Upgrading your kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look and function of your kitchen. However, people often forget about selecting the right kitchen cabinet hardware to complete the look. Here, we offer some tips on how to choose cabinet hardware.
Understand the Types of Hardware for Your Kitchen
Before learning how to choose cabinet hardware, you need to know about hardware types, which are:
- Pulls: These handles are long enough to easily grip with your hand to pull a cabinet or drawer open. They tend to be statement pieces because of their size and slender shape.
- Knobs: A knob is a cost-effective hardware type that is also suitable for cabinets and drawers. They require one screw to install a knob onto cabinetry.
Pulls are usually more decorative than knobs. They are also more suitable for wide cabinets and drawers because a pull’s size plays well against a cabinet’s proportions. However, if your personal preference includes pulls and knobs, you can have both in your kitchen design.
Choose a Style
Another cabinet hardware selection tip that depends on your personal preference is the hardware’s style. After choosing a hardware type, consider the style that best suits your new cabinets and kitchen design. Style choices include:
- Curved silhouettes
- Ridges
- Ornate knobs
- Simple lines (Contemporary)
- Traditional drop handles
- Rustic
When choosing cabinet hardware style, remember that beauty and function should go hand-in-hand. Your selection should complement your personal preferences and allow the cabinets to open and close easily. For instance, knobs and pulls come in many shapes and sizes, but your selection should feel comfortable when using them.
Select a Finish
Once you have the ideal style, it’s time to choose the hardware’s finish. The most popular options include:
- Oil-rubbed bronze
- Satin or brushed nickel
- Gold or brass
- Chrome or polished nickel
Despite the popularity of these finishes, their appearance across different manufacturers. For example, oil-rubbed bronze can take on a rust-colored or black appearance.
Don’t Forget About Sizing
Installing the wrong size pulls and knobs for your cabinets will affect how the cabinetry looks. A longer pull is better for contemporary-style kitchens. However, if you have a traditional kitchen, a mid-length pull ranging from five to seven inches will match well with the room’s design.
Knob size is not as important as pull size. Regarding knobs, you can focus more on style and finish instead of size.
Consider Mixing Metals
Stylistically speaking, it’s acceptable to mix metals on your cabinets and drawers. During your journey into cabinet hardware, you may find a specific metal appealing that isn’t a direct match to other hardware in your kitchen, like lighting fixtures or the sink’s faucet. As long as the metals in your kitchen complement each other, you can match them.
Get Unique Cabinet Hardware for Any Kitchen Style
Now that you know how to choose cabinet hardware, head to Royal Palm Closet Design and Fine Cabinetry. As one of Southwest Florida’s go-to destinations for custom cabinets and hardware, we offer unmatched storage solutions for any kitchen remodeling project. Call (239) 768-2391 for more information about our services.
