Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas: Elevate Your Kitchen’s Style

In my opinion, kitchen cabinet hardware is one of the most important details in a kitchen. When it comes to giving your kitchen a fresh look, sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest impact. Although it is so important, while in the middle of 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 cabinet 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

The finish of your hardware sets the tone for your kitchen. Do you want something timeless or trendy? Here are a few popular finishes and why we love them:

• Brushed Nickel: A classic choice that’s subtle and goes with almost anything.
• Matte Black: Bold, modern, and versatile—it can stand out or blend in, depending on your cabinets.
• Brass: Adds warmth and a touch of luxury, especially in kitchens with rich wood tones or white cabinets.
• Wood: Perfect for adding a rustic or natural touch to your space.

Think about your kitchen’s color palette and the vibe you’re going for when choosing a finish.

Matching vs Mixing: The Basics

Traditionally, people have leaned toward matching hardware with other finishes, like faucets, light fixtures, and even appliances, for a cohesive and streamlined look. But these days, mixing finishes is a popular way to add visual interest and make your kitchen feel more custom.

When to Match:

• If your kitchen has a minimalist or modern vibe, matching finishes can enhance the clean, uncluttered look.
• Small kitchens can benefit from matching hardware because it keeps things visually cohesive and prevents a busy feel.

When to Mix:

• If your kitchen has multiple focal points, like a statement island or a bold backsplash, mixing finishes adds layers without competing with your design elements.
• For eclectic, vintage, or transitional styles, a mix of finishes feels intentional and inviting.

Our Favorite Combinations

Here are some finish combos we’ve tried (and loved!):

• Brass + Matte Black: Brass hardware paired with matte black faucets feels modern and luxurious.
• Brushed Nickel + Chrome: Perfect for a clean and timeless look. Brushed nickel hardware with chrome light fixtures is subtle yet sophisticated.
• Wood + Brass: Wood hardware with brass accents brings a natural and warm vibe to kitchens with white or neutral cabinets.
• Matte Black + Stainless Steel: Ideal for industrial or modern spaces. Matte black hardware with stainless steel appliances feels bold and cohesive.

When we remodeled our kitchen, we used brass hardware for the cabinets and paired it with a matte black faucet. Our light fixtures were a mix of black and brass, tying the whole look together. The result? A warm and modern kitchen with just the right amount of contrast.

Hardware Size and Placement

Size and placement matter more than you think! Oversized pulls can make a statement, while smaller knobs can keep things understated and classic. Here are some tips:

• Knobs: Best for doors. Place them about 2-3 inches from the bottom corner of upper cabinet doors or the top corner of lower cabinets.
• Pulls: Work well on both drawers and doors. For larger drawers, use longer pulls to balance the look.
• Latches: A unique choice we loved for the uppers in our last remodel—they add charm and a vintage touch.

Take your time to test placement before committing. We’ve been known to use painter’s tape to “try on” hardware before drilling any holes!

Brass Knobs and Pulls

There’s just something about brass hardware that feels both classic and fresh. We love pairing brass knobs and pulls with deep green or navy cabinets for a bold look. In our last remodel, we used brass against Accessible Beige cabinets, and the result was warm, inviting, and timeless. The natural patina that develops over time adds even more character.

In our last two remodels we ended up using both the Massey pulls and knobs from Rejuvenation. They are a beautiful reflection of classic craftsmanship with a modern twist.

Polished Nickel

If you’re looking for a timeless choice, polished nickel is a standout option. Its subtle elegance, durability, and versatility make it a perfect match for various cabinet styles, from classic shaker designs to sleek modern slab fronts.

There are many options for brushed nickel kitchen cabinet hardware, but our favorite option is the Allenglade knobs and pulls from Rejuvenation. They exude a refined and versatile charm that can elevate any cabinetry. With their smooth, polished finish and clean, rounded edges, these pieces offer a sophisticated touch that complements a variety of kitchen styles, from classic to contemporary. The warm silver hue of polished nickel pairs beautifully with both light and dark cabinet colors, adding a touch of luxury without overpowering your design.

Matte Black

Matte black hardware is sleek, edgy, and oh-so-chic. It’s perfect for creating contrast in light kitchens or blending seamlessly into darker cabinetry. We’ve seen matte black used with both white cabinets and slight darker ones, and it never fails to make a statement. The bonus is that they are super easy to keep clean and fingerprint-free!

The Blair Cabinet Collection in black from Rejuvenation is a bold and versatile choice of cabinet hardware that adds modern sophistication to any kitchen. With its clean lines and matte black finish, this collection makes a striking statement while maintaining a timeless appeal. The Blair knobs and pulls are designed to complement a wide range of cabinetry styles, from minimalist flat-front designs to more traditional shaker cabinets. Their durable construction ensures long-lasting performance, and the matte black finish resists fingerprints and smudges, making them as practical as they are stylish.

Wood

Wooden knobs or pulls can add a cozy, organic touch to your kitchen. They’re especially beautiful in farmhouse or Scandi-style kitchens. Pair them with natural wood cabinets for a monochromatic look, or contrast them with painted cabinets for a pop of texture.

I’m absolutely loving the Modernist Wood & Antique Brass Hardware from West Elm. It is a stunning blend of natural and elegant design. Crafted with sleek wood bases and accented by antique brass, this hardware combines organic warmth with timeless sophistication.

Latches

If you want a hardware option that feels a bit unexpected, consider latches. We used the Large Oval Cupboard Latches from Rejuvenation in aged brass on the uppers in our latest kitchen remodel, and they were a total game-changer. They’re not just functional but also add a vintage charm that’s hard to replicate with standard knobs or pulls. Pair them with glass-front cabinets for extra character.

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.