How To Choose Cabinet Hardware for Your Kitchen

Tony ThomasJuly 27, 2020

If you’re building a kitchen from scratch or just renovating one, you’re probably focusing on the big things, such as cabinets, counters and appliances. However, details like hardware can help your kitchen embody your personality and function as you want. Here are four things to keep in mind when picking cabinet hardware.

Type

One of the first decisions is whether you want to use only pulls, only knobs or have a combination of the two. There aren’t any hard rules about which to choose – it’s up to you. Some people prefer to have knobs on doors and pulls on drawers.

Cabinet Style

Is your kitchen modern or traditional? Do you have more straight angles or curved lines? Do you want your pulls and knobs to blend in or stand out? Hardware that’s more textured and has more intricate shapes tend to look better with traditional kitchen cabinets. Clean lines and a smooth, sleek design tend to flatter modern kitchens. If you prefer an eclectic style, mix and match to get the effect you want.

Feel

Pick knobs and pulls that feel good when you open cabinets and drawers. Does the knob have uncomfortable ridges? Can you fit your hand inside the pull easily? If you can, get sample hardware and try it out before you buy enough for the whole kitchen.

Function

Think about what’s going into the cabinet or drawer and how often you’ll open it. A drawer storing heavy pots and pans might open better with a long pull or two knobs. Also, think about how you use your kitchen space. Will you want to open the drawer with one hand when cooking, or is that cabinet storing things you don’t use that often?

Some people say cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. It can elevate a kitchen design, just like the perfect earrings or necklace can take an outfit from boring to stunning.