Which Cabinet Hardware To Buy?

Walker Woodworking custom cabinets, brass hardware, quarter sawn white oak custom cabinets, brass hardware, Jazz bar pull hardware

Design Notes

The cabinet color, style, and layout have been selected and finalized. You are feeling great about your new cabinets and can’t wait for them to be installed. Then your designer brings up hardware, something you perhaps 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 decide to add hardware, there may be additional questions about placement, sizing, and options. Here, we share answers to common questions about 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 toward a more interpretive, reflective approach that reflects the homeowner, meaning your cabinet hardware style mainly depends on your preferences. Knobs or pulls are more about 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 requires grabbing it with two fingers, while a pull can be hooked with one finger.

The final decision will be based on the room’s purpose and your style.

White cabinets with gold hardware and hardwood floors

Can You Mix Cabinet Hardware?

Yes, and many even encourage this choice because of the character and visual interest it adds to the project. Mixing your cabinet hardware also supports the function of your space, since doors and drawers each serve a 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 share similar colors, they must also match in terms of 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, consider a smaller size, 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 of thumb when choosing hardware for drawers is to make it approximately 1/3 the length of the drawer.

Remember that you can use both knobs and pulls in the design, but placement will be key in achieving a cohesive design.

bathroom vanity with seating and a towel warmer

Where To Place Cabinet Hardware?

Placement is essential to the design and relies on whether you choose knobs, pulls, or both. The hard-and-fast rule is that knobs go on doors and pulls go on drawers, but designers have begun bending or breaking it altogether in exchange for the freedom to express style. If you are not sure of what you want, here are a few basic suggestions.

Knobs: On doors, the common practice is to align 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 pull placement, so the bottom of the pull must align with the cabinet rail.
Mixing: The main thing to remember with this option is grouping. Some recommend putting all knobs on the uppers, with pulls on the bottom. With trends changing, however, it is possible to try changing it up a bit.

We recommend discussing your best options with your designer, as they can help you determine the best placement for your project.

Cabinet Hardware With White Cabinets? With Oak Cabinets?

The color of your cabinets can influence the choice of coordinating hardware tone.

White cabinets: Hardware shines brightly on white cabinets, so it is essential to choose the hardware that best complements 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 complements them. Antique brass and oil-rubbed bronze are great choices. Other warm metals and even glass can complement oak perfectly, creating 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, so it is best to have a pull, as the weight is distributed more evenly and offers a better grip width. Choosing an extra-long handle, specifically an appliance pull, is also highly recommended because it’s easier to grab and pull, and it’s more durable.

The Jewel Of Your Kitchen

Hardware is considered the jewelry of your outfit! Cabinet hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen, so, just as in a wardrobe, it must coordinate, be comfortable, and enhance the outfit’s design. 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.

byStacey Walker/onFebruary 21, 2020/updatedJanuary 28, 2026/inDesign Notes

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