Function and aesthetics must be your primary concerns when selecting cabinet hardware for your home. However, installing cabinet hardware may be stressful. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a do-it-yourselfer, you want the outcome of installing your cabinet hardware to be consistent and accurate.
As we all know, cabinetry is the central feature of a room, grabbing attention and tying everything together. Therefore, every component of its construction must be remarkable, including the hardware. With the proper cabinet handle placement, you can enhance the appearance and functionality of any space in your home.
For this reason, we’ve developed a definitive guide on choosing cabinet hardware based on some critical elements, including the material, type, style, size, and placements.
Cabinet Hardware Types
Knobs
For opening cabinets and drawers, knobs are one of the most prevalent types of kitchen hardware. They are typically round or square and only require a single hole for installation. This is great if you do not wish to drill numerous holes into your exquisite cabinets to attach pulls.
Pulls
Pulls may be the best option when selecting cabinet hardware that is a bit more modern and simpler to grasp. Pulls provide more versatility for opening heavy kitchen drawers while needing less skill, especially if you have elderly or disabled family members.
Styles of Cabinet Hardware
Traditional
Surface-mounted hardware and components with detailed designs and finishes enhance traditional kitchen cabinets. Consider polished, satin, antique, or rusticated brass, bronze, or copper knobs, pulls, and hinges. Knobs are used more frequently in traditional kitchens than pulls, but both can be found in this style.
Modern
Modern kitchen hardware is mostly stainless steel and comes in glossy, satin, rubbed, or matte finishes. For a modern kitchen, go with sleek, slightly decorated pulls and knobs. On occasion, simple, minimalistic knobs are utilized in contemporary kitchens, but pulls, especially finger pulls, are popular for drawers and cabinets.
Farmhouse
Cup pulls on drawers, and square or circular knobs on cabinets are important features of the rustic kitchen aesthetic. Farmhouse kitchen hardware is often made with more rustic finishes like chrome, bronze, gold, or copper.
Popular Cabinet Hardware Materials
Copper
Copper is a striking kitchen cabinet hardware material that may be seen in both traditional and rustic kitchens. Since it is one of the most often touched surfaces in your kitchen, copper is an excellent material for your hardware because it naturally has antibacterial properties.
Brass
Brass is a metal alloy comprised of copper and zinc. It’s one of the most frequent cabinet hardware materials since it’s highly versatile and can be made to appear like various metals.
Gold
Most gold hardware contains a gold-plated or gold-colored aluminum core. Gold hardware is appealing and well-balanced and complements a wide range of cabinet colors and styles.
Silver
Like gold, silver hardware can provide a stunning contrast with other metals. Modern and traditional kitchens both look good with silver hardware. In contrast to the deep and dark woodwork, the dazzling silver hardware shines nicely.
Stainless
Since it is solid and durable, stainless steel hardware is a popular choice for cabinet hardware because it complements a wide selection of stainless steel kitchen appliances. Stainless steel looks well in both traditional and modern kitchens.
Chrome
Frequently, chrome cabinet hardware is constructed with a metal core and chromium veneer. It is durable and corrosion-resistant, making it suitable for a humid kitchen atmosphere.
Size Guide for Cabinet Hardware
The following tips will help you choose hardware that will keep your kitchen aesthetically balanced:
- Smaller Drawers – Knobs should be about 1 inch in diameter. The length of the pull should be between 3 and 4 inches.
- Medium Drawers – Knobs should be 1′′ to 1.5′′ in diameter. Pulls should be between 4 and 8 inches long.
- Large Drawers – Knobs should be 1′′ to 1.5′′ long and come in pairs. Pulls should be 3′′ to 4′′ long, and there should be two of them.
Cabinet Hardware Placement
According to a locksmith in Avon that also offers cabinet hardware, consider factors such as proportion, balance, beauty, and practicality when selecting the size of a cabinet knob or pull. Extensive hardware is required to operate a large cabinet door and drawer properly.
Pulls with a traditional design should be around one-third the length of the drawer. In addition, if the depth of the drawer exceeds 18 inches, you may need to utilize multiple pulls or knobs.
Horizontal or vertical orientation is the standard for drawer and doorknob placement. For a sleek appearance in contemporary kitchens, you may place door knobs horizontally.
Key Takeaway
Since cabinet hardware serves as the kitchen’s ornamentation, it should coordinate well with the rest of the space and be aesthetically pleasing. Do your research, order samples, and compare the finishes to the materials already in your kitchen to ensure a perfect fit.
Consider the guidelines mentioned above as a road map in selecting your cabinet hardware in the long run.
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