How to Choose the Perfect Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Knob or pull? Bronze or silver? Small or big? Kitchen cabinet hardware is more than just a pretty decoration; knobs and pulls keep your cabinet cleaner and protect the finish. Plus, while they’re little, they can actually make a big impact on your kitchen’s appearance. But with thousands of options out there, how can you select the right hardware to make the best impact? Here are some things for you to consider while choosing hardware for your kitchen overhaul.

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Knob or Pull

This is a big choice because once you’ve decided, you’ve narrowed down your options by 50%. You’ll need to consider the style of your kitchen as well as functionality while deciding.

Drawer pulls are easier to use since they give you more space to use more of your hand. You can have a firmer grip and move about your kitchen more easily.

Knobs, on the other hand, fit well with kitchens that feature a more old school, traditional style of design. Give your kitchen a contemporary twist by using knobs on cabinets and pulls on drawers. 

Knobs are typically less expensive and are easier to work with from a design perspective because they make less of a statement. They work well when you have other fine details in your kitchen because they take a back seat and let those details shine.

Pulls make a bigger statement so it’s important you get the look right. Using all pulls can create a very attractive look.

Finish

You should maintain the same finish on all the hardware in your kitchen, even if you choose different styles to be used in different places. Look at all your kitchen’s metal accents, including your faucets, lighting fixtures, and appliances. Take into consideration your kitchen flooring and wall decor.

The type of finish you choose depends largely on your cabinets. For example, if you have white cabinets, choosing a bold finish will make a huge impact. Warm-toned cabinets tend to look best with bronze, black, or gold hardware. In fact, there is a wide variety of finishes you can choose from, including burnished, polished, antique, matte, tarnished, and more.

Style

Look at the other elements of your kitchen to help you determine the right style for your kitchen hardware. If you have a traditional, ornate kitchen, choose drop handles for doors and decorative cabinet knobs for the drawers. 

Cabinets made of thick woods look great with hardware made of metals like oil rubbed bronze, pewter and satin-finished nickel. 

Modern contemporary kitchens look best with streamlined stainless steel hardware. That being said, a lot of interior designers aren’t afraid to think out of the box and mix metals when it comes to hardware. Chrome and matte black hardware are quickly becoming a style statement in modern kitchens.

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Of course, none of the appearances matters if you’re going to hate using the hardware. Think about how you work in your kitchen. You probably move around swiftly, opening and shutting cabinets and drawers as you cook and do the dishes. You want hardware that you can fit your hand into comfortably while trying to open a drawer in a hurry. You want hardware that won’t slip your grip when you yank on them. 

Choose hardware based on the length and width of the cabinets. If you’re using pulls, remember that if the cabinet door is wide, it will require a longer pull or larger knobs. Smaller doors and drawers will look better with smaller hardware. 

Budget

Budget is, of course, a key factor in any part of your kitchen remodeling decisions. While you’ll want to pay as little as possible right now, remember that quality matters in the long run. Your local kitchen cabinet showrooms will offer you the largest variety, with people who can help you choose high-quality hardware within your budget. Remember that the price is based on the finish, as well as the design and size. Knobs are less expensive than pulls.

Price is important, but don’t sacrifice quality. Remember that your hardware needs to be sturdy and long-lasting.

When all is said and done, your kitchen cabinet hardware choice really should come down to your personal preference. Make sure you love it, and you’ll be happy with it for years to come.

Written by Chuck Winkles. July 15, 2018

Chuck Winkles is the president of New Life Bath & Kitchen. Chuck was born in Southern California and currently resides in Santa Maria. He has been married to his wife Shelley for thirty-eight years and has two sons, Nathan and Noah.