Working through the Maze of Hardware Selection for 

Kitchen and Bathroom Cabinets

July 2024

 

There are endless choices when it comes to picking hardware for kitchen cabinets or bathroom vanities when remodeling. Plowing through the endless array of styles and finishes can be overwhelming.  Is a knob or pull better?  Which pull size and shape is best on cabinet wear and tear?  Should hardware match or contrast with the cabinet?  What finish is best – brushed satin nickel, polished chrome, polished nickel, or pewter antique? Making a selection can be mind blowing!

 

To make a selection less stressful, first pick a style, then pick a shape and size, and then select a finish. Taking these steps will help unbundle the overall selection process.  From an aesthetic appeal, decide what hardware goes well with the style of cabinet being used – such as pairing a contemporary open-end bar-pull with a modern-style cabinet. Or a square pull for rustic or traditional style cabinets. Then decide on either a knob or bar handle. (Coming into a showroom to see and feel the craftmanship is helpful). Finally, determine what finish/color works best with the cabinet and overall kitchen design, like antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze for traditional looks and stainless steel, chrome or brushed nickel for contemporary cabinetry.

 

PULLS – also known as pull handles, come in hundreds of shapes and sizes and occupy more space on a cabinet or drawer than knobs.  Generally easier to use, some popular Pull styles are:

 

BAR PULL – a simple, straight handle design that goes well with traditional and modern cabinet styles.  Affordable and easy to install, that are the most popular choice in cabinet hardware.

 

ARCHED PULLS – are curved, bar-type handle styles that add a stylish touch and a bit of extra space to grab onto when opening cabinets.

 

CUP PULLS – are half-circle shaped handles that have a recessed area for your fingers and provide a decorative look and comfortable way to access to cabinets

 

KNOBS are smaller than Pulls and come in a variety of shapes and sizes – round (the classic style), oval, square, t-knob, and decorative/novelty options.  Knobs are generally less expensive than pulls and can be a bit harder to grasp.

 

Some additional things to consider in hardware selection are where to place it and how easy it will be to keep clean (thinking fingerprints here)?

 

Using the “1/3 rule” for pull length gives the cabinet and drawer the most visual eye appeal. 1/3 the height of the cabinet is the rule of thumb.

Stainless steel, bronze and brass (in polished, unlacquered and antique finishes) are the most popular finishes to consider when selecting hardware for cabinetry.

 

STAINLESS STEEL – a preferred choice for contemporary/modern kitchens that is durable and won’t tarnish or corrode over time. Polished stainless steel is highly reflective and will show fingerprints.  Brushed stainless steel hides fingerprints and water marks and comes highly recommended.

 

BRONZE – Is very durable, is great for beach/shore homes (as it is noncorrosive) and comes in a variety of finishes and colors – antique bronze among the popular choices. 

 

BRASS – Polished brass is shiny and pairs well with painted cabinets. It will not tarnish but will show fingerprints. Unlacquered brass has no protective coating and as it ages over time, it darkens and develops a natural patina, which may not appeal to all tastes.

 

CHROME – is like a shiny mirror; it is bright and light and has a modern, clean look that goes well with contemporary cabinets/kitchens; and will show fingerprints

 

BRUSHED NICKEL – Brushed nickel has a soft, subtle finish and looks a lot like stainless steel. Polished nickel has a warm tone and compliments classic cabinet styles and colors  

 

Another question we’re often asked…can you combine the look of pulls and knobs (absolutely!) and what is the best way to do it? You can choose hardware in the same shape and color for a coordinated look or pair opposing shapes for a more eclectic vibe.  Either way the combination creates an upscale, custom look.

 

Bottom line, when tackling the hardware challenge, it’s all about finding the right solution for you. 

 

We’re here to help. Let’s talk soon.