It’s no secret that there are many decisions that go into the design of your home. Wall paint, floor finish, furniture, appliances –the list just seems to go on and on! Cabinets are a big part of your home’s look. On top of the materials, size, door types, and styles, you also have to think about choosing cabinet hardware.
They say that design is in the details. Cabinet hardware is one of those details that are often an afterthought for most homeowners. But these little details can make such a huge impact on your space. They even go as far to say that hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. With a title like that, it’s definitely not something to leave for last.
Whether you’re working on a new bathroom, remodeling a kitchen, or just swapping out old hardware, these tips can help you pick out the right cabinet hardware for your space.
Types of Cabinet Hardware
The first step is to decide on the type of cabinet hardware you want. You generally have three options: all knobs, all pulls, or a mix of both. There are no set rules to follow when choosing. It mostly depends on your preferences plus the look you’re going for.
Knobs have smaller profiles than pulls, which adds less visual weight to your cabinets. This is especially true for simple round knobs. If you want your hardware to act as a more subtle accent, then knobs are a great option.
Cabinet pulls, on the other hand, are larger than knobs. This can create more impact and makes a greater statement in your overall design. If you want something bolder for your cabinets, then pulls might be what you need.
You can also opt to combine the two. A common option is use knobs for doors and pulls for drawers. However, large doors or pull-out doors, such as those for pantries, should use a pull.
Coordinate With Your Cabinets
After narrowing down the type of cabinet hardware you want, next you have to choose a style to match your cabinetry. Knobs and pulls come in a wide selection of styles to choose from. Examine your cabinets. Is it more contemporary with flat panels or a squared off look? Simpler pulls and knobs with sleeker profiles tend to work well with modern cabinetry. What if your cabinets feature raised panel doors, beaded profiles, or more ornate patterns? Then you should opt for knobs and pulls that work well with these styles, such as those with curved profiles, ridges, or intricate detailing.
Aside from the style, you need to be mindful of the size of your cabinet hardware. Make sure they’re proportional to the size of your doors and drawers. A long 30-inch drawer wouldn’t look right with one small 3-inch drawer pull.
White walk-in closet with round knobs and circular door pulls by Wood & Co.
Don’t Be Afraid to Mix Metals
In relation to coordinating with your cabinets, you also have to coordinate with other metals, materials, and finishes in the room. These can include kitchen appliances, faucets, wall paint, and other décor. Just because you have brushed nickel bathroom fittings doesn’t mean your cabinet hardware has to be the same material. Although, that is certainly a safe bet. You can use other finishes such as antique pewter, aluminum, or black matte.
What’s important is that it complements the overall look. Examine your space and take cues from there to create a cohesive color palette. Combining materials and finishes, when done right, can add layers of interest to the design and give it more personality.
Think About Comfort and Ease of Use
Especially when it comes to kitchen cabinets, you want to be sure to use hardware that’s easy to use and comfortable in your hands. You’ll be using these cabinets day in and day out after all. A small and sleek knob may look good, but can be difficult to grab. If you have large hands, make sure there’s enough space for you to wrap your fingers around the drawer pull.
Cerused oak kitchen island combining both pulls and knobs by Wood & Co.
Mind the Cost
As with most modern-day products, you get what you pay for. There is a wide spectrum of prices available for every type of knob and pull. Some inexpensive brands may be less durable, look cheap, or the finish rubs off. Between the different types, knobs are generally the more economical choice. Pulls cost more because there’s more material. And, of course, longer pulls will run you more. With each piece of hardware costing around $6 - $12 for mid-range choices, the costs can easily balloon the more cabinets you have. It’s important to balance quality and cost to match your budget.
Skipping the Hardware
Lastly, there’s always the option of skipping traditional cabinet hardware. This is especially common in contemporary and minimalist designs trying to achieve a clean and sleek look. There are various systems that can be used for this such as moulded finger pulls, C and J channels, and push-to-open doors. If you want a more streamlined look for your space, then going for handleless cabinetry might be just what you need.
Sleek wood vanity with drawers using C-channels by Wood & Co.
Conclusion
As we’ve said earlier, there are no hard and fast rules for choosing cabinet hardware. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference. It’s important to do your research, check finishes, and try out samples to make sure you make the right choice. Cabinet hardware may not seem like much, but investing time and effort in selecting them will pay off with a space you’ve carefully crafted and brings you joy.
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