Standout Hardware to Give White Kitchen Cabinets Serious Style
White kitchen cabinets offer a clean, crisp canvas for designing a gorgeous kitchen. But left alone, they can also come off as sterile or plain. The secret to taking white cabinets from boring to bold lies in the hardware. The perfect knobs and pulls add a pop of personality, while also enhancing the cabinetry with color, shine, and visual interest.
From on-trend styles to materials, sizing, and budget factors, read on for insider tips to help you find the ideal hardware to showcase your cabinets.
Factors to Consider When Selecting Hardware
Hardware comes in so many shapes, sizes, colors and materials these days. Before shopping, think about the look you want to achieve to narrow your options. Here are some key considerations as you choose knobs and pulls for white kitchen cabinets:
Style
Do you lean towards a minimal, modern aesthetic? Or gravitate towards a more ornate, traditional style? Knobs and pulls come in styles ranging from sleekly contemporary to classically vintage.
For contemporary kitchens, look for streamlined metallic hardware in brushed chrome, matte black, or nickel. Vintage inspired spaces might call for crystal cut glass knobs, ceramic medallions, or ridged brass knobs with an aged patina. For those who like a bit of both worlds, transitional style hardware blends clean lines with subtle detailing.
Material
From metals to glass to ceramics and wood, cabinet hardware now comes in a spectrum of materials. Metallic knobs and pulls offer a timeless look, in finishes like brushed brass, oil rubbed bronze or antiqued copper. Glass and crystal knobs lend an elegantly glamorous vibe. Earthy wooden knobs pair perfectly with white for a rustic feel. While ceramic knobs can provide pops of color and whimsical designs.
Size
Most cabinet knobs tend to range between 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches in diameter. However, you can make a bolder statement with oversized hardware up to 2 or 3 inches. Take measurements of your cabinet spacing to see what size knobs will fit without looking overbearing. Also account for any potential clearance issues around corners or appliances when sizing your hardware.
Budget
Prices can vary widely based on the material and quality you opt for. Simple metal knobs or plastic knobs cost $2-$5 each. Intricate glass and crystal knobs go up to $10-$15 or beyond. Having a budget in mind for the project helps narrow the options.
Top Materials for White Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of our favorite cabinet hardware materials to pair with crisp white kitchen cabinets:
Metal Knobs and Pulls
A metal like brass, chrome or nickel allows you to add a subtle sheen that complements without overwhelming white cabinets. Matte black is another sleek metal option. The finish can be matched or mixed between knobs and pulls for a tone on tone look or more eclectic style. Metal hardware is readily available and affordable.
Glass and Crystal Knobs
For a glamorous pop of color and shine, glass and crystal knobs are a gorgeous choice. Clear glass knobs blend with any color scheme, while colored glass makes more of a statement. Crystal has an even higher shine factor, with cuts that reflect light beautifully. The transparency adds depth against white cabinets. Though it is one of the more delicate materials that requires gentle handling.
Ceramic Knobs
Ceramic knobs enable you to highlight your personal sense of style, with fun designs, shapes, patterns and colors. A glazed ceramic finish also makes cleaning a breeze. From simple styles to artistic detailed medallions, ceramic provides an easy way to showcase your personality.
Wood Knobs
The natural look of a wood knob pairs seamlessly with white cabinetry, without detracting from the crisp palette. Stained wood in darker finishes like ebony or walnut contrast nicely. Unfinished wood adds subtle texture. Distressing wood knobs gives a timeworn rustic feel, perfect for farmhouse style kitchens.
Perfectly Size Knobs for Every Cabinet
Finding knobs that fit your cabinet hardware spacing properly results in a polished finished look. Here are some sizing tips:
Measuring Cabinet Spacing
Use a ruler to carefully measure between the pre-drilled holes on the cabinet door or drawer front. This gives you the maximum diameter size knob that can fit in that space. Also measure corners and tight spaces to ensure clearance.
Standard vs Oversized Knobs
While most knobs tend to range from 1 to 1 1⁄4 inches, cabinet hardware has expanded to include more oversized options up to 2 or even 3 inches wide. These larger knobs make more of a statement. Just take care that the knobs don't end up dwarfing the cabinet doors entirely.
Smaller Knobs for Special Places
For detailed or ornate cabinet doors, a smaller sized knob is a better fit and allows the door carving to take center stage. Daintier knobs also work well in tight corner spots or around appliances when clearance is limited.
Setting Your Knob Budget
While new knobs are an easy and affordable way to refresh your kitchen, costs add up quickly when doing an entire kitchen. Here are some factors impacting budget:
Cost Scaling Factors
The material you choose plays a primary role in cost. Plastic and ceramic tend to be the most budget friendly. Metals like brass and crystal are pricier. Size, brand name, intricate detailing, and heavy metal plating increase the price tag too.
Budget Breakdown
As a general guide, you can expect to invest:
- Plastic or simple ceramic knobs: $2-$5 per knob
- Basic metal knobs: $5-$10 per knob
- Ornate glass or crystal knobs: $10-$15+ per knob
Tips to Save
Look for ways to cut costs like:
- Buying in bulk quantities
- Mixing a few splurge knobs into mainly budget knobs
- DIY spray painting existing hardware
An easy upgrade, new knobs or pulls offer a world of possibilities to showcase your style. As you explore options, keep in mind the look you hope to achieve. Consider style, materials, sizing and budget to guide your decision making. Before you know it, you'll have a kitchen with picture-perfect hardware that gives your white cabinets the standout look they deserve.