Installing new cabinet hardware is one of the simplest ways to transform the look of your kitchen. The perfect knobs pulls, and handles can take cabinets from basic to beautiful. With so many options available, how do you choose cabinet hardware that showcases your unique style?
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for selecting cabinet hardware that makes new cabinets a stylish statement. Before you start looking for you kitchen and bath cabinet hardware, we’ll explore popular finishes, types of hardware, factors that impact cost, and tips for a coordinated look that enhances your kitchen’s design.
Introduction to Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware includes the knobs, pulls, and hinges used on cabinet doors and drawers. Often overlooked, these small details make a surprisingly big impact on kitchen style. Dated brass knobs cabinet handles can make cabinets seem old, while sleek black pulls create a modern vibe.
Swapping hardware is one of the most affordable ways to upgrade and update worn cabinets. New knobs and handles also allow you to change color schemes without the expense of painting or refacing. Choosing cohesive finishes and shapes pulls your whole kitchen together into a polished, designer look.
Keep reading to discover how to select cabinet hardware that perfectly fits your own room or kitchen’s size, layout, cabinet type, and decorative style.
Popular Finishes for Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
The finish, or overall color and sheen, provides an essential first impression for cabinet hardware. Consider how the finish impacts the overall aesthetic before exploring specific styles. Here are popular choices to consider:
Brushed Nickel
Brushed black nickel, evokes a sleek, contemporary ambiance. The soft matte texture works well with painted and stained cabinets alike in modern kitchens. Satin nickel is very similar but has a hint of more warmth.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
With a dark antique look, oil-rubbed bronze pairs well with more traditional kitchen elements like stained cabinets and granite countertops. The muted sheen helps it blend with wood tones.
Polished Chrome
For a clean, timeless shine, the polished nickel chrome offers a classic silver sheen. It reflects light beautifully to lend a bright, open feeling. Best for contemporary spaces.
Matte Black
Matte black hardware brings high drama and bold contrast. Use it sparingly against light cabinetry and countertops so it doesn’t overwhelm the space.
Antique Brass
Perfect for farmhouse, vintage, or rustic designs, aged brass finishes provide a welcome patina. Pair with creamy-painted cabinets and butcher block counters.
Types of Cabinet Hardware
The style of cabinet hardware you choose makes a visual impact. From the brushed chrome to traditional to modern, select hardware that aligns with your kitchen’s overall aesthetic.
Cabinet Knobs
Circular, oval, or square-shaped knobs with a single screw mount in the center are classic choices.
Profiled knobs have dimensional shapes like facets, flutes, or grooves.
Ornate knobs feature decorative elements like crystals, ceramic accents, or swirling metalwork.
Scale knobs proportionally for the cabinet front size so they don’t appear too small or overwhelming.
Knobs work well on both doors and drawers to create a coordinated look.
Cabinet Pulls
Bar pulls are long straight pulls ranging from 3-12 inches for doors and large drawers.
Bow pulls feature a central curved arched shape with straight pull ends.
Cup pulls attach via threaded posts and conceal mounting hardware for a hidden look.
Handle pulls combine a short grip handle with a backplate and baseblock.
Based on guidance from This Old House, position pulls at a consistent height on doors and drawers for a streamlined look.
Cabinet Catches and Latches
Magnetic catches align doors quietly with strong holding power but are easy to open/close.
Push latches offer a simple mechanism to securely latch doors with a small profile.
The button catches close with a spring-loaded push button for easy open/close access.
Choose latches that complement cabinet hardware finishes and styles.
Hinges
According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), concealed hinges provide a sleek interior cabinet appearance.
Concealed cabinet hinges allow doors to open wide. Position adjusts up/down and in/out.
Partial wrap hinges partially cup the door edge. Exposed hinge leaves coordinate with the hardware.
Butterfly hinges pivot from the cabinet interior. No exposed hinge parts are shown.
Drawer Slides
Side-mount slides are installed onto the cabinet and drawer side for stability.
Undermount slides are attached below the drawer allowing full access to the interior space.
Soft-close slides prevent drawers from slamming shut. Useful in busy kitchens.
The wide variety of cabinet hardware types lets you customize to match your exact style and function needs.
Coordinating Your Cabinet Hardware
Choosing cabinet hardware involves more than just picking finishes and types you like. Follow these tips for a cohesive look:
Use the same finish throughout the kitchen for harmony. Mixing brass and chrome appears disjointed.
Limit yourself to 1-3 design styles. Too many looks compete rather than complement.
Scale hardware appropriately for drawer and door sizes. Oversized hardware overwhelms smaller cabinets.
Allow about 2” clearance between pulls and knobs on adjacent doors and drawers so they don’t clash.
Position pulls and knobs consistently. Aligning them along the bottom edge creates a clean line.
Consider the room’s overall decorative style like modern, transitional, or farmhouse. Select the hardware that aligns with the theme.
Take advantage of online visualization search tools that let you upload photos of your cabinets and “try on” different hardware options digitally. This takes the guesswork out of coordination.
Where to Shop for Cabinet Hardware
Finding inspiring cabinet hardware options has never been easier thanks to online shopping and catalogs. Look to these sources for convenience:
Home Improvement Stores
Major retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Menards have a very wide selection of in-store selection of the most popular styles. Browse display boards to view finishes and sizes up close while getting hands-on help.
Hardware Stores
Look for specialty kitchen and bath hardware stores locally or online for high-quality pulls and knobs in unique vintage styles. Expect to pay more than big box stores.
Manufacturer Websites
Brands like Emtek, Top Knobs, and Liberty Hardware sell their cabinet hardware directly through their own e-commerce sites. Order exactly what you want while taking advantage of sales and promos.
Etsy Sellers
For one-of-a-kind vintage hardware, Etsy sellers offer drawer pulls and knobs from old homes and buildings. Great for finding unique conversation pieces.
Cost and Budgeting Considerations
The cost of shipping and purchasing new cabinet hardware depends on several variables:
Material – Solid brass costs more than steel or zinc alloys. Nickel plating drives up prices over powder-coated metals.
Size and weight – Larger and heavier hardware comes at a higher price per piece. Oversized pulls use more materials.
Brand name – Well-known brands charge a premium over unbranded commodity hardware.
Source – Buying through home improvement stores is cheaper than designer showrooms.
Sales – Take advantage of seasonal sales, bulk pricing, or coupons when possible. Stock up if the style is one you’ll use again.
On average, expect to spend $2 – $10 per piece for standard-sized knobs and pulls from home improvement stores. Boutique hardware shops typically command higher prices for unique and vintage looks.
Don’t forget hardware installation supplies like self-adhesive templates, screws, and jigs. Factor about $40 – $80 for supplies depending on your budget and the number of drawers and cabinets.
Installation Tips and Considerations
Installing new cabinet hardware is a manageable DIY project for most homeowners. Follow these tips for a smooth installation:
Clean cabinets thoroughly before installing hardware so finishes adhere properly.
Use templates aligned on drawer fronts and doors to mark hole placement accurately.
Install hardware on doors and drawers before hanging for easier access.
Drill pilot holes at markings to prevent wood splitting.
Use a rubber mallet to gently tap pieces into place without scratching finishes.
For threaded hardware, carefully tighten pieces using a screwdriver with a light touch.
Attach knobs and pulls them evenly so they line up nicely along fronts.
Here are some cabinet hardware FAQs written out in paragraph form:
Bottomline
Replacing old hardware revitalizes kitchen cabinets affordably. The right knobs and pulls enhance your storage with style while refreshing the look. Use this comprehensive guide to select cohesive finishes and designs that show off your taste. With some upfront planning and coordination, you can install beautiful cabinet hardware to give your kitchen a brand-new feel.
