Choosing The Right Cabinet Hardware Style for a Kitchen Remodel

Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Hardware Can Complete a Stunning Kitchen Design

From selecting your lighting to picking the perfect shade of paint – kitchen remodeling is a series of decisions that can make a house your home! With all of these moving parts, it can be hard to remember that a good design is in the details.

Your cabinet hardware is one detail that can easily be overlooked. However, it has the power to define your style, create a visual impact, and elevate the room in a way that seems effortless. If you think about it, your cabinet hardware is one element of the kitchen used every time you open a door or a drawer. It soon becomes clear that the value of a well-made piece of hardware is well worth the investment.

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To put it another way, investing in heirloom-quality hardware is an easy way to elevate every day. So, whether you are remodeling your kitchen or looking for an easy update, read on for some tips for choosing the perfect kitchen cabinet hardware for your space.

The Types of Cabinet Hardware

knobs and pulls from the same hardware family can be mixed and matched beautifully!

The first decision you'll need to make when choosing your hardware is whether you'd like to use knobs, pulls, or a combination of both. As a general rule, it's easier to open a cabinet with a knob and a drawer with a pull. That said, there are plenty of exceptions and no real hard and fast rules. 

When you consider hardware types, envision what will feel the most functional and best fit into your lifestyle. 

cup pulls are another variation on the traditional pull handle.

• Knobs - Knobs have a smaller profile that handles, tend to be less expensive, and can be used on both drawers and cabinets. They are also easier to install as they typically require a single screw to secure them to the surface.

• Pulls - Pulls are larger than knobs, and can make more of a statement, and are typically easier to grip. They are more expensive than pulls, and they come in a variety of sizes. They tend to complement drawers or larger cabinets with their linear profile.

• Cup Pulls - These pulls typically are fully closed at the top, and are exclusively installed horizontally on drawers, and never on doors.

Once you've decided on the type of hardware, you'll want to begin to consider shape. Examine your cabinet style, countertop edge, light fixtures, and other design elements. Do they feature straight or curved lines? Choose cabinet hardware that is consistent with the other design elements in your kitchen.

Along with the shape, you'll also want to consider what style best fits into your design. Hardware with ridges, curved shapes, and textured detailing generally work best in a more traditional kitchen design. Modern cabinetry tends to have cleaner, straight lines, and edges with a sleek, minimal profile that is smooth to the touch.

Think About The Finish

often light colored hardware is installed on dark stained cabinets…

The most common finishes are chrome or brushed nickel. However, many other finishes can add interest to your kitchen. One new trend that is becoming popular is mixed metals in the kitchen. Gone of the days when your hardware had to match the faucet. As long as the finish you choose compliments the other metal elements (fixtures, lighting) in the kitchen you can make it work.

Some finishes go well with brushed nickel or stainless steel faucets, like antique pewter, bronze (dark or light), satin brass, oil-rubbed bronze, aluminum, black matte, and rust. 

…and dark colored hardware on light colored cabinets.

Finishes that work with a chrome faucet are slightly limited but include white, black, dark bronze, pewter, or clear glass.

Next, Think About Comfort

Your kitchen cabinet hardware is an element of your kitchen that you will use every single day. Before you invest a significant amount of money in hardware for an entire kitchen, try out the knob and pull. Touch it. Fit your hand inside the pull. Does it fit? Does it feel good? Or are your fingers crammed in, and does it feel sharp around the edges? Your fingers should fit comfortably.

When you grab the knob, does it have pointy edges or ridges that press into your fingers? You're going to be opening and closing drawers and cabinets all day, every day. If it doesn't feel right, it can get pretty annoying pretty quickly.

Always try your pulls and knobs before you buy. It will be worth the extra research.

Consider the Cost

It's important to remember, like most things in life, you get what you pay for. There are several companies with inexpensive products. Their finishes are sub-par, and they look cheap. Instead of shopping for your cabinet hardware at the big box stores, look for quality hardware at local plumbing or cabinet showrooms. They will have a better selection and knowledgeable staff to help you out.

Quality cabinet hardware is not cheap. It can range from $6 to $10 for knobs and, for pulls - $7 to $12 and higher. The price is based on the finish and the design. Solid stainless or bronze will cost much more. Longer pulls will also cost more since more materials are used. Cabinet hardware is no longer a cheap or thoughtless add-on. It’s an investment in style, function, and a sizeable part of your kitchen budget. If your remodeler hasn’t included it, you need to budget over $1000 for materials and installation labor for most kitchens.

Whatever you choose, always order a few extra pieces just in case a screw breaks or the finish begins to wear off.

Remember, Cabinet Hardware is the Jewelry of the Kitchen

While it may not seem exciting when compared to choosing the perfect countertop, or lighting, your kitchen cabinet hardware is the jewelry of your kitchen. Much like your wardrobe, your kitchen hardware must be coordinated, comfortable, and enhance the design of your outfit. 

Well-made cabinet hardware is not cheap. You can expect to pay several hundred dollars or more to outfit all of your cabinetry with new hardware. So before you buy, do your research. Order samples put them on a door and a drawer to see how they look. Check finishes with your kitchen materials, and look at them in the context of your overall kitchen design to get a perfect fit.

Working with a design-build firm for your kitchen remodeling project is a great choice. If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and have questions about cabinet hardware or a kitchen remodeling project, give the experts at Degnan Design Build Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. Their award-winning design team is ready to help you realize your creative vision and pick the perfect cabinet hardware to elevate your kitchen design! Call today and arrange a free consultation to discuss your upcoming project.

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/26/2022.