How to Choose Kitchen Hardware – The Ultimate Guide

It’s time to shine a spotlight on something that doesn’t always get the credit it deserves: kitchen hardware! You’re probably thinking: How will simple cabinet knobs and pulls glam up my home? Well, those little knobs and pulls that seem like an afterthought can actually make a huge difference in your kitchen or bathroom. Whether you’re a seasoned renovation master or just starting to dabble in the world of home improvement, Meg & Co’s got you covered! And this ultimate guide to choosing kitchen hardware will take your home from boring to beautiful in no time flat!

Kitchen Hardware

Kitchen Cabinet Knobs

Let’s kick things off with knobs because, honestly, they can really make or break your cabinets! Moreover, they come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so there are plenty of options to really let your personality shine through. Here are a couple of our favorites.

• Classic Brass Knobs

A timeless staple of cabinet hardware, akin to a perfect pair of jeans you can always count on. They effortlessly blend with any kitchen style and add a touch of understated elegance to the heart of your home.

• Matte Black Cabinet Knobs 

Generally speaking, they’re slick and versatile, providing a contemporary and sophisticated look that can effortlessly complement any kitchen design and bring it into the modern age!

Kitchen Cabinet Pulls

Now, let’s talk about pulls. These bad boys are perfect for drawers and larger cabinets, and they come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Here are a couple that caught our eye!

• Bar Pulls

These straight, horizontal pulls will boost your cabinet hardware up a notch! They’re sleek, they’re stylish, and they’ll make your kitchen look like it belongs in a high story penthouse.

Photo credit: construction2style

• Cup Pulls

Want something a bit warmer? Cup pulls are like the dependable sidekicks of cabinet hardware. They’re always there when you need them, easy to grab, and they bring a cozy, rustic vibe to your kitchen.

Appliance Pulls

In like manner, don’t forget about your appliances. They need some love too, without them, your kitchen is just another room (and you have enough of those!) Here are a couple examples that’ll make your appliances feel super duper fancy.

• Refrigerator Pulls

Similarly, those oversized pulls are like the statement piece of cabinet hardware. They’ll add a touch of glam to your fridge and make it the star of your kitchen.

Photo Credit: construction2style

• Dishwasher Pulls

Equally important, keep your dishwasher from feeling left out with these matching pulls. They’ll give your kitchen a cohesive look and make doing the dishes a little more fun (well… maybe).

Photo Credit: construction2style

Additional favorites:

• Sleek Stainless Steel Pulls: You want sleek, you got sleek! Stainless steel pulls bring modern, minimalist vibe to your kitchen, giving your space that million-dollar look. Plus, they’re a breeze to clean, earning you some bonus points in the maintenance department!
• Vintage-Inspired Bin Pulls: Take a trip down memory lane with vintage bin pulls! They’re like a blast from the past, adding old school charm and character to your kitchen cabinets. Nostalgia never looked so good!
• Matte Black Handles: Ready to make a statement with your kitchen hardware? Matte black handles are here to steal the show! They add that bold contrast against lighter cabinetry, giving your kitchen that high end appearance. Whether you’re into sleek bar pulls or angular handles, matte black hardware makes things look magnificent! 

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware

After that hectic baking marathon in the kitchen, you’re going to need to clean yourself up. So we’re going to move this cabinet tour over to the bathroom! A few simple tweaks to your bathroom cabinets can easily transform your bathroom into a comfortable retreat.

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware: Knobs

Knobs are perfect for vanity cabinets and they come in all sorts of fun shapes and colors. Here are a couple that’ll add a little pizzazz to your bathroom:

• Glass Knobs

These sparkly knobs are like cabinet hardware diamonds. They’ll make your bathroom feel like a fancy hotel spa.

• Porcelain Knobs

For a more classic look, you can’t go wrong with porcelain knobs. They’re elegant and timeless, and they’ll make your bathroom feel like it belongs in a vintage French movie.

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware: Pulls

Pulls are perfect for larger cabinets and drawers, and they come in all sorts of fun designs. Here are a couple that’ll make your bathroom feel like a million bucks.

• Ring Pulls

These ring-shaped pulls are like fancy earrings for your cabinets. They’ll add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom and upgrade your vanity.

• Drop Pulls 

Choose drop-shaped pulls to make a statement. They’re fun and funky, and they’ll give your bathroom a unique look.

Shower Door Pulls

These shower gems not only bring beauty but also make your shower setup a breeze. Whether you’re into sleek and modern vibes or a more traditional feel, there’s a shower door pull to match your taste.

Photo Credit: construction2style

• Bar Pulls 

Imagine a sleek bar gliding effortlessly on your shower door. Stainless steel gives that modern touch, while bronze brings in a cozy, traditional feel.

• C-Shaped Pulls

Now, these are fun! C-shaped pulls add a twist to your shower doors with their unique curved design. Go chrome for a polished, modern look or brass for a touch of luxury.

Additional favorites

• Crystal Knobs: You want fancy, you got fancy! Add a touch of luxury to your bathroom with glistening crystal knobs! They’re like little gems that bring opulence and top shelf elegance to your space. 
• Brushed Nickel Pulls: Versatile and stylish, brushed nickel pulls are the ultimate bathroom accessory. They blend seamlessly with any decor style, adding that effortlessly chic accent you’ve been searching for.
• Marble-Effect Handles: Marble? In the bathroom? Yes, please! These elegant marble-effect handles bring a touch of natural beauty to your cabinets, making your bathroom feel like an expensive spa.
• Glass Drawer Pulls: Timeless and sophisticated, glass drawer pulls add that classic charm to your bathroom design. Their delicate look and subtle shimmer really add some sparkle to the room!

Right Size: How to Choose Cabinet Hardware

Alright, now comes the less exciting stuff, but don’t worry, we’ll make this as painless as possible. Time to tackle the tricky task of picking the right size for your cabinet hardware. Again, it’s like finding the perfect fit for your favorite button up outfit, except for your house!

• For those small drawers, think about going for a pull that’s around 3 to 4 inches long or a knob that’s about an inch in diameter.
• Now, when you’re dealing with medium drawers, you’ll want to size up a bit. Look for pulls that range from 4 to 8 inches long or knobs that are between 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter
• For those big drawers that could practically fit a whole wardrobe, you’re gonna need something as sturdy as a Minnesota Viking Football Player! Think pulls longer than 8 inches or knobs that are at least an inch in diameter. You might even want to double up on pulls or knobs for extra support!

Cabinet Hardware Placement

In addition, let’s talk about where to slap those knobs and pulls on your cabinets. It’s not just about looking fabulous; it’s also about making sure your kitchen or bathroom is easy to access too. Therefore, here are some basic pointers:

• For upper cabinets, aim to stick those knobs or pulls around 2.5 to 3 inches from the bottom edge of the door or drawer.
• When it comes to lower cabinets, you’re looking at hardware placement between 2.5 to 3 inches from the tippy-top edge.
• And for drawers, keep it centered by placing the cabinet pull or knob horizontally on the face. Easy peasy!

In brief, there you have it, folks! An ultimate guide for how to choose cabinet hardware that’ll take your space from drab to fab in no time. As we have mentioned, whether you’re renovating your kitchen or giving your bathroom a mini makeover, these knobs and pulls are sure to add a touch of style and personality to your home. Let your home knob-solutely stand out with handles that pull the whole look together in a cabinet-worthy way!