CABINET HARDWARE
Cabinet hardware might seem like a finishing touch, but it has the power to transform your entire space. From sleek modern pulls to timeless classic knobs, the options are virtually endless. More than just a detail, the right hardware enhances both the look and functionality of your cabinetry. In this guide, we’ll highlight popular hardware styles and share our designers’ top tips to help you choose pieces that complement your home beautifully.
Familiarize Yourself With Hardware Styles
When it comes to cabinetry hardware, knowing the basic styles can help you narrow down what feels right for your space. Common options include pulls, knobs, edge pulls, flush pulls, ring pulls, and latches. These are widely available as stock pieces but can also be customized through select manufacturers. Each category ranges from ornate and decorative to sleek and minimalist, making it easy to find a style that matches your aesthetic.
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Just as important as style is finish. Hardware comes in a wide spectrum of finishes, such as stainless steel, nickel, chrome, brass, bronze, copper, iron, and pewter. Each finish can be polished, brushed, matte, satin, or oil-rubbed, giving it a distinct character. A polished finish creates a glossy, eye-catching shine, while brushed, matte, or satin finishes feel softer and more understated.
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Natural materials like stone, marble, wood, glass, acrylic, ceramic, resin, and even leather add another layer of design possibility. Some materials can be lacquered to preserve their original appearance, while unlacquered hardware develops a natural patina over time, adding warmth and character to your cabinetry.
Making Your Hardware Selections
When choosing cabinetry hardware, it’s essential to first consider what you want it to achieve in your space. Hardware serves more than a functional purpose—it influences the overall style, tone, and feel of your cabinetry. With that in mind, here are some key factors to keep in mind before making your selection.
Color and Tone
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Color and tone play a major role in hardware selection. Brass, bronze, or copper hardware can introduce warmth and richness, while stainless steel, chrome, or nickel create cooler, crisper tones. Unlacquered finishes develop a natural patina over time, bringing in an organic and evolving character. Black or iron hardware offers striking contrast, especially against lighter cabinetry. Mixing metals can also be an effective way to balance warm and cool tones, particularly in spaces with neutral palettes. To keep the design cohesive, however, it’s best to limit the mix to no more than two metal types in one room.
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Style
What is the style of your cabinetry and the space around it? While contrast in color, texture, or finish can add interest, the hardware you choose should ultimately complement and enhance the overall look you’re aiming to achieve. For instance, in a contemporary kitchen, minimalist linear pulls, flush pulls, edge or tab pulls, and integrated designs create a clean, seamless appearance, while more decorative knobs and pulls introduce a traditional touch. A modern design calls for even more restraint - streamlined, architectural hardware with sharp linear details, often in metal or matching millwork materials. In these spaces, simplicity is key: when it comes to hardware, less is more.
Size
Cabinetry hardware is available in many different sizes. It is important to consider the size of your cabinetry when making your hardware selections as choosing something too large or too small for your cabinetry can create a disproportionate look in your space and can impact the functionality of your cabinetry. For example, a dishwasher or refrigerator panel requires a larger pull to ensure that it is easy to open and pairs with the cabinetry proportionally.
Functionality
Functionality should be a top priority when selecting cabinetry hardware. In high-use areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and closets, hardware will be handled multiple times a day, making comfort and ease of use essential. To ensure the best fit, we recommend obtaining samples of the pieces you’re considering. Seeing the hardware against your cabinetry - and testing how it feels in your hand - will give you a clearer sense of both comfort and compatibility before making your final decision.
The Bottom Line
Cabinetry hardware may be a small detail, but it makes a big impact. Choosing the right pieces will not only elevate the look of your cabinetry but also enhance the overall feel of your home. By considering these key details, you’ll be able to select hardware that perfectly aligns with your style and helps you achieve the aesthetic you envision.