A Comprehensive Guide To Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

It is easy to get caught up in selecting the larger items such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, flooring, appliances, colour schemes and lighting when remodelling your kitchen. But little things like cabinet hardware can make a big difference. Your kitchen design will be incomplete if you don’t have worthy pulls and knobs to complement it.

Kitchen cabinet hardware is a show stealer capable of making a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen while enhancing its functionality. Knobs and pulls not only prevent transferring any oil on your fingers to cabinet fronts but also give your kitchen’s appearance the final touch.

If you are remodelling your kitchen, don’t make cabinet hardware an afterthought. Go through this guide to choose the perfect hardware for your kitchen cabinets.

Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware: A Complete Guide

 Types

The first thing you should decide in your hunt for the perfect hardware is whether you want a knob or a pull. There are no strict rules, but make sure it matches your kitchen style and is comfortable for you to use. If you want, you can create visual interest by using pulls for cabinets and knobs for drawers. People often prefer using pulls for a more contemporary look and knobs for a minimalist appearance.

Style

After you have decided on the type of hardware you want, you should select the style, be it traditional, contemporary, transitional, craftsman or eclectic. To figure out the right one for you, take note of your countertop edge, cabinet design and lighting fixtures. The style of hardware should be consistent with the type of lines in your kitchen design. Let’s learn about these styles.

·         Traditional hardware has elaborate detailing, embellishments and moldings. They are known for their decorative and ornate appearance; ideal for vintage style kitchens or a sophisticated farmhouse feel.

·         Contemporary hardware has sleek lines and is available in minimalist colours, unlike its traditional counterparts. It features straight lines, less ornamental design and a streamlined look, thus making it a perfect complement to stainless steel appliances in a contemporary kitchen.

·         Transitional hardware blends modern and traditional features. Transitional-style pulls and knobs are neither too ornate nor too hard edged.

·         Craftsman style is clean-lined and showcases warm woods with a hand-crafted look where the chisel or hammer marks are evident. It also tends to have a strong geometric appearance. Craftsman hardware goes well with a farmhouse kitchen design.

·         Eclectic hardware spruces up your cabinetry by creating a unique appearance. For example, knobs might look like seashells; pulls, like animals; or pretty painted knobs may have polka dots. This is an excellent style for an informal setting like shabby chic.

Material

Cabinet hardware comes in a wide variety of materials. The most common are metal alloys like brass, bronze and stainless steel. Brass is durable as it generally has plating applied to its surface, whereas bronze is antimicrobial and reduces the spread of germs. However, it is advisable, when it comes to selecting your hardware metal, to consider your appliances, lighting and faucet materials. Then go for the one that not necessarily matches but accentuates them. For example, if you have stainless steel faucets and appliances, choose black metal hardware instead of silver pulls for a harmonious look.

Finishes

Finishes play a vital role in adding visual interest to your kitchen. Popular finishes chosen by homeowners include brushed, polished, tarnished, satin, antique and matte. Here are a few finishes and where they work best.

·         Polished chrome is brassy, bright and complements any kitchen.

·         Durable antique brass goes best with lighter-coloured cabinets.

·         Black finishes make a bold statement by adding drama to light-coloured cabinets.

·         Iron finishes work best in a traditional kitchen, especially against cabinetry with a dark stain.

·         Old copper finishes are funky, unique and give a decorative touch to kitchens with a copper island and faucets.

Comfort

Besides the hardware’s appearance and the character it adds, do not forget about its practicality. A pull or knob should be functional and comfortable. Touch it, feel it and fit your hand inside the pull (if that is your choice) to determine whether it fits. If it is not cramming your fingers or it is sharp around the edges, do not purchase it. As far as knobs are concerned, ask yourself if it has pointy edges or ridges that press on your fingers. If not, go for it.

Cabinetry hardware can make or break the final look of your kitchen design. That’s why it is important that it coordinates with the rest of the design, is comfortable and enhances the overall décor. Use this blog post as a guide to buying the perfect hardware for your kitchen cabinetry. If you have doubts, contact a kitchen renovation expert near you.