Function and aesthetics are critical considerations when choosing cabinet hardware for your home.
However, cabinet hardware installation might be intimidating. Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer or a professional carpenter, you want the result of installing your cabinet hardware to be the same and done correctly.
Cabinetry, as we all know, is the focal point of a room, drawing attention and integrating everything. As a result, every aspect of its construction, including the hardware, must be exceptional. With the correct cabinet handle placement, you may transform any room in your house with a subtle style and functional impact.
For that reason, we’ve compiled an ultimate guide on how to choose cabinet hardware for your needs based on some fundamental factors, such as the material, type, style, size, and placements.
What is Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet hardware’s principal function is to allow you to open cabinet doors and drawers. Cabinet hardware includes the knobs and pulls attached to your cabinets and drawers. The hinges that allow the cabinet door to swing open are also part of the hardware.
Knobs and pulls are the two most popular types of hardware. Knobs are often used on cabinet doors, whereas pulls are typically used on drawers. However, drawer knobs and cabinet pulls can be used according to your preference.
Types of Cabinet Hardware
Cabinet Knobs
Knobs are one of the most commonly used types of kitchen hardware for opening cabinets and drawers. They are often round or square and require only one hole to be drilled for installation. This is ideal if you don’t want to drill many holes in your elegant cabinets to install a pull.
Cabinet Pulls
Pulls may be the ideal alternative when choosing cabinet hardware that is a little more contemporary and easier to grasp. Pulls provide great flexibility for opening heavy kitchen drawers while requiring less skill, especially if your family members are older or have a disability.
Styles of Cabinet Hardware
Traditional
Traditional kitchen cabinets benefit from surface-mounted hardware and pieces with intricate decorations and finishes. Consider brass, bronze, or copper knobs, pulls, and hinges in polished, satin, antique, or rusticated finishes. Traditional kitchens employ knobs more frequently than pulls, but both may be found within this style.
Modern
The majority of modern kitchen hardware is made of stainless steel and is available in glossy, satin, rubbed, or matte textures. Choose sleek, lightly ornamented pulls and knobs for a modern kitchen. Simple, minimalistic knobs are used in futuristic kitchens on occasion, but pulls, particularly finger pulls, are a common choice for drawers and cabinets.
Farmhouse
The cup pulls are always used on drawers paired with square or circular knobs on cabinets is a significant part of the rustic kitchen trend. Farmhouse kitchen hardware is frequently made with more rustic finishes such as chrome, bronze, gold, or copper. Clear glass, and matte black are also standard finishes.
Cabinet Hardware Material
Copper
Copper is an eye-catching kitchen cabinet hardware material that may be seen in classic and rustic kitchens. As one of the most often touched surfaces in your kitchen, copper is an excellent material to choose for your hardware because it naturally possesses antibacterial qualities.
Brass
Brass is a close relative of copper since it is a metal alloy composed of copper and zinc. It’s one of the most common cabinet hardware materials since it’s quite adaptable and can be made to resemble different metals.
Gold
Most gold hardware has an aluminum core that is either gold-plated or gold-colored. Gold hardware is pleasant and balanced, and it goes well with a wide range of cabinet colors and styles
Silver
Silver hardware, like gold, can complement other metals brilliantly. Silver hardware looks well in both modern and traditional kitchens. The gleaming silver hardware stands out well against deep and dark cabinetry.
Stainless
Stainless steel hardware is a popular choice when choosing cabinet hardware because it is sturdy and durable and matches a wide range of stainless steel kitchen appliances. Stainless steel works well in both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
Chrome
Chrome cabinet hardware is often built with a metal core and a layer of chromium veneer. It is exceptionally sturdy and corrosion-resistant, making it ideal for the humid environment of a kitchen.
Cabinet Hardware Size Guide
The suggestions below will assist you in selecting hardware that will keep your kitchen appearing balanced:
1. Smaller Drawers
Knobs should be approximately 1″ in diameter. The length of the pull should be 3″ to 4″.
2. Medium Drawers
Knobs should have a diameter of 1″ to 1.5″. Pulls should be between 4″ and 8″ length.
3. Large Drawers
Knobs should be 1″ to 1.5″ long and typically come in pairs. Pulls should be 3″ to 4″ long and two of them are required.
Cabinet Hardware Placement
When choosing the size of a cabinet knob or pull, keep in mind things like proportion, balance, aesthetics, and functionality. The efficient operation of a large cabinet door or drawer necessitates using a substantial piece of hardware. Smaller knobs and pulls are more suited for doors and drawers that are smaller in size. Traditional or transitional style pulls should be around one-third the length of the cabinet drawer. If the drawer is more comprehensive than 18 inches, you may need to use more than one pull or knob. Pulls at least two-thirds of the drawer or cabinet door length are required in more contemporary designs.
As a rule, drawer and door knobs are typically positioned in a horizontal or vertical orientation. For a sleek aesthetic in contemporary kitchens, you may want to place the door knobs horizontally.
Conclusion
Cabinet hardware is the kitchen’s adornment, so just like in a wardrobe, it needs to match, be pleasant, and complement the clothing style. To achieve the right fit, do your homework before you buy, order samples, and compare finishes with the materials in your kitchen. When choosing cabinet hardware, consider the guidelines listed above to help you make informed decisions before purchasing one.
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