Accent Your Kitchen Cabinets with Striking Handles
Is your kitchen in need of a mini makeover? Are your cabinets looking a little lackluster? One of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen an instant facelift is by replacing the handles on your cabinets and drawers. A set of new and stylish handles can completely transform the look of your kitchen cabinets without a full renovation.
Cabinet handles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials and finishes to match any kitchen decor. Whether your style is modern, traditional, rustic or somewhere in between, you'll be able to find cabinet handles to accent your existing cabinets beautifully.
Styles of Kitchen Cabinet Handles
When selecting new kitchen cabinet hardware, one of the first considerations is the style of handle. There are a few main options:
- Knobs - rounded style that provides a minimalist look.
- Pulls - longer handles that are easy to grip and pull open.
- Bars - long rectangular handles spanning the width of doors.
For a more seamless, contemporary style, many homeowners opt for hidden hinges and handless cabinets with grooves instead of knobs. This streamlined look highlights the cabinet's design and materials.
When deciding on cabinet hardware, take into account the size and style of your cabinets. Drawers and smaller doors often work best with dainty knobs, while fuller cabinet doors pair nicely with larger pulls. Consider the weight of the cabinets when opening and closing them as well.
Appearance
Beyond just function, cabinet handles make a strong visual impact. Eye-catching hardware draws attention to your cabinets and influences the overall aesthetic of your kitchen. For a showstopping style, choose unique handles like crystal knobs, twisted iron pulls or hammered copper bars.
Go for a cohesive look by selecting handles that complement your kitchen's existing style. For contemporary spaces, straight bar pulls in a polished metal work well. In cottage kitchens, vintage glass knobs add charm. The shape of your handles is key as well - arched pulls cultivate a more traditional vibe.
Cost of Cabinet Handles
The pricing for kitchen cabinet handles varies depending on the material, style, size, brand and quantity needed. Generally, you can expect to pay the following:
- Knobs - $2 - $10 per knob
- Pulls - $3 - $20 per pull
- Bars - $5 - $30 per bar
Of course, unique designer and custom hardware can be much pricier. Factors like high-end materials (crystal, pewter), handcrafting, specialized finishing and custom sizing add to the total handle cost quickly.
To stay on budget, opt for affordable materials like metal alloys and polyester resin handles from home improvement stores. Simple modern shapes also tend to cost less than ornate or oversized handles.
Replacing Existing Handles
Installing your new hardware is a straightforward DIY project. Here's a quick step-by-step:
- Remove old handles and measure hole placement.
- Use painter's tape to mark new drill holes if needed.
- Drill pilot holes for screws if replacing knobs with larger pulls.
- Secure each new handle with the included screws.
- Fill any unused holes with wood filler and touch up paint if needed.
Just take care when drilling pilot holes and mounting the new handles to avoid splitting the cabinet wood. Proper alignment is also key for uniformity.
Swapping out your dated or boring kitchen cabinet hardware for new, eye-catching handles is one of the simplest ways to give your kitchen a fresh new look. The right handles can add a glamorous, retro or sleek vibe while showcasing your personal style.
For a playful pop of color, opt for brightly hued handles. Light fixtures, sinks and other metal finishes offer the perfect opportunity to complement with metallic handles. Or make a statement by mismatching - combining glass knobs and black pulls can work with the right kitchen.
No matter your kitchen's particular style, you're sure to find the perfect cabinet handles to give your kitchen that little extra wow factor.