Many key decisions must get made in the process of making a house a home. And, as such, it’s easy to forget that design is also in the details. But when you consider how many times cabinet hardware is used in regular tasks, it’s evident that the value and pleasure a well-made piece of hardware provides is well worth the expenditure. Here are some of the best tips for choosing cabinet hardware!
Choose the Types of Hardware That Fit You
Hardware should match the aesthetic of your kitchen, but it should also be comfortable to operate. When you’re determining whether to use a knob or a pull, think about your personal preference. Obtain a sample of the knobs or pulls you are considering purchasing. See how they fit in your palm by placing them against a cabinet drawer or door. Are the size and form right for you?
You can add aesthetic appeal to a kitchen with blend knobs and pulls. Use drawer pulls on the drawers and doorknobs on the doors (or the other way around.) Simply select one pull design and one complementary knob style and keep the finish consistent across the kitchen. Use the same type of hardware throughout your kitchen for a tidy, uniform aesthetic.
Choose the Best Size and Position of Handles
When you’re choosing the size of a knob or pull for your kitchen cabinetry, think about proportion, balance, aesthetics, and function. A larger cabinet door or drawer requires a large piece of hardware for appropriate performance. Small knobs or pulls are ideal for smaller doors or drawers.
A rule of thumb for conventional or transitional style pulls is that they should be roughly one-third the length of the cabinet drawer. More than one pull or knob may be required for drawers wider than eighteen inches. Long pulls that are at least two-thirds the length of the drawer or cabinet door are required in more contemporary designs. Pulls are typically horizontally placed on drawers and vertically placed on doors. If you want your kitchen to have a sleek, modern aesthetic, position the pulls horizontally on the doors.
Consider the Materials
Cabinet hardware comes in a number of materials, the majority of which are metal alloys. Brass hardware is often lacquered or plated on the surface, making it extremely durable. It’s antibacterial, which means it helps to keep germs at bay. Bronze hardware is also antibacterial, has a robust appearance, and works well with thick wood cabinets.
Other choices include stainless steel, which is extremely robust and easy to clean. Or you could use nickel and pewter, which are also prominent metal materials. Use glass, crystal, or ceramic knobs for a vintage aesthetic. However, no matter what options you choose, always ensure that it has some synergy with the other materials nearby. Doing so will give a sense of style and suave feel to the space!
We hope this article has helped give you some great tips for choosing cabinet hardware! If you’re a woodworker and are considering making your own furniture pulls, make sure you know which power tools are essential to have.
