It is easy to get distracted when selecting larger items such as countertops and flooring for your new kitchen. You can't complete a project until you have the right hardware to match your kitchen cabinetry. This final decorative touch will tie the entire project together and add a personal touch to it.
You can find a wide range of decorative hardware for kitchen cabinets in different sizes, styles, materials, and finishes. We have provided a comprehensive overview so that you can choose the right hardware for your home.
1. Types Of Decorative Hardware
Your hardware must match the style of your kitchen. However, it should also be simple to use. When choosing kitchen cabinet knobs or pulls, your personal preference will be key. Take a sample of any knobs or pulls before you buy. You can test how the knobs or pulls fit against a door or cabinet drawer to determine how they feel in your hands. Are they the right shape and size for you?
Mixing knobs with pulls can create visual interest in a kitchen. Pulls can be used on the drawers, and knobs on doors. You only need to select one style of pull and one style of complementary knob, and you should use the same kitchen finish. For a cleaner look, you can use one style of hardware throughout your kitchen.
It is important to inquire about the delivery time for the hardware you select. Some vendors respond within a week while others take as long as 12 weeks.
2. Size And Positioning Handles
Size of the knob or pull that you choose for your kitchen cabinets should be based on proportion, balance, aesthetics, and function. A large drawer or cabinet door will need large pieces of hardware to ensure proper functionality. A smaller-sized knob or pull works well for smaller drawers or doors. Traditional or transitional style knobs should not exceed one-third of the length of cabinet drawers. For drawers with a width greater than 18 inches, you may need more than one knob or pull. Contemporary designs demand longer pulls, at least two-thirds of the length for drawers or cabinet doors.
Pulls are usually placed horizontally on drawers and vertically at doors. For a more modern look, pulls can be placed horizontally on doors in contemporary kitchens. It doesn't matter what style your kitchen has, think about where you want the knobs/pulls to be before they attach to the cabinetry.
Knobs are attached with one screw through one entry point on a door/drawer. Pulls are attached with two screws through each point of contact on the door or drawer. Your homeowner or remodeling professional should be given detailed instructions before any holes are drilled. They will need to know what type of handle they want to attach to each drawer or cabinet door. To ensure that the knobs and pulls are placed in the right place throughout your kitchen, it is important to provide precise instructions.
3. Style Of Hardware
You should choose hardware that matches the overall design of your kitchen. There are major categories of kitchen hardware:
Contemporary
Contemporary kitchens feature clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a neutral color scheme. This style of design calls for minimalist and streamlined hardware. The best choice is between the curved barrel and linear bar handles. Select cabinetry handles that are the same style as your stainless-steel appliances for a cohesive appearance.
Transitional
You can mix and match elements from both traditional and contemporary styles with a transitional style. A combination of modern and traditional elements, such as inset-door cabinetry, can be combined with hardware that is contemporary but not too hard-edged, such as a cup handle with a matching knob.
Traditional
Traditional kitchens have elaborate details, embellishments, moldings, and other features. For furniture-style cabinetry, interior designers will often opt for fancy knobs and ornate drop handles.
4. Materials
You can find kitchen cabinet hardware in many different materials, but most are made of metal alloys. Most brass hardware has a plating or lacquer applied to it that makes it durable in a kitchen. It's antimicrobial and reduces the spread of germs. Bronze hardware is antimicrobial. It gives cabinets made from thicker timbers a more substantial appearance and feels. Another option is stainless steel, which is extremely durable and easy to clean. You also have the option of choosing from nickel and pewter. For a vintage look, you can opt for glass, crystal, and ceramic knobs.
5. Finishes
It's easier to choose the right kitchen cabinet hardware finish once you have decided the type, size, and style of your kitchen cabinets hardware. There are many finishes available to choose from, including matte, brushed, satin and burnished.
In a modern kitchen, stainless steel handles look great in polished or brushed finishes. Pewter or brass will look great in a traditional setting. Bronze will develop a patina and mature over time. It will be bold in a rustic kitchen. Black is striking on light cabinets in transitional-style kitchens. You can choose any finish, but make sure that it complements your kitchen's overall decor.
