[aike]

Hi,
we are considering the LANSA handles for our new kitchen (some ULRIKSDAL doors/drawers mixed with some painted pieces).
I found this quote on another post (dated January 31) as I was doing some research:

The handles are going to be right next to each other - vertically. I am assuming there will be enough room? Any pictures out there? BTW, the Lansa handles are being discontinued - and they are on sale for $3.99 per 9 inch pair. According to the Portland Oregon Ikean,(yes I went there while visiting last week - it's right by the airport) they are going to be made smaller in diameter...which is, of course, what I wish they had been when I bought them.

We want something very simple, and I think it has to be slim, so that it doesn't overwhelm the detailing on the ULRIK -- apart from which the top section where you would place a handle on a draw is very slim anyway. The LANSA is the right kind of look, but I'm still a little anxious that it's just too thick a rod. I would much prefer it to be thinner like the ATTEST .However, whenever I have seen this in photos it looks kind of cheap in comparison to the LANSA, TYDA or VINNA (perhaps I should say 'functional' rather than 'cheap', but the others do look a bit more glamorous...'.)

We brought back a sample LANSA, and the rod is 1/2" in diameter. I live in the UK. Does anyone have any idea whether wernerwl is correct in saying there is/was going to be a change in size? If so I wonder whether I have the new thickness or the old thickness? I know we would be happy to wait for a thinner size if it was reasonably imminent... or does anyone know of somewhere in the UK that sells reasonably cheap slimmer versions? Oh, I do hope there is a slimmer size coming out -- that would solve things for me. Except of course there is also the question of whether the LANSA really does catch on people's clothes...

Am I mad to be even considering the STRECKET? It's just that it would be extremely slim, won't overpower the ribbing on the ULRIKSDAL , and definitely wouldn't catch on anyone's clothes. Also, I guess that all fittings are on the inside (?) So does this leave more scope for changing handles at a later date -- no holes drilled into the unit fronts. Again, I've only seen it in photos in the catalogue -- does it look classy or a bit flimsy?

REALLY, REALLY appreciate any advice... Oh, and if I've offended anyone by describing the ATTEST as looking cheap, some photos to prove me wrong would be most welcome!

PS Does anyone else worry (like me) that we are all putting these long handles on our kitchen cabinets, which is bound to go out of fashion someday, and if we remove them we will be left with holes in odd places! We are having three 800 millimetre drawer units, and I can't really think of anything that would look as nice as long pull handles, but I do wonder what we would do if they start looking really old-fashioned!!

Also, is it comfortable to work in the kitchen with long pull handles such as the LANSA, TYDA or VINNA? They don't dig in?

PPS I have linked below to a previous post, which has some good pictures of the ULRIKSDAL with various handles. Suggestions for handles for Ulrik cabinets....
(To me they look like -- from top to bottom -- ATTEST, VINNA , ? , LANSA ) Hate the third one down, whatever it is. The 2008 catalogue (at least here in the UK) used to have a lovely picture of the ULRIKSDAL with TYDA handles, which I thought looked really good -- the one with black mosaic tiles and black worktop. I'm contradicting myself here, because that is much thicker than the LANSA, but I think to my mind it is so thick that it is compatible with the frame of the door front, rather than the ribbing so manages to get away with it somehow!!!

[Emmie9999]

Personally, out of the pictures you posted, I like the second one the best. I think it looks nice and linear, substantial enough without being overly thick, and I like the squareness of them. The ATTEST (if those are the frist ones) look a bit too clinical to me somehow (that is only my opinion, of course.) I also prefer the squared off look of the second handles as opposed to the curve in the "corners" of the first.

STRECKET is a neat concept, but I think you should get one or two and tape them on first. They mount so differently, I could see them driving someone bonkers while they try to find the handle! They are a great concept, though, and would really let your doors be the center of attention.

Since a standard counter overhangs the bases by about an inch or so, I don't think the handles are usually a problem "digging in" when you are working. I have heard that LANSA can catch the occasional pocket edge, but it's not a complaint I have noted often.

Your point about drilling the holes is a good one! What I tell myself is I am planning to live with this kitchen a LONG time, and so I picked what I love and felt I could live with. If someone else doesn't like my handles when and if I leave, they will probably put up their own...and they may change out the doors anyway. If you are someone who likes to change hardware once in a while to try something new, taking the holes into consideration is a good idea. But, who knows what IKEA will come up with in a few years?

I hope this helps a little! Hopefully someone can post more completely regarding the difference between LANSA and it's new replacement.

(Oh, and if you go to the store as opposed to having things shipped, you could sort through handles on your own to make sure you get all the same size.)

Keep us posted!

[DesignDiva]

The LANSA handles are very nice, sturdy and easy to use. Sometimes pockets do catch on them...not usually a big deal to me but ymmv. They do, however, have a presence...on a more complex door than my Nexus Birch I'd think they would create a bit of a distraction.

Oh...I'm LOL! I replied to that thread that was linked from here, and I was just about to post the exact same thing I already said on that thread earlier! The new all-wood handles would be great as well.