Post by Stacey Walker. Stacey mostly works behind the scenes for Walker Woodworking, managing day to day operations, and marketing. Stacey has helped many clients create their dream space.
Which Cabinet hardware to buy?
The cabinet color, style, and layout have been selected and finalized. You are feeling great about your new cabinets and can’t wait to have them installed. Then your designer mentions hardware, something perhaps, you really hadn’t thought about. There are several benefits to including hardware into your design such as:
- Prevents dirt and staining of your cabinets
- Makes it easier to open and close your doors and drawers
- Adds a unique look to the design
Once you make the decision to add hardware, there may be additional questions about placement, sizing, and options. Here we share answers to some of the common questions for cabinet hardware.
How to pick cabinet hardware?
One of the first steps is deciding what style you want and whether you want knobs or pulls. The design world has shifted away from hard rules to be more interpretive and reflective of the homeowner meaning that your style of cabinet hardware mainly depends on your preference. Knobs or pulls have more to do with the function of the cabinet door or drawer, for instance.
- Paneled appliances will require a pull since more pressure is needed to open the door.
- Opening a drawer with a knob will require grabbing with two fingers while a pull can be hooked with one finger.
The final decision will be based on the purpose of the room and your personal style.
Can you mix cabinet hardware?
Yes, and there are many who even encourage this choice because of the character and visual interest it adds to the project. Mixing your cabinet hardware also helps with the function of your space since doors and drawers each have their own purpose and have different requirements. Although, designers are incorporating the mix and match look there are a few suggestions to keep in mind for a unified look:
- Stay with a particular finish, this creates coordination between the different styles.
- Texture, while two styles may have similar colors it is important that they also match in look and feel.
- Matching the faucet finish to the hardware is also a great way to complete the entire design.
The options are endless so be sure to look at them all before making your final decision.
How to choose a cabinet hardware size?
Size is an important factor and is often based on the choice of hardware, knobs, or pulls.
- Knobs that measure 1-1/4″ are usually the common choice however if your style is more minimalist go smaller and if you are looking to make a statement go bigger.
- Pulls that measure between 3-3/4″ and 5” are standard cabinet hardware but other sizes can be used as well. One thing to keep in mind, the longer the pull the more contemporary the look. A solid rule to follow when choosing hardware for drawers is that it be approximately 1/3 the length of the drawer.
Remember to keep in mind that you can use both knobs and pulls in the design but placement will be key in completing a cohesive end result.
Where to place cabinet hardware?
Placement is important to the design and relies on whether you choose knobs, pulls, or both. The hard-fast rule tends to be that knobs go on doors and pulls go on drawers but designers have begun to bend or break them all together in exchange for freedom of style expression. If you are not sure of what you want here are a few basic suggestions.
- Knobs: On doors the common choice is to line up the installation hole with the edge of the rail. For drawers, it depends on the cabinet style. For example, for paneled cabinets, you can either place them in the middle, a popular choice, or near the top.
- Pulls: Often the cabinet rail determines the placement for pulls, meaning the bottom of the pull needs to fall in line with the cabinet rail.
- Mixing: The main thing to remember with this option is grouping. Some recommend putting either all knobs on the uppers with pulls being placed on the bottom. With trends changing, however, it is possible to try changing it up some.
We recommend going over your best options with your designer as they can help you know which placement is best suited to your project.
Cabinet hardware with white cabinets? With oak cabinets?
The color of your cabinets can play a part in choosing the coordinating hardware tone.
- White cabinets: Hardware shines bright on white cabinets so it is important to choose ones that will best compliment them. Some of the more popular choices are silver or oil rubbed bronze, but glass and black matte are also great options too. See twelve examples of cabinet hardware that goes well with white cabinets here.
- Oak cabinets: Because of their warm tones need hardware that invokes that same palette. Antique brass and oil rubbed bronze are great choices. Other warm metals and even glass can complement the oak perfectly and create a beautiful space.
Cabinet hardware with appliances?
Let’s not forget appliances like the fridge and dishwasher. Today, many opt to have their appliances paneled to create a unified look in their kitchen. The weight of the appliances puts more strain on the hardware meaning it is best to have a pull since the weight is distributed easier and offers you a better width for grip. Choosing an extra-long handle, specifically, an appliance pull is also highly recommended because it’s easier to grab and pull, with more durability.
The jewel of your kitchen
Hardware is considered to be equivalent to the jewelry of your outfit! Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen, so just like in a wardrobe, it must coordinate, be comfortable, and enhance the design of the outfit. Come visit our showroom where we have multiple displays available for you to view and feel. You can also look through our cabinet hardware resource page to see some of the companies that we are an authorized dealer. Let us help you get the perfect jewel to make your cabinets shine.
