Upgrading your cabinet hardware can transform your kitchen. This is one of the most affordable kitchen upgrades you can do, but you might be surprised by how vast your options are. Before you get overwhelmed with decisions, check out this guide for how to choose kitchen cabinet hardware. We’ll make the process as simple as can be.
Knobs, Pulls, or Both?
There are several categories for kitchen cabinet hardware, so you’ll need to know what you want for your space. Some kitchen designers recommend knobs for cabinets and pulls for drawers. Others recommend doing pulls throughout the kitchen because they’re easier to grip.
If you do pulls/handles on the cabinets and drawers, you’ll have a uniform look throughout the kitchen. If you use knobs on the drawers and pulls on the cabinets, you can create visual interest with varying sizes in the kitchen. Both options have merit, so you may want to test some options to see what you like best. Get a sample knob and pull in varying styles, and hold them up against your cabinets. That will help you visualize the end result.
An Alternative Option – No Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware is the “jewelry” of the kitchen, and it can add to the overall design. It’s a great option for most kitchens, but not for all. If you’re not a fan of kitchen hardware or your kitchen isn’t suited for it, you can get built-in handles on your drawer fronts and cabinet doors. This is a good option for small or tight kitchens because it minimizes visual clutter.
Choose the Right Cabinet Hardware Finish
Finish plays an important role in cabinet hardware selection. Do you want matte black hardware or brushed nickel? Are you a fan of oil rubbed bronze, champagne, or gold finishes? You may play off the existing features in your kitchen, such as the finish on your lighting or faucet. If you’re completely remodeling your kitchen, you’ll need to find hardware that coordinates with your cabinets and countertops.
Most hardware finishes can go with white cabinets, but wood tones are a little trickier to coordinate with. We recommend looking at different samples against your kitchen features to see which finish you like best.
Scale Matters – What Size Should My Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Be?
If you are replacing your existing cabinet hardware, you’ll most likely want the same size for the replacement hardware. You can change the size of your hardware, but then you will have to patch holes and make repairs. If you get the same size hardware, you can swap it out quick and easy.
If you’re getting hardware for new kitchen cabinets, you can choose whatever size you like. Five-inch door handles and drawer pulls have become highly popular in contemporary kitchen designs. These pulls are bigger than the standard three-inch ones, so they create more of a statement and provide more room to grip. This size may be too big though, if you have small drawers or cabinets to dress.
Comfort should always be a top priority when choosing the size of your kitchen cabinet hardware. If you can’t easily grab a knob or pull, it’s going to be a pain to use. You’re in your kitchen several times a day, even if you don’t cook often. You need this to be a functional, pleasant space. Keep that in mind as you choose your cabinet hardware.
Choose the Right Cabinet Hardware Style
Once you’ve narrowed down the size and finish you want, you can focus on the style of the hardware. Flat, curvy, rectangular, round – there are tons of styles to choose from. Consider the style of your home and the look you’re going for in your new kitchen. Do you want something ornate? Traditional? Modern? Unique? Our kitchen designers can help you find the perfect design for your dream kitchen.
Compare Costs to Finalize Your Decisions
Establishing a budget could be the first step in your cabinet hardware selection, but hardware doesn’t vary too drastically in price. Sure, there are drawer pulls that are double the price of their counterparts, but realistically, this is a small component of your kitchen remodeling budget. When you have a few options you like, compare the costs to see which one provides the best bang for your buck.
If you’re ready to see your dream kitchen come to life, O’Hanlon Kitchens is here to help. We provide professional kitchen remodeling in Pennsylvania and Maryland. Give us a call at 443-285-0558 to schedule your consultation.
