The Complete Guide to Choosing Kitchen Knobs and Pulls

Give your kitchen a mini makeover with a simple update to the knobs and pulls on your cabinets and drawers. The hardware you choose brings out the style of your kitchen while adding a splash of your personality. With so many options for shapes, sizes, materials and finishes, it can be tricky to settle on the perfect knobs and pulls. Read on for our complete guide to choosing hardware that gives your kitchen just the right amount of flair.

Knobs vs. Pulls: Which is Right for You?

The first decision is whether knobs or pulls better suit your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Here's an overview of how they differ:

Knobs are attached with a single screw and centered on doors or drawers. Their small footprint makes them ideal for tight spaces. Knobs come in round, square and custom artistic shapes. They have a classic, understated look.

Pulls are long handles anchored by two screws. They make a bolder style statement by spanning a larger area. Their length also provides extra grip leverage for ease of opening. Common pull styles include rectangular bar, wire and cylindrical.

Many kitchens feature knobs on doors and pulls on lower drawers. This traditional arrangement provides ergonomic ease where it's needed while keeping the look clean and streamlined up top. But ultimately knobs or pulls come down to visual taste.

Popular Hardware Styles

Traditional knobs and pulls have an elegant, sometimes ornate appearance with delicate curves and detailing. Fluted mushrooms knobs are classic traditional style options.

The minimalist look of modern hardware features straight lines, simple geometric forms and little to no ornamentation. Sleek rectangular bar pulls in matte metals embody this aesthetic.

Contemporary style brings a slight curve back to modern's straight edges for a softer yet still streamlined look. Half moon or contoured oval pulls strike this balance.

Transitional knobs and pulls blend elements of traditional and contemporary styles. An example is a porcelain knob with clean lines and a small accent border.

Industrial options have an unfinished, mechanical look featuring exposed joinery, visible hardware and matte black iron. Wire pulls embody industrial style.

Farmhouse pulls go vintage with visible wood grains, galvanized iron finishes and porcelain knobs with distressed crackled glazing.

Materials and Finishes

Brass, bronze, nickel, stainless steel and iron are commonly used metals for knobs and pulls due to their durability and ability to take a variety of finishes.

Glass, crystal, ceramic, wood and resin composite materials provide eye-catching but delicate alternatives requiring gentle care. Their smooth surfaces beautifully showcase decorative designs.

From shiny polished metals to darkened oil-rubbed bronze, the finish you choose sets the tone from glitzy to understated. Mixing finishes is an of-the-moment trend for eclectic flair.

Shaping Your Hardware

Beyond classic circles, creative knob shapes run the gamut from faceted crystal to custom artisan designs. Square, oval and rectangular pulls offer streamlined alternatives.

Cylindrical pulls resemble extended knob stems. Flat bar pulls enabled understated modern styling. Wire pulls have an industrial vibe. Consider the existing lines and curves of your cabinetry when selecting shapes.

Size: Finding the Right Fit

Standard cabinet knob diameters range from about 1 to 1.5 inches. For high visual impact, oversized knobs up to 3 inches across make a statement.

Pull lengths typically start around 3 inches for small drawers and range up to 12 inches or more for maximum leverage on large doors and drawers. Grip diameters from 1/2 to 2 inches accommodate all hand sizes.

Take measurements of existing hardware and available cabinet and drawer space before selecting sizes. Allow proper clearance for comfortable grip and door/drawer opening.

Placement Tips

Sticking with tradition? Use knobs for upper cabinets and pulls for bases and drawers. Centered knobs keep a clean, streamlined look on door fronts.

Consistent spacing between hardware creates a cohesive appearance. Place pulls near drawer bottoms and outer door edges, away from panel seams.

Feel free to break decorating rules with eclectic mixed styles and finishes for your own custom look. Just maintain symmetry within each door or drawer front.

Factors that Guide Style Selection

Let your cabinet door style guide your hardware picks. For traditional inset cabinetry, go for ornamented mushrooms knobs and bail pulls. On slab cabinet fronts, modern bar pulls keep the look minimal.

Match knobs and pulls to your kitchen's overall design aesthetic. Opt for sleek rectangular pulls in a contemporary kitchen, or ceramic knobs with distressing in a farmhouse style space.

Do you want your hardware to blend in subtly or make a bold statement? Oversized and ornate knobs command attention, while brushed bronze offers an understated look.

Set a budget for hardware outlays. Pricing varies widely by material and style from just a few dollars per knob or pull to over $100 apiece for high-end designer pieces.

Shopping for Your New Hardware

Big box stores, like Home Depot and Lowes offer large selections of knobs and pulls in mainstream styles. Their online inventories give you plenty of options to evaluate.

Hardware specialists like Rocky Mountain Hardware and Rejuvenation have expanded collections including unique vintage and designer offerings.

Etsy artisans create one-of-a-kind handmade hardware to add a custom touch. If seeking a specific style, search sites with filtering capabilities to narrow down choices.

A drill, tape measure, screwdriver and stud finder are must-haves for installing hardware. Refer to manufacturers' guidelines for proper hole sizing and placement.

Remove old knobs and pulls carefully to avoid damaging cabinet fronts. Fill old screw holes if necessary before installing the new hardware.

Cleaning needs vary by material from soap and water for metals to specialty polishes. Promptly dry any spills and clean accumulated grime to prevent tarnish and rust.

Over time, tightened screws can loosen causing hardware to wiggle free. Periodically check for any loose knobs or pulls and re-tighten their fittings.

Replacing damaged hardware or switching up styles for a fresh look is an easy DIY project. With the insights in this guide, you can give your kitchen an instant mini makeover with stylish new knobs and pulls that show off your personal flair.