Why is the process of selecting cabinet hardware so daunting? We think it’s because there’s truly no wrong way to do it! The options are endless. Knobs work on both drawers and doors. The same thing goes for pulls. Here’s a list of things to consider BEFORE you start shopping for hardware.
Function:
Before you even step into a hardware showroom, start looking at inspiration photos of cabinetry and hardware online. What are you drawn to? Here are things to think about.
Do you like pulls on all doors and drawers? Maybe you like knobs only on upper cabinets? Or is a combination more your style?
Think about the size and function of your drawers. Wider drawers require at least 2 knobs, 2 smaller-size pulls, OR one large pull. Large pulls are expensive. If the drawer is going to be used often and contains heavier items, you’ll definitely want pulls. They are easier to grip. Also, do you have any arthritis issues? A small knob can be quite cumbersome for homeowners with arthritis that affects the hands.
Here you can see an example of a mixture of knobs. Notice the latches on the top cabinet, the two knobs on wider drawers, and the cup pulls on stacked drawers. A cup pull is a type of hardware used for cabinets and drawers, typically in kitchens and bathrooms. It consists of a cup-shaped piece attached to a backing plate, which is screwed onto the surface of the cabinet or drawer. The cup shape allows for easy gripping, making it convenient to open and close the cabinet or drawer. Cup pulls come in various styles, sizes, and finishes, allowing them to complement different design aesthetics and cabinet types. They are popular for their functional yet decorative appeal, adding a touch of style to furniture pieces.
You can even think about mixing 3 types of hardware in your kitchen. For example, pulls on most of the drawers, knobs on all the doors, and then adding cup pulls on the very top drawer only.
Finish:
Does your hardware need to match the plumbing or lighting? That’s another hard to answer question. Most of our clients are hesitant to mix and match metals. We encourage them to try this! Why not have your lighting and hardware match but then have your plumbing in a different finish? Or in the bathroom… You can match your wall sconces and hardware and the match your plumbing and mirrors. The combinations are endless!
If you are shopping for chrome, nickels and matte black, you don’t need to worry as much about perfectly matching your specific lighting or plumbing brand finish. They are relatively universal.
All matching finish.
Mixed metals.
However, if you have gold or bronze finishes, you need to look at the various finishes offered by different brands in person. Go to a showroom to feel the hardware and see what you like. Not all honey gold and aged brass finishes are alike. One brand will have one that looks decidedly like a bright gold, while another brand offers one that leans towards antique brass. One helpful tip is that certain brands have teamed up to match popular plumbing and lighting brands exactly. Most local showrooms keep a list of which brands match to ensure continuity within all your fixtures.
Style and Size:
Appliance pulls. Are they necessary? If you order panel-ready appliances, you’ll need to purchase large pulls. Typically, an 18” pull is recommended for refrigerators and a 12” pull for dishwashers and refrigerated drawers. Appliance pulls tend to be vastly more expensive because they are thicker and sturdier since appliances like a refrigerator take a lot of use and abuse. You can get away with an 8” or 10” pull to save money on a dishwasher panel. Tall pantry and utility doors also look better with longer pulls but they aren’t necessary. You can put an 8” pull on taller cabinet doors.
There are also finger pulls, drop rings, and backplates to consider. Finger pulls are great in bathrooms on both doors and drawers. Don’t forget about latches and cremone bolts to add a special touch to glass cabinets and antique hutches. These can be really fun to incorporate into the hardware.
A cremone bolt is a type of decorative hardware often used on cabinet doors or windows. It consists of a vertical bolt mechanism that typically operates by turning a handle or knob. When the handle is turned, the bolt slides up or down, engaging with a corresponding strike plate mounted on the door frame or adjacent surface. This mechanism provides a secure way to lock or secure cabinet doors.
Cremone bolts are known for their ornate design and are often used as a stylistic feature in traditional or vintage-inspired interiors. They can be made from various materials such as brass, iron, or stainless steel, and come in a range of finishes to complement different decor styles. While originally designed for larger doors and windows, cremone bolts are also scaled down for use on cabinets, offering a unique and elegant alternative to standard cabinet hardware.
Final Tips:
False drawers. Don’t put hardware on these. It’s a waste of money and really no reason to do this. You won’t use these drawers.
Don’t forget to measure the size of your drawer panels. These are either raised or inset panels in the center of your drawer design. You need to make sure the pulls you select will fit within the boundaries of the panel. Don’t go by the full width of the drawer. Hardware pulls are typically measured center to center hole, so you need to make sure you know the entire length of the pull before purchasing.
Painter tape is a great way to mark where you want the hardware to go and to help you visualize how it will look once installed.
