How to Choose the Perfect Cabinet Hardware for Your Kitchen

Some people love the process of considering the wide variety of cabinet hardware, while others are immediately overwhelmed by the seemingly endless options (and the concern of making the “wrong” choice). Here are ways to have an easier hardware hunt.

Function First

Function is a great place to start. Grip issues come up frequently with our clients. If someone in the house has a hard time manipulating their hand or fingers, then a larger cabinet knob, a knob with a taller stem to get fingers around, or a pull with adequate space between the hardware and the cabinet can all be helpful. If there’s already hardware that works functionally, then start the search with those same measurements. If the current hardware is problematic, then a trip to the local hardware store is a great way to try out options and then use those measurements or attributes to make the search easier.

Consider the Finish

Finish is often the least considered part of the process, as many people think all the metal in their kitchen should match (meaning if they have stainless steel appliances, they only want to consider silver-toned metals). If that works for you, great—you’ve made your choice easier. But if you like another finish, then you should explore that—the finishes of the appliances and hardware do not need to match. Black, bronze, and gold tones can all work with your appliances, not just silver shades. Think about the color and tone of your cabinets. Metal colors often feel cool or warm, and the color of the hardware should both stand out and blend with the finish on the cabinets. This means the hardware should be visible against the cabinets and work with the warm or cool tones of the finish color. If you prefer silver tones, polished and satin nickel often have a richer and warmer look than the colder tone of chrome.

Fashion and Trends

Fashion has a role to play in the decision process. Just as with clothing, certain attributes are considered more stylish or current and are therefore more readily available. Thankfully, hardware styles do not change as quickly as clothing styles! If you’re looking for the latest and greatest styles, then skip the big box hardware stores and seek out specialty retailers of home furnishings and hardware. Shelter magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram are also great places to discover trending styles and unique hardware that can add a personal touch to your kitchen. If you’re after an updated but not trendy look, then you want to look for more traditional and familiar options but with simplified and updated details. If it’s not overwhelming, we recommend scrolling through a hardware website and taking note of the details you repeatedly find appealing—do you like straight or curved lines, do you like extra swirls and details, do you want to be reminded of the past or only use something that’s totally today? Ordering a variety of samples to hold in your hand and up on your cabinets is a great way to get closer to a decision.

Form and Size Matter

Form and size are also important considerations. Do you like knobs, pulls, or a combination of the two? If too many choices may keep you from reaching a decision, you could narrow your search to knobs, as you can use the same size on every cabinet, and they come in every style and finish. Pulls now come in many lengths. It used to be that pulls were all 3", but that now feels small, and 6-8" pulls are more popular. Better Homes & Gardens suggests considering the size and placement of hardware for optimal functionality. I like using the same size pull everywhere, if possible, but sometimes there will be an extra-small drawer that requires a narrower pull, or an extra-wide drawer that requires a longer pull or two pulls. There’s no right or wrong, and browsing pictures online can help you identify which hardware look you find most pleasing.

Enhance Your Kitchen with Cabinet Refacing

If you're looking to give your kitchen a fresh look along with new hardware, consider cabinet refacing. This option updates the exterior of your cabinets while keeping the existing structure, saving time and money.

Upgrade Your Countertops

Pair your new hardware with updated surfaces by exploring our countertop services. A new countertop can dramatically change the look and feel of your kitchen.

At Kitchen Tune-Up, we want to help you make the most of your home. We would love the opportunity to see your kitchen, show you door and hardware samples, and create a plan to update and upgrade your space to meet your needs. Contact us today for a free design appointment and estimate.