Get Inspired! See the Hottest Bar Knob Trends for Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen cabinets play a major role in defining the style of your cooking space. One of the easiest ways to give your kitchen an instant facelift is by swapping out the knobs. Bar pulls, in particular, are having a major moment right now. Read on to discover some of the hottest bar knob trends taking kitchen design by storm.

Bar pulls, also called bar handles, refer to slim metal handles mounted horizontally on cabinet doors and drawers. Originally popular in restaurant kitchens, bar pulls are now coveted for their sleek and modern aesthetic. Unlike traditional round knobs, bar pulls have an elongated shape that command attention.

Cool Industrial Bar Knobs

One hot trend in bar cabinet pulls is industrial style knobs. Characterized by a raw, streamlined look, industrial knobs give your kitchen a modern, urban edge.

Industrial kitchen knobs typically feature a black metal or galvanized steel construction. The metallic composition lends an edgy, factory-chic vibe. Mounted against crisp white cabinetry, the high-contrast look is bold and alluring.

Pair industrial bar pulls with exposed brickwork, concrete countertops and vintage pendant lighting for the full urban loft effect. This knob style also complements modern kitchens with sleek stainless steel appliances.

Rustic Farmhouse-Inspired Knobs

For a cozy, countryside feel, choose farmhouse-style bar knobs. The rustic appeal of farmhouse knobs instantly warms up any kitchen.

Many farmhouse cabinet pulls boast antique brass or aged iron in finishing. The muted metallic pairs perfectly with distressed wood cabinets and butcher block countertops. For added homey appeal, look for vintage-style porcelain knobs.

Farmhouse knobs also incorporate subtly curved or arched shapes. The softer lines bring a handcrafted touch. Visible screw heads on the knob backplates enhance the handmade, antiqued look.

Sleek Modern Geometric Knobs

Clean lines and minimalist forms define the modern geometric bar pull trend. With their refined shapes and finishes, geometric knobs put a contemporary spin on classic straight bar pulls.

Stainless steel, matte black, and chrome are go-to metals for geometric kitchen knobs. Pops of color from azure blue to emerald green rev up the ultra-modern aesthetic. For extra flair, seek metallic knobs with inlaid glass or acrylic.

The streamlined shapes - ranging from cylinders to tapered rectangles - embody contemporary style. Crisp corners and edges keep the look tailored and buttoned-up against sleek cabinetry.

Versatile Transitional Bar Pulls

Transitional style cabinet pulls straddle the line between classic and contemporary. With their versatile aesthetic, transitional knobs complement both traditional and modern kitchen designs.

Many transitional bar pulls feature elegant metals like polished nickel, unlacquered brass or antiqued bronze. Etched glass and handpainted ceramic knobs also speak to the transitional look.

Sophisticated shapes like rectangles, rounded squares and wide ovals characterize transitional cabinet hardware. The eloquent forms - combining traditional and modern elements - exude versatile refinement.

On-Trend Bar Pull Finishes

Beyond the knob shape, the finish also makes an impact. Here are some of the most stylish finishes gracing today’s bar pulls:

Warm and Modern Brushed Nickel

Brushed nickel bar pulls are enjoying renewed popularity. Nickel provides a rich, silvery-gray sheen that elegantly dresses cabinets. The brushed texture adds dimension and mutes the shine for a warmer, more modern look than polished chrome.

As a metal alloy, brushed nickel pulls are very durable. The matte finish nicely disguises fingerprints and water spots, keeping knobs looking their best with minimal cleaning.

Old World Bronze

Bronze cabinet pulls channel an antiqued, Old World aesthetic. Often finished with an “oil rubbed” treatment, bronze takes on a deep, dark chocolate brown patina.

The rich bronze coloration pairs beautifully with stained wood cabinets and granite countertops. For a more casual effect, match oil rubbed bronze bar pulls with white painted cabinets.

Do note that bronze knobs may require occasional polishing to keep their luster and remove tarnish. But the added upkeep is worth it for the unique, timeworn character.

Sleek Matte Black Hardware

Nothing looks more contemporary and chic than matte black hardware. The inky black color coupled with a non-reflective finish creates an utterly modern statement.

Black bar pulls pop dramatically against both light and darker cabinets. Their commanding presence instantly amps up kitchen style. Matte black finishes are also quite forgiving, as they effectively hide fingerprints and scratches.

Size Matters - Choosing the Right Knob Scale

When selecting bar pulls, size deserves consideration. Overly massive pulls can look cartoonish and overwhelm delicate cabinet doors. Conversely, teensy knobs get swallowed up and lost.

In most kitchens, the ideal bar pull diameter falls between 1 and 2 inches. Smaller cabinets and drawers look best balanced with daintier 1 to 1.5 inch pulls. Full-sized cabinets can accommodate slightly larger 1.5 to 2 inch knobs.

Maintaining a consistent size between knobs also creates a streamlined, cohesive look. Mixing and matching varies pulls works for intentionally eclectic kitchens.

Placement Tips for Bar Pulls

Proper bar pull placement lends your kitchen a polished, designer look. Follow these guidelines when installing your knobs:

On standard base cabinets, place bar pulls about 2 inches from the top cabinet door center. Centering pulls on drawer fronts typically works best.

For wall cabinets, positioning pulls around 4 inches below the top door center enhances proportions. Align knobs in consistent horizontal rows for a seamless linear look.

When using multiple knobs on large drawers or cabinets, make sure they align vertically as well as horizontally. Uniform alignments keep the overall style streamlined.

Swapping out dated or builder-grade knobs for trendy new bar pulls provides an easy kitchen refresh. The transformation requires no cabinet removal or renovation work.

Simply fill any existing hardware holes, remove old knobs, then follow the drilling and installation steps included with your new bar pulls. Coloring putty to match your cabinet stain helps holes vanish.

Choosing bar pulls in a finish or color not currently in your kitchen supplies instant style impact. So get inspired by the hottest bar pull trends, and give those cabinets a fabulous facelift!