Take Your Kitchen To The Next Level With Cool Cabinet Handle Ideas
Is your kitchen looking a bit dated or dull? Installing new cabinet hardware is an easy upgrade that can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. The right handles and knobs can take your kitchen design from basic to beautiful. From modern metallic to rustic wood, cabinet handles come in endless styles to match any kitchen aesthetic. Read on for useful factors to consider when selecting cabinet handles along with examples of our favorite cool and creative kitchen cabinet hardware ideas.
Kitchen cabinet handles may seem like a small detail, but they make a surprisingly big impact on your kitchen's overall style. The shape, size, placement, and finish of your cabinet hardware influences the look and functionality of your kitchen. Rather than an afterthought, your handles deserve careful consideration as part of your kitchen design.
Factors To Consider When Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Handles
Selecting the perfect handles for your kitchen cabinets goes beyond just personal preference. Consider the following factors carefully to find cabinet hardware that complements your kitchen's overall aesthetic and layout.
Compatibility With Your Kitchen Design Style
The style of your cabinet hardware should align with the overall look and feel of your kitchen design. For a sleek modern kitchen, choose clean-lined rectangular pulls in satin nickel or matte black. Add a homey cottage feel to a farmhouse kitchen with bin pulls or knobs in an antique brass finish. Pay attention to the details of your cabinet style as well. Larger hardware looks best on slab cabinet fronts compared to smaller recessed panel doors.
Cabinet Door Style and Size
Scale your cabinet hardware appropriately for the door style and size. On full overlay cabinets, make sure handles and knobs are large enough to open doors and drawers easily. Allow proper clearance - generally 1-2 inches - between hardware. Recessed panel doors suit smaller scaled knobs or pulls sized for the frame opening. For a unified look, maintain similar proportions for upper and lower cabinets.
Metal Finishes
Nickel and brass finishes suit traditional kitchens while matte black and chrome look more modern. Stainless steel pairs well with professional appliances. Bronze, pewter and aged metal finishes complement Tuscan, rustic and farmhouse decors. Choose oil-rubbed bronze for a timeworn antique style. Match your faucet and lighting finishes to create a cohesive look.
Ergonomics
Consider ease of use - how will you grab and operate the hardware daily? Large rectangular pulls are easy to grip and suitable for frequently used lower cabinets. Ornate knobs pair well with upper cabinet doors. Pay attention to comfortable positioning based on how cabinets open - some styles require an outward pull versus lifting up.
Cool Kitchen Cabinet Handle Ideas
Looking for kitchen cabinet hardware that makes a stylish statement? Here are some of our favorite creative handle ideas to inspire you.
Modern Angular Pulls
For contemporary kitchens, nothing beats the clean lines of matte black metal bar pulls. Or make a bold statement by mixing up handle shapes and orientations. Try combining horizontal, vertical and angled hardware. Modern materials like acrylic, glass and marble also work beautifully.
Popular brand options: Amerock's Vision and Projection pulls, Liberty's Angle and Plane collection, and Sumner Street Home's Lucite bar pull.
Novelty and Nature Inspired Knobs
Incorporate natural materials and shapes with creative nature-inspired hardware. Try tree branch-shaped wrought iron pulls or crystal, geode, sea shell or fruit shaped knobs. Handpainted ceramic knobs also add artisanal flair. These novelties add a touch of whimsy to transitional or eclectic spaces.
Vintage Inspired Hardware
For timeworn appeal in traditional spaces, look for cup pulls with exposed screw posts in antique metal finishes. Or go for classic bin pulls in aged brass or nickel for a retro diner feel. Position these substantial pulls near the bottom edge of staggered Shaker style cabinet doors.
Mix and Match
Making all your hardware match can look austere. For extra personality, try mixing up knobs and pulls in complimentary styles and finishes. Just take care to strike the right balance - too many competing options looks indecisive. A thoughtful selection of 2-3 mixed elements adds character without the hodgepodge effect.
Black Hardware
Bold black hardware makes a dramatic style statement in any modern or contemporary kitchen. Use jet black knobs and pulls throughout for a chic, monochromatic look. Lean into the modern industrial vibe with matte black finishes or opt for sleek glossy black hardware paired with glass cabinets.
Unlacquered Brass
The soft warmth of unlacquered brass pairs beautifully with traditional Shaker, farmhouse or vintage modern kitchens. As the living finish oxidizes, it develops a patina reflecting an antiqued look. Match unlacquered brass with aged brass light fixtures for harmonious ambiance.
Kitchen cabinet hardware presents a fun opportunity to show off your personal style. Small details like handles and knobs make a big impact on your kitchen's look and functionality. Evaluate your cabinet style, kitchen aesthetic and practical needs when selecting the perfect hardware. Ready for a kitchen refresh? Bring on the cool cabinet handles to take your kitchen design to the next level!