Get a Solid Handle on Your Kitchen Hardware

Once you’ve chosen the perfect cabinets for your kitchen, the finishing touch is to decide the right kitchen hardware . The handles of your cabinetry help to tie together the rest of the room, so while functionality should hold the majority of the vote, it can’t be the only thing you consider. Not that we think you aren’t excited to decide on what is essentially the jewelry of the room; we just know that designing a kitchen requires a lot of decisions. If you’re burned out after an extensive remodel or even just looking for an easy way to revitalize a room that no longer sparks joy, here are some thoughts to help you choose the right hardware for your kitchen.

Knobs vs. Pulls

First thing’s first. Deciding the type of kitchen hardware is the place to start. There are two main kinds of hardware for your cabinetry: knobs and pulls. As a general rule, knobs may be more conducive to cabinet doors, and they are good for farmhouse- or traditionally-styled kitchens. They are typically less expensive and easier to install because they only need one screw to hold the knob in place. If you are looking for a just point of emphasis, knobs may be the hardware for you.

Pulls are almost always larger than knobs, and can be more expensive, though they are generally more comfortable for opening drawers. They come in many different sizes and even different shapes. You can have your pick of square or curved pulls, pulls you can grip, or cup pulls you curl your fingers under. Depending on your finish, pulls can be real statement pieces.

Their linear shape tends to complement tall cabinets and long drawers.

Depending on your style, you may also want to use a combination of both knobs and pulls. Knobs usually have smaller profiles than pulls, so you might use them on smaller drawers and leave pulls for more visible cabinets. Or vice versa! The choice is up to you.

Size of Kitchen Hardware

There are two things to keep in mind when choosing the size of your kitchen hardware: balance and comfort. The hardware you choose should be proportional to the cabinetry. This is usually more applicable to pulls. A common ratio is 1:3—the length of the pull is one third the width of the cabinet. This makes sure you don’t overwhelm your cabinetry. If you choose to use knobs on your drawers, you might use two for drawers longer than 30 inches.

The size of your hardware should also be comfortable for those who will be using it most often. When looking at different hardware options, test the pieces out to see how they feel in your hand. Are they too little or large to grip effectively? Does the piece of hardware give you enough area to pull on to open the cabinet? You don’t want to be stuck with hardware that looks nice but causes annoyance every time it’s used.

Finish and Style

Finish and style are two distinct considerations when choosing kitchen hardware, but they go hand in hand. Brushed nickel or stainless steel finishes will give your hardware a minimalist feel that fits perfectly in a more modern or even transitional style kitchen. Chrome hardware also lends a sleek, contemporary air. If you want to err on the side of traditional-looking kitchens, try choosing hardware in antique brass or crystal. Brass or a glossy black does wonders for a rustic kitchen. As a general rule, cooler tones or stark whites with dark or metallic hardware make a kitchen feel more contemporary, while warmer tones in both woods and hardware exude vintage charm. 

Oh, did we mention that your kitchen hardware does not have to match the other finishes in the room? It should coordinate, certainly—you don’t want your cabinetry’s hardware clashing with the faucet and appliances, but don’t feel limited to one look. If you’re feeling bold, you might try mixing metals, even among the hardware itself. Try a blend of texturing to add a unique touch, to create visual and tactile interest. It may be tempting to choose a finish solely based on price, but don’t forget to consider quality and finishes that will last. 

Your kitchen is a space to reflect you and your tastes. As you search for the right kitchen hardware to enhance the design of your sanctuary, try our team at Lloyd’s Cabinetry. We’re here to help you find the perfect hardware to create the kitchen of your dreams.

Michael Lloyd

Mike has been in the cabinetry business since 2003 where he started as a CNC Machine operator in his father’s commercial production cabinetry factory. He has experience in all aspects of manufacturing cabinets from machining, assembly, and finishing. Mike Joined Lloyd’s Remodeling & Cabinetry as a co-owner in 2013 where he specializes in hands-on retail showroom sales. Mike’s expertise is in designing and developing all of our interior remodel projects. Mike is masterful at designing and executing full scale kitchen and bath remodels and has been very successful in meeting the needs of even the most meticulous customers. Mike doesn’t believe in “Selling a Job”, rather he builds a relationship with each customer who chooses to engage in the process with Lloyd’s Remodeling because he understands that “people buy from people”.