The Complete Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinet Knobs and Pulls
Upgrading your kitchen cabinets with new knobs or pulls is one of the simplest ways to update the look of your kitchen. But deciding between knobs vs pulls can be tricky. Do you go for traditional round knobs or modern linear pulls? There are a few key factors that come into play when choosing the right hardware for your kitchen cabinets.
In this complete guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to decide between knobs and pulls. You'll learn about the different styles, costs, ease of use, durability, and other considerations to make the perfect choice for your kitchen remodel or renovation.
Knobs vs Pulls - The Main Differences
While knobs and pulls essentially serve the same purpose, there are some notable differences between the two styles of cabinet hardware that impact both aesthetics and function.
Appearance and Style
The most obvious distinction is the look - knobs have a round, ball-shaped design while pulls have an elongated handle shape. Knobs tend to look more traditional or classic. Pulls have a more contemporary, streamlined appearance.
If you prefer a transitional or modern kitchen style, angular pulls are likely the better choice. For traditional kitchens, decorative knobs with detailing are ideal for enhancing the classic look.
Ease of Use
When it comes to opening and closing cabinet doors and drawers, pulls are generally easier to grasp and use. The handle provides something substantial to wrap your fingers around. This makes pulls a great choice for those with arthritis or limited hand strength.
Standard round knobs can sometimes be tricky to grip and require more dexterity and finger strength to pinch and turn. However, for most users, knobs provide adequate leverage for regular use.
Cost Difference
Simple round knobs tend to be quite affordable, often $2-$5 per knob on average. Pulls usually start around $5 per handle and go up from there. Since pulls need to be precisely measured and leveled across drawers and doors, the installation is also more labor intensive than just drilling holes for knobs.
Ultimately, outfitting your entire kitchen with pulls will require a larger hardware budget than opting for knobs. But pulls do provide a more updated look that can help justify the cost.
Durability Comparison
When it comes to standing up to daily use and impact, pulls are generally more durable than delicate knobs. The thin stem of a knob is prone to bending or breaking over time. Pulls are thick solid pieces that can better withstand constant opening and closing.
Pulls are less likely to loosen or suffer damage if accidentally bumped into. So they are often the best choice for high traffic kitchens that get heavy daily use.
Cleaning Difficulty
Knobs tend to be easier to clean than pulls simply due to less surface area. You can easily wipe down the smooth surface of a knob. Pulls, with their horizontal handle shape, can collect dust and crumbs in grooves or edges.
The back side of a pull situated close to the cabinet face can also be tricky to reach around and clean. So if ease of cleaning is a priority, simple round knobs may fit the bill.
Things to Consider When Choosing
Beyond the core differences between knobs and pulls, a few other factors come into play when deciding which is best suited for your particular kitchen.
Cabinet Door Style
The style of your cabinet doors should help guide your hardware selection. Simple, flat shaker style cabinet doors often look best paired with round knobs to match the traditional look.
Slab cabinet doors with a plain, solid front complement the more streamlined look of pulls. So match knobs or pulls to your cabinets for a cohesive aesthetic.
Kitchen Workflow
Consider the amount of usage your kitchen cabinets receive. For a kitchen that sees heavy daily use with multiple cooks, durable pulls are ideal for handling constant opening and closing.
In a lightly used kitchen, classic knobs provide adequate functionality without the higher price tag. Just be sure to select a high quality knob less prone to loosening or breaking.
Personal Aesthetic Preference
Beyond practical factors, choosing between knobs or pulls comes down to personal taste. If you love contemporary style, the clean look of pulls is likely most appealing.
For a traditional farmhouse vibe, decorative knobs with detailing like ridges, facets or finishes like antique brass communicate that classic style. Finishing is another area to infuse your personality.
Ease of Use Needs
If you or other household members suffer from arthritis or have limited mobility, it’s wise to select pulls for their easier grip. If no ease of use issues exist, standard knobs sufficiently serve most users.
Budget Reality
Your kitchen remodeling budget will also impact your decision. If you want to outfit your kitchen cost-effectively, inexpensive knobs help keep hardware costs down. Expect to spend more on both pull hardware and professional installation.
Installation Factors
Pull installation takes more precision - careful measurement and alignment so handles line up evenly across cabinets. Knobs just need a simple drilled hole, making them the easier DIY option.
Choosing the Right Size
Beyond the style, properly sizing your knobs or pulls ensures they both work well and provide the right visual balance.
Knob Size Considerations
For shaker style doors, small 1 1⁄2” or 2” knobs typically look best and don’t overwhelm the door front. On wider slab doors, larger 2 1⁄2” or 3” knobs help fill in more space.
A general rule is the wider the cabinet door, the larger the knob size needed for optimal proportions. Similarly, narrow drawer fronts suit petite 1 1⁄2” knobs.
Pull Size Decisions
Kitchen cabinet pulls range in length from 3” up to 12”. Longer pulls should be used on wider doors and drawers to match the scale. For standard 24” doors, 5”-7” pulls are commonly used.
Medium 5”-6” pulls work well on most cabinet doors, while shorter 3-4” pulls suit narrow drawers. Allow 1” clearance between the pull and adjacent cabinets or walls.
Placement Guidance
On cabinet doors 24” or wider, use two knobs evenly spaced to align with the door’s width. For pulls, align the handle centered horizontally on the door or drawer front.
The exact placement and spacing for pulls depends on the varying widths of drawers and doors. Mark carefully so pulls line up neatly in a row once installed.
Finishes & Materials for Durability
Beyond the style of knob or pull, the finish and material impact the look, durability and pricing.
Finish Options
Popular finishes like polished chrome, brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze add personality. Vintage styles like antique brass or rubbed black evoke a timeworn look.
For contemporary kitchens, matte black or other darkened finishes make a statement. Painted finishes in any color imaginable open up creative possibilities.
Materials
Solid brass knobs and pulls offer the most durability and resist discoloring or tarnishing. Stainless steel also holds up well while providing a sleek, modern look.
Ceramic, wood or porcelain knobs provide a warm, natural look for less cost. Just be aware they chip or dent easier than metal.
Adding Style With Decorative Hardware
Beyond knobs and pulls, additional decorative hardware offers ways to further personalize your cabinets.
Backplates
Circular backplates behind your knobs add noticeable visual weight and interest. On shaker style cabinets, backplates bring added dimension to flat recessed fronts.
Inset Accents
Small glass, crystal or ceramic insets dotting cabinet doors generate artful contrast. Accent colors or materials that tie into your decor make a unique statement.
Mismatched Mix
An eclectic or colorful variety of mismatched knobs and pulls proves you don’t have to follow rules. This budget-friendly approach injects playful personality.
When deciding between kitchen cabinet knobs vs pulls, consider the style you want to convey, ease of use, durability required, and budget. Keys to keep in mind include:
- Knobs suit traditional kitchens, pulls contemporary
- Pulls are easier for those with dexterity issues
- Knobs are more budget friendly
- Match knob/pull finish to cabinet style
- Size appropriately for each door or drawer
- Add decorative touches for extra personality
Now that you know what to look for in knobs and pulls, you can make an informed decision on the right hardware to create your dream kitchen. Just take your time, weigh all the options, and choose knobs or pulls that blend form and function.