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Give Your White Kitchen Cabinets a Modern Makeover with Black Hardware

White kitchen cabinets can lend an airy, welcoming feel to your culinary space. However, if your all-white kitchen is looking a bit dated or boring, black hardware is an easy and dramatic update. Sleek black knobs and handles add eye-catching contrast and give your white cabinets a contemporary facelift.

With so many black hardware options to choose from, it's easy to find a style that complements your existing cabinetry while adding bold new appeal. Read on for recommendations on the best black hardware for white kitchen cabinets as well as creative ideas for mixing metal finishes.

black handles for white kitchen cabinets

Black Hardware Options for White Cabinets

You have several choices when selecting new black hardware for your white kitchen cabinets.

Black knobs in a matte finish have a very modern, streamlined look. Brushed black knobs evoke an industrial vibe, while oil-rubbed bronze knobs offer vintage character.

Another option for adding black hardware is swapping out your existing pulls for black cup pulls, bar pulls or bin pulls. Using pulls only creates a very consistent, integrated style.

For more customization, consider combining knobs and pulls in complementary finishes. Matte black knobs or pulls paired with metallic finishes like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze provide attractive contrast.

Hardware Styles for Different Cabinet Types

Certain cabinet door styles pair especially well with black hardware for a built-in custom look.

Timeless shaker cabinets get a fresh update with matte black knobs. The contrast between the black hardware and white recessed center panels gives a striking, modern feel.

Black pulls suit the clean, minimalist lines of flat panel and modern-style cabinets nicely. Angled pulls in matte black enhance the contemporary vibe.

For oak or wood-grained cabinets, consider brushed black knobs for subtle contrast with the wood's natural pattern and coloring. However, darker wood finishes often look best with gold or bronze hardware for sufficient contrast.

Placement Tips and Ideas

Strategic hardware placement allows you to add interest through contrast.

Mixing black knobs on upper cabinets with bronze or nickel on lowers visually separates the two zones. The lower cabinets ground the space while the bold black up top draws the eye up.

Using black pulls solely on doors or drawers, and neutral knobs elsewhere, emphasizes different cabinet elements. Black pulls on sink cabinets or spice drawers highlight those functional spaces.

For added flair, paint or stain the insides of open cabinets a vibrant hue that pops against the black hardware. A bold backsplash is another option for incorporating color.

Style and Finish Combinations

The finish you pair with black hardware influences the overall style of the kitchen.

For a polished, contemporary look, combine matte black knobs with cool-toned brushed nickel pulls and satin nickel fixtures. This works well with Shaker, flat panel and modern cabinet styles and open stainless steel shelving.

Play up black's industrial side by pairing with galvanized metal finishes, exposed ductwork, and edison bulb pendants. Wood or concrete countertops also complement this aesthetic.

Warm up black's bold edge with oil-rubbed bronze for a vintage vibe. Open wood shelving, a farmhouse sink, and subway tile backsplash reinforce the classic charm.

Making the Most of Your Black Hardware

To complete your new black hardware look, consider adding coordinating finishes throughout the kitchen.

Upgrading lighting fixtures, faucets, cabinet hinges and outlets to matte black or a complementing metal creates a fully integrated, custom kitchen design.

Painting or replacing drab walls and floors during remodeling ties everything together beautifully.

Caring for your new hardware is simple. Use mild soap and water for cleaning, then dry with a soft cloth. Matte black finishes resist fingerprints and smudges compared to polished metal.

For full kitchen renovations or help installing hardware in hard-to-access areas inside cabinets, contact a professional contractor.

Adding black hardware is an easy DIY upgrade that completely transforms the look of white kitchen cabinets. The bold contrast lends a modern, sophisticated edge. Pay attention to the style and finish combinations to create your ideal aesthetic, whether sleek contemporary or vintage industrial.

With so many black knobs, pulls and handle options, you can find the perfect fit for your existing cabinetry and kitchen style. Your once bland and boring white kitchen will get a striking, of-the-moment update with the addition of eye-catching black hardware.