How to Pick Hardware for Cabinets: The Best Guide

Choosing kitchen cabinet hardware can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when you’re faced with an endless array of cabinet pulls, knobs, and finishes. But don’t worry—whether you’re renovating your kitchen or just updating your cabinet doors, this ultimate guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect choice. I’ll break down the different styles, finishes, and each type of hardware to help you find the right one for you.

Understanding Your Kitchen’s Style: The Starting Point

Before diving into cabinet hardware options, it’s important to consider the style of your kitchen. The overall style—whether it’s modern, traditional, or somewhere in between—will heavily influence your hardware selection. It’s a matter of personal preference and figuring out your style will make it easier to pick a hardware type.

Modern and Contemporary Kitchens

If your kitchen has a more contemporary look, you’ll want hardware that complements the clean lines and sleek surfaces. Think reflective, shiny cabinets, clean lines, minimalist modern design. Modern hardware often features long pulls, simple bar pulls, or minimalist knobs. The modern look focuses on functionality and simplicity, making stainless steel appliances and sleek light fixtures the perfect companions. You wouldn’t put an ornate knob in this kitchen.

Traditional Kitchens

Traditional kitchens, on the other hand, often call for more ornate hardware style. Think of classic cup pulls, oil-rubbed bronze finishes, and detailed knobs that add a touch of elegance to cabinet fronts. These pieces work well in kitchens with rich wood tones and detailed molding. A wood painted knob would also look super cute in this home design.

Transitional Kitchens

If you’re like me and enjoy a mix of modern and traditional elements, a transitional kitchen might be your style of choice. This design style allows you to blend contemporary design with traditional touches, making it a great choice if you want the best of both worlds. Brass hardware can be an excellent option here, providing a cohesive look that ties the room together. You might have decorative trim work but also have clean lines in your new kitchen.

Mixing and Matching Types of Cabinet Hardware

Gone are the days when all kitchen hardware had to match perfectly. Today, mixing different styles, finishes, and sizes can add visual interest and personality to your kitchen. It’s a favorite trick of interior designers to mix and match hardware for a unique look. My only tip here would be to not mix two finishes in your kitchen within the hardware – for example, keep all the knobs and pulls on the cabinets the same finish BUT your faucet, appliances, light fixtures can be a different finish. The only exception to the rule would be to mix wooden knobs with metal knobs or pulls within the kitchen cabinet fronts. My friend Erin from Erin Zubot Designs does this wonderfully in her kitchen.

Knobs and Pulls: A Perfect Combination

One popular choice is to use a combination of knobs and pulls. A good rule of thumb is to place cabinet knobs on doors and drawer pulls on drawers. This method is not only functional but also adds a balanced look to your kitchen. For larger drawers, consider using longer pulls that provide both style and ease of use, especially on heavy drawers.

Mixing Finishes

This approach works particularly well if you’re aiming for a cohesive design that doesn’t feel too matchy-matchy. Just make sure to keep the rest of the kitchen’s elements, like light fixtures and appliances, in harmony with your chosen finishes. I would keep all the cabinet hardware ONE finish and then compliment it with a different finish for light fixtures, faucets or even appliances.

Playing with Sizes

Different sizes of hardware can also create a unique look. For instance, using small knobs on upper cabinets and larger pulls on lower drawers can draw the eye and add visual interest. Additionally, if you have larger cabinets, a longer pull might be the perfect hardware to maintain proportion and functionality.

Size and Placement: Getting It Just Right

Getting the size and placement right is soo important to get your desired look. I’ve seen people using tiny knobs on long cabinet drawers and it looks so odd. Large drawers should have either two knobs/pulls side by side or one long pull – but I digress. I’ll add a bunch of pictures as well because it’s easier to observe placement visually in a kitchen space than by reading about it.

Proportions Matter

The size of the hardware should complement the size of the cabinet doors and drawer fronts. For larger cabinets and drawers, it’s a good idea to choose longer pulls that provide both aesthetic balance and practical ease. On the other hand, small knobs work well on smaller doors and drawers, adding a subtle touch without overpowering the design.

Placement Techniques

When it comes to hardware placement, consistency is key. On upper cabinets, knobs and pulls are typically centered horizontally on the edge of the door. For lower cabinets, they are usually placed on the top corner of the door. On drawers, especially larger drawers, it’s common to center the pull horizontally, although placing two small knobs on a wide drawer can also be a stylish choice. You could also do two long pulls next to each other if it’s a really long drawer.

Mixing knobs and pulls

For reference, a kitchen cabinet knob usually uses a single screw and pulls are longer and use two screw holes to attach. I love using a combination of pulls and knobs in my cabinetry designs. Usually I use knobs on cabinet fronts and pulls on drawers but I’ve also done it the other way.

Finishes: The Final Touch

Choosing the right finish is like choosing the perfect jewelry for your kitchen. The finish not only complements the style of your kitchen but also ties together other elements like light fixtures and  appliances. There are so many different options out there you’re bound to find something you love.

Brass and Gold

My personal favorite – brass hardware has been a popular choice for years, and it continues to hold its ground. Whether you opt for shiny lacquered brass or a more rustic oil-rubbed bronze, brass adds warmth and elegance to both modern and traditional kitchens.

The one thing about gold or brass hardware is that you should always try to get REAL brass. Gold finishes that aren’t on real brass metal have the tendency to look and feel cheap. Some finishes can look more yellow than others while some can be more matte and subdued. Real brass can definitely get more pricey but if there’s one thing I like to splurge on in a kitchen, it’s the hardware.

Polished brass or lacquered brass is a shiny finish that won’t age or get dull over time. Brushed brass or satin brass is the same thing but it’s sanded more to make it look more dull. Some brands offer finishes as champagne gold and they’re a lighter gold color. I’d say that champagne gold was a trendy look a few years ago but brass is timeless.

Unlacquered brass, my personal favorite, is untreated brass which develops a patina over time. With use and time it gets a unique look, giving your hardware a timeworn, classic look. You can always polish it or clean it with bar keeper’s friend to make it look new again.

Antique brass, one of the most popular choices, is a finish that is already aged and treated so it won’t change over time. It has that time worn look that won’t change anymore with use.

Polished Nickel 

Polished nickel, another one of my favorites, is a classic choice that gives a warm but modern look. While still in the silver family, it has a warmer tone compared to the cooler, more reflective chrome. It’s a beautiful, timeless finish that pairs well with gold finishes as well.

Brushed Nickel

If you walk into a builder grade home or a low budget flip home, this is the finish you will most likely find everywhere. Brushed nickel is economical and spot resistant. It’s warmer in color as compared to chrome but personally, it’s not a favorite of mine.

Chrome

This finish is particularly popular in contemporary kitchens and works well with stainless steel appliances. It’s a cooler toned silver than polished nickel and highly reflective. Again, it pairs well with gold or black hardware as well.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Oil-rubbed bronze is perfect for rustic kitchens or spaces where you want a rich, dark finish. This finish pairs beautifully with natural wood tones and adds a cozy, welcoming feel. Although it’s less common in contemporary designs, oil-rubbed bronze can still make a bold statement, especially when used on cabinet pulls and knobs in more traditional kitchens.

Black

Black hardware is versatile and works well in a variety of settings. It provides a strong contrast when paired with white cabinets, creating a modern, minimalist look. Black pulls and knobs can also be a great option for adding drama to light cabinetry or wood finishes.

Practical Considerations: Beyond Looks

While the aesthetic appeal of hardware is important, don’t overlook the practical side. The right hardware should not only look great but also function well in your daily life. Some hardware can feel clunky or difficult to open so you want to steer clear of that.

Comfort and Usability

Before making your final decision, test how the hardware feels in your hand. Cabinet pulls and knobs should be comfortable to grip, especially on frequently used drawers and doors. For heavier drawers, consider a longer pull that offers better leverage and ease of use.

Durability

Investing in high-quality hardware is always a smart move. Cheaper options might seem tempting, but they can wear out quickly, especially in a busy kitchen. Look for hardware made from durable materials like solid brass or stainless steel, which can withstand daily wear and tear. As I mentioned previously, buying real brass hardware over other cheaply made gold hardware can really impact the look and feel of the space.

Maintenance

Different finishes require different levels of maintenance. For instance, oil-rubbed bronze and brass may need occasional polishing to maintain their luster, while polished nickel and chrome can show fingerprints and water spots more easily. Choose a finish that fits your lifestyle and the amount of maintenance you’re willing to do. I personally don’t mind some smudges or a patina over time.

Shopping for Hardware: Where to Find Your Perfect Pieces

Now that you know what to look for, it’s time to find the perfect cabinet hardware for your kitchen.

Specialty Hardware Stores

For high-quality and unique pieces, specialty hardware stores are a great option. Stores like Emtek or Rejuvenation offer a wide range of cabinet hardware finishes and styles, from modern hardware to more classic, traditional options. They are definitely $$$ but so worth the final look. Stores like Build with Ferguson, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Anthropologie etc also carry hardware that’s really good quality.

Online Marketplaces

Etsy is a fantastic resource for finding one-of-a-kind hardware. You can discover handmade cabinet knobs, vintage pulls, wooden knobs, and other decorative hardware that adds character to your kitchen. Just be sure to check the seller’s reviews and return policy before making a purchase.

Big-Box Retailers

For budget-friendly options, big-box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a wide selection of hardware. While these options might not have the same level of craftsmanship as specialty stores, they’re a great choice for those looking to update their kitchen without breaking the bank. Amazon has lately been a favorite of mine for affordable hardware. It takes a while to find something that’s well made but it’s worth the hunt.

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Cabinet Hardware

Shop my list of favorite cabinet hardware.

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Solid Brass Knobs

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Large Oval Latch

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Tolson Drawer Pull

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Matte Black Handles

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Ball Cabinet Knob

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Grace Drawer Pull

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Unfinished Wood Knobs

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Bin Cup Handle Pulls

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Bin Cup Handle Pulls

Installation: The Final Step

Once you’ve selected the right size, style, and finish for your hardware, it’s time to install it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get it just right.

Gather Your Tools

You’ll need a measuring tape, a drill with the appropriate bits, a level, painter’s tape, and a pencil. These tools will help you measure and mark the placement of your hardware accurately.

Measure and Mark

Use painter’s tape to mark where your hardware will go on the cabinet fronts. This allows you to visualize the placement and make any adjustments before drilling. Remember to measure twice to avoid mistakes.

Pre-Drill Holes

Pre-drilling holes is essential to ensure that your hardware installs straight and securely. It also prevents the wood from splitting, especially on cabinet doors made from delicate materials.

Install the Hardware

Carefully attach your cabinet knobs and pulls using a screwdriver. Make sure they are securely fastened but avoid overtightening, which can strip the screws or damage the hardware.

Check Alignment

Once everything is installed, step back and check the alignment of your hardware. You might need to make small adjustments to ensure that everything lines up perfectly and complements the look of your kitchen.

Selecting the perfect cabinet hardware can transform the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of modern hardware, the warmth of oil-rubbed bronze, or the classic look of brass, the right hardware will enhance your kitchen design and make your space feel uniquely yours. Remember, this is a chance to express your personal style, so have fun with it and enjoy the process of making your kitchen truly shine!