Importance of Cabinet Handles in Kitchen Design

When it comes to the task of planning out your kitchen for the first time or for a much-needed renovation, it can be overwhelming, to say the least! The number of factors you need to take into account can really pile up; however, this doesn't mean you should skimp on the smaller details. When it comes to planning out your kitchen cabinets, paying attention to cabinet hardware is incredibly important.

If you have been wondering what you need to know about making sure you choose the right handles for your kitchen cabinets - here is everything you need to know!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Handles

So what do you need to take into account when it comes to choosing the perfect cabinet hardware? Different handles can lend themselves to various styles of drawer width, size, and style. Bar pulls, knobs, finger pulls, cup pulls, and more can be a lot to take in. Small drawers may require a different touch than large drawers, and there is a wide variety to choose from!

Style of the Cabinet

The first thing we'll tackle is the style and aesthetic of your choice. Yes, the kind of hardware placement and style you choose are important! This is about more than just matching the hardware material to the cabinets themselves. It's also about the style and your personal preference. For example, slab drawers are going to be markedly different from hinged drawers, and this may inform your decisions on what kinds of handles to purchase.

Size of the Cabinet Door

Cabinets come in all kinds of sizes. The doors and drawers of your cabinets are all perfectly sized and fit, so the handle pulls, and knobs should likewise exhibit the same synergy. Smaller pulls are great for smaller cabinet sizes and vice versa. Cabinet hardware placement is also important because some cabinets may lend themselves to centered handle pulls while others may not. Finding the right size pulls and knobs will require taking the size of our cabinet door and drawer into consideration.

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The Material of the Cabinet Handles

Paying special attention to the material of the cabinet hardware is also important. There are no hard and fast rules here; you can find a wide range of price points to choose from. The most common material choices will be metal, wood, and glass, which we will take a closer look at later on!

Ergonomics and Ease of Use

The ergonomic factor in your cabinet handle choice is important when it comes to style and finding the right size pulls. For example, finger pulls, and edge pulls have a unique distinction from other pulls and knobs, and this comes down to what you feel comfortable with. A great way to test this out is to head to a department store and try as many display models as you can to find just what works best for you!

Why Use Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

Okay, so let's break down the importance of kitchen hardware, such as cabinet pulls and more. The first question that needs to be asked is whether or not this investment is worth your time and resources. After all, won't specific or custom kitchen cabinet hardware be another expense on top of an already expensive process?

While technically, the answer is yes, especially if you are considering replacing your kitchen hardware, this is still an investment you won't regret. Cabinet drawers not only need knobs and pulls to function correctly, but the hardware placement and choice will pull together the entire aesthetic of the kitchen. So not only do they serve an important functional purpose, but they also serve an important aesthetic piece to your kitchen.

Different Styles of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

When it comes to hardware for your cabinet drawers or cabinet door, there are only two options to choose from, knobs and pulls. The good news is that within these options, there is a lot of variety!

There are same-size pulls that match the size of drawers in your kitchen. There are small pulls, long bar pulls, and much more. So let's take a closer look and see what works best for you!

Cabinet Knobs

Cabinet knobs are common and easily recognizable in any kitchen. They are a great option for upper cabinets simply because when they protrude from the cabinet drawers on lower cabinets, they may snag clothing depending on their style. This is a popular option for not only kitchens but bathrooms and office cabinets as well.

Cabinet Pulls

Cabinet pulls are going to come in a variety of sizes, materials, and colors and can be fixed to wide drawers, medium drawers, or small drawers.

Knobs or Pulls, Which Is Better for Kitchen Cabinets?

When it comes to building out or remodeling your kitchen, the question of whether or not to use cabinet pulls or knobs are important. Here are some factors to consider when walking through this decision.

Using Knobs Only

Knobs are aesthetically pleasing and can be statement pieces on any cabinet drawer. While they can provide more of an aesthetic appeal, they can also protrude from the cabinet door itself, which may be problematic. The main area of concern would be choosing knobs for your doors and drawers that won't snag clothing as you busily move about your kitchen.

Using Pulls Only

If you choose to live in a 'pulls only' world, you are not making a bad choice! The size pulls that you choose are important as there are a variety of styles. The good thing about using pulls only is that they can be more subtle and typically don't provide the chance to snag an apron or article of clothing.

Using Pulls and Knobs Both

Can you use both knobs and pulls to pull off your perfect kitchen? Absolutely! In fact, finding a happy medium between pulls and knobs may work best for some people, and it is an option that you can explore. For example, bar pulls may work much better for wide drawers and cabinets, while knobs may work best for upper cabinets.

Cabinet hardware placement can also dictate whether a centralized pull is more efficient than a corner knob!

What Size Knob or Pull Should I Use?

Another important factor is going to be picking the perfect size pulls. Yes, the size of cabinet pulls and knobs you choose really do matter. A lot of this comes down to the size of the cabinet doors and drawers themselves, along with the placement of the hardware.

One of the best ways to understand what size cabinet pulls and knobs you should be using is to try and find models that you can interact with. Get your hands on the kind of knobs and pulls you are thinking of investing in, and take note of how they feel.

Material Options for Cabinet Handles

Another important aspect of the cabinet hardware journey is the materials that you use. Yes, personal preference plays an important role here, so be sure that you are making a choice that supports not only the practical side of your budget and build but also what you want!

Metal Handles

These handles can come in a variety of metals, styles, and colors. A metal cabinet pull or knob can have a very specific aesthetic style; however, it is a good idea to be sure that the design avoids sharp edges, especially for base cabinet pulls and knobs.

Wooden Handles

This choice is also excellent and can pull together a classic or vintage look like a few options can. Similar to metal handles, wooden options can come in a variety of sizes, colors, and styles.

Glass Handles

Glass handles are particularly strong at drawing attention. This is a benefit that they have over metal and wood, which can be more subtle; however, it should be noted that glass handles can tend to scratch easily and be damaged more easily than other materials.

Matching Cabinet Handles with Cabinet Doors

So now that we have a pretty good overview of handle type, style, and material, let's look at how to make this all come together and match the cabinet handles with the cabinet doors in your kitchen. Ultimately, this is a question of style and what you want. Whether that's farmhouse or modern cabinetry, choosing cabinet pulls for your kitchen will come down to overall style and preference.

Choosing Handles Based on Door Size

Longer drawers and larger drawers will be a factor to take into account when it comes to choosing the perfect pulls and knobs. Larger drawers may require centralized bar pulls, while larger cabinets could easily have a corner-fixed knob.

Choosing Handles Based on Door Style

Base cabinets are of special consideration because these are going to have the potential to snag any loose clothing or aprons that you may wear in the kitchen. The style and build of these doors and drawers in your lower cabinets will also be important. Standard-size cabinets may mean that you can use uniform handle pull sizes, and knobs, however, if there is a variety, it may change. Smaller cabinets may look better with a knob, while the larger options may be better suited with a pull.

Choosing Handles Based on Finish

Another important factor to take into consideration is going to be the finish of the cabinets. For example, black hardware may be the perfect fit for white, farmhouse-style cabinetry, but it may not be as appealing with some modern cabinetry styles.

Taking note of the finish of your cabinets will help inform your decision-making.

Want More Help?

Finding the right cabinet hardware for your kitchen can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The good news is that getting professional help is always a great option. Professionals can help inform your decision with years of experience that can guide you to the best long-term decisions.

Getting expert insight from the professionals at _____ can help give you the peace of mind that you are getting the perfect cabinet hardware that you will love!