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 hadn’t thought about. There are several benefits to including hardware in 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 complex 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 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 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 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:
- Staying with a particular finish 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 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 measuring between 3-3/4″ and 5” are standard cabinet hardware, but other sizes can be used as well. One thing to keep in mind is that the longer the pull, the more contemporary the look. A solid rule to follow when choosing hardware for drawers is to 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 the 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 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 discussing your best options with your designer, as they can help you determine 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 the ones that will best complement them. Some of the more popular choices are silver or oil rubbed bronze, but glass and black matte are also great options. See twelve examples of cabinet hardware that goes well with white cabinets here.
- Oak cabinets: Because of their warm tones, oak cabinets 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 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 and has 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 we are an authorized dealer for. Let us help you get the perfect jewel to make your cabinets shine.
