Our Guide to Finding the Perfect Champagne Bronze Hardware for Your Kitchen
Champagne bronze cabinet hardware is having a major moment right now. With its warm, vintage-inspired tones, this finish is popping up everywhere from contemporary transitional spaces to cozy traditional kitchens. Keep reading to learn all about the benefits of champagne bronze and how to incorporate it flawlessly into your own kitchen design.
You'll find tips on finish options, pairing with different cabinet colors, and even DIY installation if you want to tackle it as a weekend project. Let's dive in!
What is Champagne Bronze?
Champagne bronze refers to a warm-toned metal finish with golden undertones. It's sometimes known as "antique bronze" since it resembles the patina of aged bronze. While regular bronze has reddish-brown hues, champagne bronze leans more golden champagne, as the name suggests.
This finish has a subtle brushed texture that softly reflects light. The overall effect is rich and lustrous but not overly shiny like polished chrome. Visually, champagne bronze strikes the perfect balance between matte and metallic.
The Vintage Charm of Champagne Bronze
What makes champagne bronze unique is its vintage, antique-inspired vibe. Picture an elegant antique store or cozy French farmhouse kitchen. Those are the visuals and emotions champagne bronze can evoke.
The finish has an "old world" quality while still feeling stylish and modern. It's an easy way to add traditional charm or a rustic twist to your kitchen's look and feel.
Pairs Beautifully with Many Color Schemes
While champagne bronze pairs divinely with whites and neutrals, it can complement bolder kitchen colors too. The warm, golden tones bring out undertones in blues, greens, grays and even black. It provides a cohesive accent color that pulls the whole color scheme together.
Champagne bronze is versatile enough to suit kitchens from ultra-modern to traditional to farmhouse chic. Keep reading to discover what cabinet colors it pairs best with.
Why Choose Champagne Bronze Hardware?
There are several excellent reasons champagne bronze is having such a resurgence in popularity for kitchen cabinets and beyond:
On Trend for 2023
Warm metallics like brass and bronze are red hot kitchen trends for 2023 after dominating the interior design world. Champagne bronze is the perfect way to get this on-trend look.
The finish has a timeless, lasting appeal while still feeling fresh and current. It avoids looking dated like some trendy finishes can over time.
Adds Subtle Texture and Dimension
The softly brushed finish catches light beautifully, adding warmth and visual interest. It has more character than flat metallic finishes like chrome or stainless steel.
Champagne bronze creates depth without being too in-your-face shiny. It's an easy but impactful way to elevate inexpensive cabinetry.
At Home in Modern and Traditional Kitchens
While champagne bronze reads traditional, it can be adapted for contemporary spaces too. The key is keeping the overall kitchen aesthetic pared back and sleek.
Use champagne bronze knobs and pulls sparingly on minimalist flat-front cabinets. Mix with other metals like matte black for an industrial vibe.
Quick and Budget-Friendly Facelift
Updating old dated hardware to champagne bronze is an affordable DIY upgrade that pays big visual rewards. No need for a full remodel!
Swapping knobs and pulls makes cabinets look instantly refreshed. It's easy to switch back to another finish later if your style changes.
How to Select Champagne Bronze Hardware
Ready to upgrade your kitchen with some champagne bronze shine? Here are tips for choosing the perfect hardware:
Types of Hardware
Will knobs, pulls or handles suit your cabinet style and aesthetic best? Here's a quick overview of each option:
- Knobs - Budget-friendly choice installed with a single screw. Best for shaker style or simple cabinet fronts.
- Pulls - Offer a handle grip and typically mount with two screws. Enhance drawers or doors.
- Handles - Sophisticated option for cabinet doors. Provide a sturdy grip point.
Finishing Touches
Look for these variations when selecting champagne bronze hardware finishes:
- Brushed - Most common. Has a subtly textured, matte look.
- Smooth - Shiny metallic finish with no visible brushing.
- Hammered - Has a hand-forged, pitted texture.
Placement Tips
Follow standard guidelines when installing your new hardware:
- Knobs at 36" height
- Pulls at center of drawer or door
- Equal spacing for a cohesive look
- Balance visual weight of knobs and pulls
Mixing Other Metals and Finishes
While champagne bronze has vintage appeal, it also pairs beautifully with more modern metals and finishes:
Mix with Stainless Steel or Chrome
The mix of cool silvers and warm gold tones is so elegant. Visually balance knobs and pulls from each finish.
Coordinate with Other Bronze Finishes
Pair champagne bronze with deeper oil-rubbed bronze on base cabinets. Use polished nickel on uppers for contrast.
Champagne Bronze with Different Cabinet Colors
Not sure how champagne bronze hardware will pair with your existing kitchen cabinet colors? Here are some standout combinations:
Crisp White Cabinets
The rich champagne bronze finish pops against bright white. It adds warmth without looking too matchy-matchy.
Moody Gray Kitchens
Champagne bronze brings out the warm undertones in gray cabinets. It keeps the moody palette from feeling too cold.
Blue and Green Kitchens
Bronze pulls and handles bring out golden flecks in blue and green paints. It's an earthy accent.
Wood Cabinets
Champagne bronze has the same intensity as wood grain. It enhances cabinets in oak, cherry or walnut.
Where to Buy Champagne Bronze Hardware
You can find quality champagne bronze knobs, pulls and handles at:
- Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe's
- Online retailers like Wayfair, Amazon, and Overstock
- Etsy for unique vintage-inspired options
Expect to pay $2-$10 per knob or pull depending on the size, style and quality. Shop sales to keep your hardware upgrade budget-friendly.
Hiring a Pro vs DIY Installation
Is installing kitchen hardware something you can tackle yourself or better left to the professionals? Here are factors to consider:
When to Hire a Contractor
- If you have over 50 knobs/pulls to install
- For specialty cabinet fronts like inset cabinets
- If you don't own basic tools like a drill
- To ensure proper placement and an even finish
DIY Tips
- Watch online tutorials first
- Have a helper for efficiency
- Take doors/drawers off hinges for easier access
- Use painter's tape to mark drill points
FAQs
Does champagne bronze work in modern kitchens?
Yes, champagne bronze can look very sleek and contemporary if styled correctly. Keep cabinetry and other finishes clean-lined. Use minimalist hardware shapes. Mix in matte black accents. The bronze will inject warmth while still reading modern.
What are the most popular styles of champagne bronze pulls?
Some top styles include bin pulls, straight bar pulls, arched or bow pulls, and hammered pulls. Simple modern shapes along with vintage-inspired looks are both elegant options.
How do I make my gray kitchen feel warmer with hardware?
Champagne bronze is perfect for making gray cabinets cozier. The golden undertones bring out the subtle warmth in gray paint colors. For maximum impact, install knobs or pulls on both upper and lower cabinets.
Can I mix champagne bronze with black hardware?
Absolutely. The mix of warm and cool metals is bold and currently very on-trend. Try champagne bronze on upper cabinets with matte black pulls on lowers. Or alternate black knobs and bronze pulls on the same set of cabinets.
With its versatile, vintage-inspired finish, champagne bronze hardware deserves a spot at the top of your kitchen remodel wish list. The warm, golden tones suit any style while adding a luxe, elevated look. Use our tips to select the perfect knobs, pulls or handles to give your kitchen cabinets a breath of fresh air.