Level Up Your Kitchen With Stylish Cabinet Hardware
The right set of knobs or pulls can take your kitchen cabinets from drab to fab. Cabinet hardware is often overlooked, but it's one of the easiest ways to transform the look of your kitchen. The options may seem endless, but how do you choose between knobs vs pulls?
You'll learn how to select the best hardware for your kitchen cabinets based on style, ergonomics, and budget. Read on for tips that will help you install eye-catching hardware and level up the look of your kitchen.
All About Knobs
What are Cabinet Knobs?
Cabinet knobs are a circular handle that protrudes out from the door or drawer of a cabinet. The diameter typically ranges between 1 to 3 inches. The knob acts as a grip and leverage point for opening cabinet doors and drawers. Knobs have a classic look and work well in traditional kitchen settings.
Knobs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and finishes. Common shapes include round, oval, square, and faceted. Materials can be metal, glass, crystal, ceramic, or wood. Finishes range from polished chrome to antique brass to matte black.
Benefits of Choosing Knobs
Knobs offer several advantages when used as kitchen cabinet hardware:
- Provide a traditional, classic look perfect for farmhouse, cottage, or craftsman kitchen designs
- Less expensive than pulls - great budget-friendly option
- Easy to install with single screw or bolt attachment
- Allow flexibility in placement anywhere on the cabinet door or drawer
- Ideal size and scale for average or smaller kitchen cabinets
Downsides of Using Knobs
The downsides of knobs include:
- Not as ergonomic as pulls - smaller size makes them harder to grip
- Difficult to grasp and open when installed on upper cabinets
- Limited grip and leverage due to small circular shape
- Typically not suited for ultra modern kitchen designs
All About Pulls
What are Cabinet Pulls?
Cabinet pulls, also called handles, are an elongated handle horizontally installed on cabinet doors and drawers. Pulls range in length from 3 inches to the full width of a drawer or door. The long straight bar shape provides ample grip and leverage for easy opening.
Pulls are commonly made from stainless steel, satin nickel, or brass. Styles include modern bar pulls, arched pulls, and wire pulls. Pulls lend a streamlined contemporary look well-suited for modern kitchen designs.
Benefits of Choosing Pulls
Reasons to consider pulls for your kitchen cabinets include:
- Sleek modern aesthetics complement contemporary cabinet styles
- Comfortable grip and smooth leverage motion makes them easy to open
- Ideal functionality for hard-to-reach upper cabinets
- Flexible placement options - install vertically, horizontally or diagonally
- Allow for mixed hardware like combining with knobs
Downsides of Using Pulls
Some of the disadvantages of cabinet pulls are:
- Typically more expensive than basic knob options
- Require drilling precise holes for proper installation
- Horizontal shape may conflict with recessed cabinet edges
- Not recommended for small drawers or narrow door widths
Key Considerations When Choosing Hardware
Selecting the right kitchen cabinet hardware involves weighing several factors:
Cabinet Door Style
Consider how knobs or pulls will pair with your cabinet door style. For example, Shaker cabinets look best with simple round knobs while sleek, modern cabinets call for streamlined bar pulls.
Kitchen Size and Layout
The scale of hardware should fit proportionally with your cabinet dimensions and kitchen size. Oversized pulls would overwhelm a small kitchen. For an expansive kitchen, larger hardware provides the right visual weight.
Cabinet Placement
Where cabinets are installed impacts ease of use. For upper cabinets near the ceiling, pulls are much easier to grip than small knobs. Go for knobs on lower cabinets within reach.
Personal Ergonomics
Consider functionality in addition to aesthetics. If you have arthritis or difficulty grasping small objects, opt for large oversized pulls on all cabinets for maximized comfort and accessibility.
Budget
Cabinet knobs offer a more affordable hardware option starting under $2 per knob. Pulls range widely in price from $5 per handle up to $25 or more for high-end designer styles.
Availability
Browse for the style you want before deciding. If you choose a unique or custom pull, ensure it's available in the quantities, finish, and size needed for your entire kitchen.
When selecting kitchen cabinet hardware, think about the overall look you want to achieve. Knobs work well to create a traditional, charming cottage kitchen. For a sleek, contemporary look, modern bar pulls are the way to go.
Also factor in practical elements like ease of use, especially for upper cabinets. Ultimately, choosing hardware that balances form and function will result in a kitchen that looks amazing and works seamlessly.
With the right knobs or pulls installed, you can update the look of your kitchen in one afternoon. This simple upgrade will make your cabinets shine.