Choosing your kitchen cabinets is a big decision, but the next one might seem just as daunting. What kind of cabinet hardware do you pair with your drawers and cabinets?
There are knobs and pulls galore to choose from, so how do you decide what look is right for your kitchen? The style of your kitchen will probably dictate where you start, for example a modern kitchen often features long, sleek handles, but there are plenty of options to choose from. A trip to the hardware store reveals copper, silver, brass, black, gold, white, ceramic, and glass. And that is just the finish! You also have to decide between handles, cup pulls, knobs, recessed pulls, and different arched or ring pulls too.
Cabinet Hardware
Knobs – Knobs come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are attached with a single screw and are simple to use with a pull of your fingers.
Pulls – Pulls require more than one screw for attachment. They can be longer handles, cup pulls, rings, drop handles, and more. Where a knob is pulled with the fingers, a handle uses your whole hand to open the cabinet or drawer.
Of course, sometimes a cabinet has nothing at all. There might be a recessed space to slide your fingers into to open the cabinet.
Can I mix and match my drawers and pulls?
Great question! Yes, you can. Within reason. Unless you have a similarly themed set of novelty pulls that have a sense of cohesiveness, we suggest you stick to one specific knob style, but many people go between knobs on upper cabinets and pulls on lower cabinets or drawers.
You also find some handle mounted vertically and others horizontally. Horizontal handles are good for ease of pulling open drawers, while horizontal handles work best with cabinet doors. Ultimately, that decision is up to you though, as we have also installed cabinets handles horizontally for a more uniform look.
If you are uncertain about what you should choose for cabinet hardware, let inspiration guide you. Knobs are easy to switch out down the road if you want a new look, whereas you are hemmed in by existing handle holes if you go that route. You can never go wrong with simple pulls like flat handles or curved arches. They work well in most styles of kitchen and fit shaker cabinets handsomely. Look to the other finishes in your kitchen for material, finish or colour to create a style all your own.
There are plenty of decisions to make when tackling a kitchen renovation. When it comes to choosing cabinet hardware, have fun with this one.