Are you replacing or refacing your cabinets, but are stuck on what hardware to choose?
For many people, it’s a trivial concern—just pick any knob, pull, or hinge off the shelf. However, hardware plays a crucial role in your kitchen’s function, style, and overall personality, so knowing how to pick the right ones is essential.
We’ve got you covered. Let’s discuss how to choose kitchen cabinet hardware to help you make stylish and smart hardware choices moving forward, including tips like:
- Differentiating knobs and pulls
- Researching trendy hardware styles
- Picking sought-after hardware materials
- Selecting the right finish
- Considering placement, size, and comfort
What Is Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?
Kitchen cabinet hardware is a group of fittings attached to cabinetry that allow you to operate them. Beyond functionality, hardware also serves as decor to elevate your cabinetry and the rest of your kitchen.
There are countless kitchen hardware finishes and materials available. If you want something sleek, polished nickel cabinet pulls are popular. Meanwhile, ornate brass hardware is perfect for traditional and nature-inspired kitchens.
Whatever your choice, it should match the rest of your kitchen to achieve a coherent and visually appealing design theme.
Tips For Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Let’s go over some tried-and-tested considerations to help you select hardware that complements your kitchen and aligns with your personal preferences.
Differentiate Knobs and Pulls
At first glance, knobs and pulls seem the same, yet they serve different practical purposes. It is recommended that you learn how to differentiate between them so you can decide which one works best for your kitchen.
- Knobs are the small single-post handles and often the least expensive cabinet hardware pieces. Although mostly circular or spherical in shape, they come in various designs and materials that can add character to your kitchen’s overall design.
- Pulls are larger and longer than knobs, with two posts instead of one. They are often used on large cabinets. Pulls are also easier to hold or grip, making them perfect for heavier drawers.
If you think your kitchen space would look better and function better with both knobs and pulls, you don’t have to stick to one. To create a balanced and practical kitchen layout, you could use knobs for upper cabinets and small drawers and reserve pulls for larger sections of your cabinetry.
Research Trendy Hardware Styles
An important consideration when learning how to choose kitchen cabinet hardware is style. Ensuring your hardware complements the rest of your space’s interior design creates a unified appearance that makes food preparation more appealing.
Here are some cabinet hardware trends to note:
- Modern minimalism observes clean lines with simple shapes and utilizes stainless steel and black hardware that pairs well with grayscale or monochromatic cabinetry.
- Transitional hardware, like ornate drawer pulls with bronze finishes, creates an elegant look by blending classic designs with modern tastes.
- Soft contemporary leverages curved edges and brushed nickel, among other designs, installed on boxy cabinetry in soft or muted hues.
- Organic textures incorporating wood, stone, and metals with other natural materials in the kitchen evoke a nature-inspired sensibility.
Pick Sought-After Hardware Materials
Metal hardware is prized for its durability, although some types are more in demand than others. Brass is popular among rustic homes as it gives drawers and cabinets warmth. Meanwhile, modern and industrial-style kitchens tend to gravitate toward stainless steel for its sleekness.
Still, wood has its place in many Scandinavian and nature-inspired kitchens. You could even combine different materials, like metal with enamel or wood with ceramic, to create hardware that truly reflects your style.
Select the Right Finish
The right finish can make your cabinet hardware stand out more.
Gold-plated knobs and pulls complement rustic and transitional kitchens, while matte black knobs work best with minimalist and grayscale modern designs. Brushed bronze is a perfect complement to an industrial-style space.
That said, don’t be afraid to mix and match hardware finishes to give your kitchen a unique, more personal touch.
Consider Hardware Placement, Size, and Comfort
Few things are as uncomfortable as grabbing a handle that’s too small or high for your hands. That’s why you want to ensure the knobs and pulls you choose are the right size and placement for your cabinets and the people who’ll be using them.
A simple approach is to test your options for grip comfort, especially if you have a family of various ages. That said, it’s better to err on the side of caution and install oversized knobs and pulls in accessible locations as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Final Reminders for Choosing Cabinet Hardware
Now that you’re familiar with the fundamentals of choosing cabinet hardware, here are a few more reminders to help you out.
- Create a shortlist of two to three favorite hardware options and test them in person on your cabinets to see if they fit your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to mix-and-match knobs and pulls or styles across upper and lower cabinets and drawers.
- Invest in quality. Remember, cabinet hardware is used nearly every day, so it’s better to invest in options that withstand constant beating.
Complete Your Kitchen with High-Quality Hardware
Learning how to choose kitchen cabinet hardware and putting it into practice can be difficult, but it all boils down to prioritizing design and functionality. Consider the style, material, size, and finish to ensure you get the look that will make cooking more convenient and enjoyable.
It’s easy to get lost in endless hardware options—let us help out. American Wood Reface will help you find the best hardware that combines style, comfort, and quality to skip the guesswork and attain the kitchen design you’ve always wanted.
