Kitchen cabinet hardware may seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of things, especially if you’re remodeling your entire kitchen or even your entire home. But the right hardware can truly bring your space to life and serve as the perfect finishing touch.
Choosing the right hardware is not always easy, especially since there are so many styles, colors, and finishes to pick from. Understanding all your options is the first step. Today, we’ll look at the different types of kitchen hardware, and then talk about how to choose the perfect hardware for you and your kitchen.
Types of Cabinet Hardware
Kitchen hardware comes in all shapes and sizes, but most fall into one of two main categories: knobs or pulls. Both styles have their pros and cons, and the right one for you really comes down to personal preference.
You’ll also want to consider the design of your cabinets and other elements in your kitchen to choose hardware that complements your other finishings.
Knobs
When it comes to knobs, the options are nearly endless. For a classic, minimalist look, choose simple round or square metal knobs. Or opt for decorative, ornate ones to create a more extravagant, luxury feel.
Knobs are easy to install and tend to be a bit cheaper than pulls. However, they’re not as sturdy, since they typically rely on a single screw.
When choosing knobs, keep in mind that round ones will never look crooked, while square knobs (and other shapes) can look off-kilter if the screw rotates over time.
Pulls
Pulls are a great choice for larger, heavier drawers. They allow you to grasp the hardware with your entire hand, rather than just your fingertips, and are generally more comfortable to operate.
Square, metal pulls pair well with modern, contemporary kitchens with flat-panel cabinets, while other styles of pulls can look great in traditional, farmhouse, mediterranean, or old-world style kitchens. Because pulls tend to be larger, they are generally a bit more expensive than knobs.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to choose between knobs and pulls for your entire kitchen. You can mix it up. Many people opt for knobs for their cabinets and pulls for their drawers, for example.
Finishes
Choosing between pull hardware and knobs is just the first step. Both options allow you to choose from a wide array of finishes and styles. From sleek, rectangular chrome pulls to ornate, antique brass knobs, there’s no shortage of options.
Here are just a few of the most popular finishes for kitchen cabinet hardware:
- Antique brass
- Polished brass
- Stainless steel
- Copper
- Old antique
- Aged bronze
- Chrome
- Wood
How to Choose Hardware for Your Kitchen
Make a mental picture.
Once you’ve had a chance to look at all your many options, the next step is to mentally picture what each type of hardware would look like with your cabinets and in your kitchen.
Whether you’re just replacing hardware, or you’re remodeling your entire kitchen, the hardware you select should complement your other materials as well as the style and layout of your kitchen.
Aim for balance.
While every kitchen and homeowner is unique, a good guideline to follow is that more ornate, detailed cabinets tend to look better with simpler hardware, while it’s easier to experiment with ornate, unique, or large hardware on more simple, streamlined cabinets.
For example, if you have brightly colored cabinets with a glaze and plan to incorporate some glass panes, you may want to stick to fairly simple, neutral hardware to let your cabinets shine.
On the other hand, if you have relatively understated, classic cabinets in white, natural wood, or another neutral color, you have lots of room to choose more intricate or eye-catching design elements elsewhere in your kitchen. This includes not only cabinet hardware but also flooring, curtains, backsplashes, countertops, and more.
Don’t be afraid to mix and match.
It’s a good idea to keep all the hardware cohesive throughout the room, but that doesn’t mean you have to choose the same hardware for every cabinet. In fact, incorporating complementary but slightly different hardware can add dimension and uniqueness. It’s common for homeowners and designers to:
- Choose pull hardware for lower cabinets and knobs for upper cabinetry, or vice versa
- Use one type for drawers and another for cabinets
- Select different styles with the same finish
Remember the big picture.
Don’t forget that cabinet hardware isn’t the only hardware in your kitchen. Remember to take into account the style of the hardware on your stove, refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and other appliances.
Incorporating similar or complementary hardware using other design elements can add cohesion to your space. You might combine brass cabinet hardware with a brass faucet and pendant lighting over your island, for example.
Are you remodeling your kitchen? Ready to find the perfect hardware and other materials?
When you’re renovating your kitchen, every detail is important. Our experienced designers and builders at Square Deal Remodeling are dedicated to bringing every element together to create the perfect space for you. We understand that remodeling your home is a big commitment, and we focus on communicating and collaborating with you every step of the way.
If you have questions or want to learn more about how we work, give us a call at (503) 254-4156 or contact us online today. We can’t wait to hear about your project!
If you’re planning a home renovation project, Square Deal Remodeling can help!