Cabinet Hardware: The Finishing Touch

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Cabinet hardware, like handles and knobs, might seem like a small detail, but it can significantly impact the overall look and feel of your kitchen. The right hardware can elevate your kitchen design, adding a touch of elegance, modernity, or rustic charm.

Choosing the Right Hardware

When selecting cabinet hardware, consider the following factors:

  • Style: Your hardware should complement your kitchen’s overall style. For a modern kitchen, sleek, minimalist handles might be ideal. A traditional kitchen, on the other hand, might benefit from ornate, vintage-inspired knobs.
  • Material: Materials like brass, nickel, and chrome can add different levels of sophistication. Consider the durability and maintenance requirements of each material.
  • Finish: The finish of your hardware can significantly impact the look of your kitchen. Matte black, brushed nickel, and polished chrome are popular choices.
Drawer front knob
door pull

Placement Tips

The placement of your cabinet hardware can also influence the overall aesthetic. Here are some tips:

  • Consistency is Key: Maintain consistency throughout your kitchen. Use the same type of hardware on all cabinets for a cohesive look.
  • Visual Balance: Balance the placement of hardware on your cabinets. You can place the pulls vertically or horizontally but once you decide, all the pulls should be the same direction.
  • Drawer Fronts: Traditionally, knobs would be placed on drawer fronts and pulls on doors or vice versa. However, that is not necessarily the case anymore. You can use the same pull or knob throughout on all doors and drawer fronts. There is no set rule except what works in your specific kitchen.
  • Strategic placement: Consider what makes sense given how the doors and drawer fronts will open. Will the handle or pull be in the way of an opening nearby drawer? Is the cabinet narrow and too small for a handle to fit and therefore a knob would make better sense? When reaching for a tall cabinet, which type would be easier for you to open that door?
consistent drawer pull choice
mix of pulls and knobs
microwave drawer installed in island

What size?

There are things to consider when determining what size handle to get which will vary based on the type of door style.

  • Doors. Pick a size that would complement the size of the door. For consistency, pick a size that would work for all doors. If there are a few exceptions to this, pick a size bigger or smaller to fit those exceptions.
  • Drawer fronts. Consider the placement of the pulls or knobs. Usually these are placed in the center of the drawer front. For drawer fronts with a frame and panel such as a shaker style, measure the width inside the frame. The handle should fit with equal space on each end within the frame. For a drawer front that is very narrow, there may not be a pull that would fit comfortably within the frame. Therefore, it may be best to get a matching knob for it rather than a pull.

By carefully selecting and placing your cabinet hardware, you can create a kitchen that is both functional and stylish. Check out our portfolio. Along with the overall view of our work, pay attention to the types of hardware and placement.

For a catalog of hardware, check out www.berensonhardware.com for ideas.