Good for
- Overhead cupboards, where you reach up and pull the door open by its lower corner.
- The cupboard under the kitchen sink.
- Vanity cupboard doors and other doors that swing open easily.
Not for
- Drawers. Use the matching bar handle instead.
Using knobs on the overheads and the under-sink cupboard, with bar handles on the drawers, gives a balanced kitchen rather than handles on every surface.
Why we don't recommend T-knobs on drawers
A T-knob is held on by one screw. If you push or pull on one end of the bar instead of straight out, the bar acts like a lever on that single screw, and with enough side force the knob will turn on its screw and sit crooked.
That's why we recommend T-knobs for light-duty use on cupboard doors, and the matching bar handle on drawers. Whatever you fit them to, pull straight out rather than pushing on one end of the bar. A bar handle has two screws, so it can't pivot the same way.
If a T-knob has turned, straighten it and re-tighten the screw from inside the door. Snug is enough; don't over-tighten.
Pairing T-knobs with bar handles
Every T-knob we sell has matching bar handles in the same range, with the same detailing. We suggest T-knobs on the overhead and under-sink doors and the matching bar handle on the drawers.
A few simple rules keep it looking cohesive:
- Stay in one rangeSo the bar and the knob share the same detail.
- Keep to one finishSo the knobs and handles match.
- Line the knobs upOn overhead doors place them near the bottom corner, on base doors near the top corner, on the side away from the hinge.
- Horizontal or verticalEither works; it's a design choice.
For bar handle lengths, see our drawer handle size guide.
Our T-knob ranges
We carry a T-knob in each of the ranges below. Most are 50mm long and most sit roughly 30-35mm off the door. Finishes shown are ones we currently stock in the T-knob. All of them are brass.
Clean and modern
-
Simply50mm
A plain, smooth round bar on a straight post. The most minimal of the lot.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel
-
Geo50mm
A six-sided hexagonal bar on a plain round post.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel
-
Linear50mm
A smooth round bar with a band of fine grooved rings at the centre.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass
-
Nordic50mm
A round bar fluted with lengthwise grooves along its full length.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome
-
Stria50mm
A round bar with a finely ribbed centre band and smooth ends, on a flat base.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, Brushed Copper
-
Knurled50mm
A round bar with two diamond-knurled grip sections either side of a smooth centre.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome, Brushed Copper
-
Belgravia50mm
A smooth round bar with a wider centre collar and stepped ends.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Gunmetal, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome, Brushed Copper
-
Brio50mm
A smooth waisted bar that flares out to wide ends.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel
Classic and detailed
-
Stratford57mm
An ornate turned bar with rounded sections and ringed ends, on a stepped base.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Brushed Nickel, Polished Chrome
-
A slim traditional bar with rounded bulb ends and a ringed centre collar.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass
-
Century80mm, our longest
A bar that tapers out from a ringed centre hub towards both ends, on a stepped base.
Brushed Brass, Antique Brass, Polished Chrome
-
-
Prefer a round knob? Most of these ranges also come as a round or shaped knob. Browse them all in our knobs collection, or see the bar handles in handles.
Fitting a T-knob
- ScrewOur brass T-knobs fix with one M4 x 25mm screw, which suits standard cabinet doors 16 to 19mm thick, including the common 18mm door.
- Thicker doors40mm screws are available on request.
- FittingFit it with the bar straight, then tighten the screw until it's snug.
For step-by-step instructions, see our guide to installing cabinet knobs and handles.
T-knob FAQs
What's the difference between a T-knob and a T-bar handle?
In Australia the names overlap. A T-knob (or T-bar knob) is a short bar on one central post with a single screw, and "T-bar handle" is often used for the same thing. Some suppliers also use "T-bar handle" for a longer bar pull with two posts and two screws. If in doubt, count the posts: one post means a T-knob, two means a bar handle.
Can I use T-knobs on drawers?
We don't recommend it. A T-knob is held by one screw, and the side force from pulling a drawer can turn it. Use the matching bar handle on drawers and keep T-knobs for cupboard doors.
My T-knob has turned. How do I fix it?
Straighten the bar, then re-tighten the screw from inside the door until it's snug. Don't over-tighten.
Should a T-knob sit horizontal or vertical?
Either works; it's a design choice.
Where on the door does a T-knob go?
On the side away from the hinge: near the bottom corner of an overhead door and near the top corner of a base cupboard door.
How many T-knobs do I need per door?
We suggest one per door. On a pair of doors, put one on each door, either side of the centre gap, at the same height.
Can I mix T-knobs and bar handles in one kitchen?
Yes. We suggest T-knobs on the overhead and under-sink doors with the matching bar handle on the drawers. Most of our T-knob orders include a bar handle from the same range.
Can I mix T-knobs with round knobs?
Yes. Most of our T-knob ranges also come as a round or shaped knob, so you can use both from the same range.
Written by Luxhandles Info
%20is%20a%20short%20bar%20that%20sits%20on%20a%20single%20central%20post,%20so%20it%20looks%20like%20a%20small%20letter%20T%20from%20the%20side.%0A%0AIn%20short%0A%0A%0AThe%20lookT-knobs%20look%20different...){kind=link}