Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas

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I think kitchen cabinet hardware is one of the most important details in a kitchen. When building or remodeling a kitchen, choosing the hardware can actually be quite challenging. What size, finish, and placement are all among the questions people struggle with. All three play an important role in the overall look of your kitchen. Investing in timeless hardware pieces such as knobs, pulls, and handles can create an elegant and classic look that will last for years. Here are a few timeless kitchen hardware ideas that will stand the test of time and a couple of suggestions and tips that will help you choose the perfect hardware for your kitchen.

Hardware Finish

Choosing the hardware finish that is right for you can be as simple as the color you like best. The days of matching metal finishes to every other metal in the room are over. I actually like the look of using a couple of different finishes.

For instance, we used antique brass for our cabinet hardware while our light fixtures are black. We also added a brushed nickel faucet to our kitchen island which ties in with our stainless appliances. So we have several different metal finishes, and believe it or not, it works!

When mixing metal finishes, I like to have one dominant finish within a room and then accentuate with the others. For instance, in our kitchen, the dominant finish is antique brass considering there are lots of pulls and handles that outweigh the other finishes. Then I accented it with other finishes such as nickel and black within other items in the kitchen.

However certain finishes do portray certain vibes and hardware works best when you can use it to add contrast to the room. For instance, a brass finish normally comes across as vintage and traditional, while a brushed nickel and black create more of a contemporary feel.

Hardware Size and Placement

After you have selected the finish you want to go with, then you will want to figure out what size of hardware will look best. There are two main choices when it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware: knobs and pulls. Within these, there is also size variation.

Knobs are smaller in profile and tend to be less expensive, but probably do not have the same dramatic effect as a pull. Knobs are also a little easier to install which is always a great thing if you are DIYing the project.

Pulls are larger in size and as I stated above, make a bolder statement. Pulls also offer an easier grip. They look great on drawers and longer cabinets. The drawback would be that the price goes up drastically and they are a little harder to install.

Some may ask if you have to stick to one or the other, all pulls or knobs? The answer is no, not at all. We personally like the mix of knobs and pulls. There is no specific way to choose what goes where, but we normally stick to knobs on smaller cabinetry and pulls on larger. It is also a great look to do two pulls on very large drawers or an oversized pull. This not only makes it easier to open and close but creates a dramatic look.

Brass Knobs and Pulls

Brass is one of those materials that never goes out of style. The warm gold hue adds a touch of luxury to any space, while still being understated enough to blend in with other elements. If you’re looking for a modern take on brass, opt for pieces with clean lines and minimal adornment – this will give your kitchen a more contemporary feel. Our favorite brass knobs and pulls are from Rejuvenation which offers a wide variety at a reasonable price.

Brushed Nickel

If you’re going for a minimalist look, brushed nickel handles are the way to go. Thin and sleek, these handles will blend seamlessly with any decor without overwhelming the room. Brushed nickel is also incredibly durable so it can withstand constant use without showing signs of wear and tear over time. Here is a wide selection of our favorite kitchen brushed nickel hardware.

Matte Black Knobs and Pulls

Matte black knobs and pulls are having quite the moment right now – and it’s easy to see why! The subtle finish adds just the right amount of visual interest while still keeping things simple. Plus, matte black looks great against almost any color palette or material combination so you can mix and match different pieces without worrying about clashing styles or designs. I’m really loving this Pottery Barn Mercer Drawer Pull and the Vernon Pull from Rejuvenation.

Oil Rubbed Bronze

Oil-rubbed bronze is another classic option when it comes to kitchen hardware ideas. This dark finish has an industrial vibe that makes it perfect for spaces with an industrial aesthetic – think exposed brick walls and concrete countertops – but it also works well in more traditional kitchens too! There is also a wide selection of oil-rubbed bronze pulls and knobs at Rejuvenation.

Here are a few other suggestions we have either used in the past or just absolutely love. Maybe this will get you started or at least lead you in the right direction. There are thousands of choices out there, so try to narrow it down to a couple of different styles. Then maybe compare prices based on your budget and go from there.

Hardware Suggestions