Types Of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Knowing what hardware to use in your kitchen can be a tough decision. Do you want to renovate but don't know which of the various cabinet hardware options will look best? Well, we've done some research and have plenty of good ideas to share with you. Let's discuss.

Kitchen cabinet hardware will typically fall into two categories: knobs or pulls. From there, you might see various designs, like sleek, modern handles to more traditional options, so there's something for every kind of taste. Regardless, it's important to find hardware that won't rust or scratch easily, especially for the kitchen.

As we begin, we will cover all things cabinet hardware and tag some helpful related products. Whether you already have an idea of what you want or need some guidance, we're here to help. With that said, let's get right into this topic!

A luxury modern kitchen furniture with steel oven and white cabinets, Types Of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

What Type Of Hardware Should Go On Kitchen Cabinets?

Typically, you want to choose hardware that won't rust for kitchen cabinets. Whether you prefer traditional knobs or a more modern pull design, selecting a non-corrosive option is essential.

That said, stainless steel, aluminum metal, copper, bronze or brass, and galvanized steel are a few good materials that we recommend. Luckily, most cabinet hardware will be made to handle moisture and everyday use, although it's never a bad idea to double-check.

Kitchen in newly constructed luxury home

How Do I Choose Hardware For My Cabinets?

There isn't one way to choose the hardware for your cabinetry. Generally, it's better to start simple and work your way up from there, making sure to keep things cohesive.

As we mentioned, there are five main hardware styles you can usually choose from, so find an aesthetic that fits your kitchen. With that said, we recommend stainless steel pulls for more modern cabinetry, while brass knobs might work best in a rustic/traditional design.

Probrico Stainless Steel Cabinet Pulls

These stainless steel pulls have a T bar design, have a nickel finish, are durable, five inches long, and come in a 30-pack.

Follow this link to see them on Amazon.

Alzassbg Brushed Antique Brass Knobs

These brass cabinets knobs have a mushroom design, are brass material, have a rustic finish, and come in a ten pack.

Check out these knobs on Amazon here.

Are Knobs Or Pulls Better For Kitchen Cabinets?

Depending on how you want your kitchen cabinets to look, this answer will vary. In general, pulls are easier to grab, making them better for families, while knobs can be a little outdated/hard to use.

In recent years, Cabinet pulls have become the "norm" in home design, so it's less common to see knobs in new constriction. Knobs can make it easier to open upper cabinets, while pulls are better for lower ones, so that's something to consider.

Are Knobs On Cabinets Outdated?

Like we mentioned above, knobs tend to have an older/rustic look to them. That's not to say they are necessarily outdated, but it can be harder to make them feel up to trend.

That said, using stainless steel or even a gold finish might help modernize the knobs in your kitchen, so we suggest trying one of those options.

Peaha Gold Cabinet Knobs

These gold cabinet knobs have a modern design, are a zinc alloy and brass material, won't rust, and come in a few bundle options.

View them on Amazon by clicking here.

How Do You Choose Cabinet Hardware Size?

White kitchen cabinets with metal pulls or knobs on the doors

Most times, you want to go with cabinet hardware that is at least 3-3/4 inches center to center. Cabinet hardware, regardless of style, will usually follow these measurements, which allow for enough space between your pull's screw holes.

For length, it's best to stay around five inches for cabinet pulls, so they are long enough to grab, but not so long they look bulky on your cabinetry.

What Size Handles For 36 Inch Cabinets?

For those working with 36-inch cabinets, try using pulls/handles between seven and 12 inches long. This recommendation also applies to any cabinet down to 24 inches, so it's a good idea to adjust the size of your hardware to fit the length and width of your cabinetry.

As we said, there isn't one right way to accessorize your kitchen cabinets, so choose a pull or knob that works best for you.

Gobrico 10 Inch Brushed Nickel Cabinet Handles

These brushed nickel handles are ten inches long, stainless steel material, have a Euro-style design, and come in a few configuration options.

Click here to see these pulls on Amazon.

Should Cabinet Pulls Be Vertical Or Horizontal?

Generally, you want to keep your pulls vertical for cabinets and horizontal for drawers in your kitchen. Doing this will be the easiest way to use them and will give your cabinetry the best look.

You also want to make sure that you place your pulls somewhere everyone can reach them, usually towards the bottom for upper cabinets and towards the top for lower ones. For drawer placement, try to center your handles to ensure that they open smoothly.

Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Be The Same?

If you want your kitchen to have a well-designed final look, it's a good idea to keep cabinet hardware very similar. Of course, that doesn't mean you can't have a little fun with different sizes and shapes, but try to keep your hardware the same finish/color.

For example, using a mixture of gold knobs and pulls in your kitchen is completely fine because they will have the same finish, thus falling into the same aesthetic.

Should My Kitchen Cabinet Pulls Match My Faucet?

Beautiful luxury estate home kitchen with white cabinets

Yes, it is a good idea to match your cabinet pulls to your faucet. Although this isn't necessary, it will tie your space together nicely.

Designers often choose to match the finishes throughout a kitchen, whether it's the cabinet hardware and sink faucet or even the hardware and appliances. Of course, you don't need to do this, but it will make decorating your kitchen much easier.

Should All The Finishes In A Kitchen Match?

Like we said, no, you don't have to match all of the finishes in your kitchen, although this will tie things together. Typically, kitchen finishes will fall into the same color family, which leaves some room for variation.

For example, if you have stainless steel appliances but want to use black cabinet hardware, this is fine because both colors have cooler undertones.

What Hardware Goes With White Kitchen Cabinets?

When it comes to decorating white kitchen cabinets, gold, black, and bronze hardware will have the best look. Regardless of what aesthetic you are going for, using a bolder hardware finish on white cabinetry is a sure way to make them stand out in your kitchen.

Although technically, any color hardware will work with white cabinets, we recommend deeper colors to add some character to your space. If you want to go modern, black and gold hardware is perfect, while bronze works well for rustic/eclectic designs.

OYX Matte Black Cabinet Handles

These cabinet handles have a matte black finish, are zinc alloy material, won't fade, and come in a ten pack.

Follow this link to see these on Amazon.

AITITAN Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Pulls

These bronze pulls have an oil-rubbed finish, are zinc alloy material, have a one-year warranty, and come in a pack of ten.

See these bronze handles on Amazon here.

What Hardware Goes With Grey Kitchen Cabinets?

For those working with grey kitchen cabinetry, we recommend using silver, gold, or brass hardware. Of these three, silver will have the sleekest look, although it won't be super exciting.

If you want to add a pop of color, gold or brass hardware will also pair well with grey cabinets, so keep that in mind. It's also a good idea to match your cabinet hardware to your kitchen faucet, so even finding a gold or brass option might help to tie things together.

To Wrap Things Up

Whether you want to redo your entire kitchen or just need new cabinet hardware, finding the perfect option can be tricky. There are two main types of kitchen cabinet hardware: knobs and pulls.

When it comes to finding the best option for your space, we recommend sticking with a simple design and finding a pull/knob that won't rust. Regardless, try to keep your cabinet hardware similar in color, and don't be afraid to mix knobs and pulls together throughout your kitchen.

Before you go, be sure to check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!

Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Match Appliances?

How To Arrange Appliances On A Kitchen Counter

Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Match Faucet?

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