Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Knobs and Pulls for Your Remodel

Cabinet Knobs and Pulls Can Make All The difference

Spruce Up Your Design with the Perfect Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom means making important decisions about everything from colors to cabinets to countertops and flooring.

One decision that can take your project to the next level of design and function are your cabinet knobs and pulls. Your cabinet hardware makes an impact and defines the style of your kitchen or bathroom. Your project isn't complete until you've selected the perfect hardware for your cabinetry, which is an ideal balance between form and function. Your cabinet hardware is the final touch to pull your design together, showcase your aesthetics, and reflect your personality.

Over the years, we've worked on dozens of kitchens and baths and have installed our share of knobs and pulls. Here are some tips to help you choose the best cabinet knobs and pulls for your project

Always Look For Quality First

Cabinet hardware can vary in price and quality. Your hardware is a key element of your kitchen design, and quality hardware is an item to splurge on. Better quality hardware will feel solid and heavier and have a consistent finish. They will come packaged individually to prevent scratches and imperfections. Lower-quality cabinet knobs and pulls will not stand up over time. Typically, they are less expensive and lighter.

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To check for quality, feel the back of the knob or pull to determine if it is open. Check the metal thickness. Lesser quality knobs and pulls are hollow and thin. Look for sharp edges or imperfections in the finish. Heck, the screw holes. Lower-quality hardware may have inconsistencies in the space between the holes. If you're considering an oblong-shaped pull, look for an anti-twist pin. This will keep the knob from spinning. Lower-quality knobs will not have this pin.

Also, always check the warranty. Look for cabinet knobs and pulls that come with a lifetime warranty to assure you're buying a product that will hold up to years of daily use.

Types of Decorative Cabinet knobs and Pulls

Your hardware should enhance your design and keep with the style of your kitchen. Personal preference when deciding between knobs or pulls for your kitchen is crucial. If possible, bring home a sample of the cabinet knobs and pulls you are considering before you buy. See how they feel and hold them up to your cabinets to get an idea of what they will look like installed. Knobs and pulls can be mixed to create visual interest in your design.

Next, Choose A Style

Hardware manufacturers classify cabinet knobs and pulls into five broad design categories: contemporary, traditional, transitional, rustic, and eclectic.

Contemporary

A contemporary kitchen is sleek and has little ornamentation, often with a neutral color palette. To keep with this style, choose hardware that is simple and streamlined. Consider linear bar handles or curved barrel handles. Designer tip: for a cohesive look, choose handles similar in style to the handles on your stainless steel appliances.

Traditional

The traditional kitchen design features elaborate details, embellishments, and moldings. Designers often choose ornate drop handles or fancier knobs for furniture-style cabinetry in a traditional kitchen. For a vintage look, consider a knob or pull with a porcelain overlay.

Transitional

Transitional cabinets combine both elements. They are less ornate, think Shaker-style cabinets. Transitional style allows you to combine contemporary and traditional elements. You can combine the clean look of inset-door cabinets with hardware that is not hard-edged and contemporary but not too ornate.

Rustic

The growing trend toward farmhouse design is popular thanks to the warm, inviting, rustic style. Choose a simple know or pull in an oil-rubbed bronze, copper, or black finish. These types of finishes will develop a patina over time. Perfect for a rustic, homey kitchen!

Eclectic

Here's where you can get your personal style on! Consider unique hardware to spice up your design. How about seashells or seahorse pulls for the beach house? Or antique painted knobs for your Victorian kitchen?

Manufacturers create their collections of knobs and pulls with products that can be coordinated to create the style and look you are seeking.

Size and Positioning

Once you've settled on a style, it's time to consider the size and positioning of your hardware. Consider proportion, aesthetics, function, and balance when deciding on what size knobs and pulls to use. An oversized cabinet or drawer will need a large piece of hardware to work properly. A good guideline for traditional or transitional style pulls is that they should be about one-third of the length of the cabinet or drawer. Drawers over 18 inches may require more than one pull or knob.

Pulls are typically positioned horizontally on drawers and vertically on doors. In a more contemporary design, pulls can be placed horizontally for a more sleek look.

Finally, Consider Materials and Finishes

Kitchen and bathroom cabinet knobs and pulls are available in a wide variety of materials - from wood and porcelain to various types of metal alloys. Brass hardware has a lacquer coating that makes it very durable and antimicrobial. Bronze hardware is also antimicrobial, offers a substantial feel, and works well with cabinets made of thicker wood. Stainless steel is another great choice, as it is durable and easy to keep clean. Other materials popular materials include pewter, nickel, glass, crystal, and ceramic knobs (for a vintage look!)

Once you've chosen your hardware's type, style, size, and material, it's easier to select the perfect finish. You have many options to choose from, including oil-rubbed, antique, weathered, polished, brushed, satin, matte, burnished, or painted, to name just a few. Stainless steel in a brushed or polished finish looks great in a contemporary kitchen. Bronze will develop a patina over time and make a bold statement in a rustic kitchen. Black hardware on light-colored cabinetry in a transitional kitchen is a dramatic look. Whatever you choose, make sure the cabinet hardware complements your kitchen's design style.

Working with a Design-Build-Remodeling Expert

When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, you'll face several decisions and a number of choices. Working with a kitchen designer can help you to narrow your options when it comes to materials. Defining your remodeled kitchen or bathroom aesthetic is a result of the choices you make. Your cabinet knobs and pulls are the bling of your kitchen and bathroom. The right choice can help to improve your kitchen's functionality, define your design style, and add a luxurious touch to your new kitchen. Define your needs, explore your options, and talk with your kitchen designer, and you'll make the perfect choice for your new space!

Are you considering remodeling your kitchen or bathroom? Let us help you create a new look and design the perfect finished space to meet your needs! If you live in the Greater Madison area, call the experts at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel at (608) 846-5963. We can take your home to the next level of comfort, design, and function! Ready to learn more? We're always happy to answer your questions.