The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we prepare meals for our loved ones, and it’s where we gather to share laughter and conversation.
But because the kitchen is such an important part of our lives, we often want it to look perfect. And one way to achieve that perfect look is to choose the right kitchen cabinet hardware.
But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Do you go for function or style? Do you choose something simple or something over-the-top? And then there’s the price to consider.
What To Look For When Choosing Cabinet Hardware
In addition to making a room feel complete, the right hardware can pull it all together. This is why you want it to look top-class. But sadly, aesthetics is something not everyone is good at.
Some might not understand what to get and by the time they realize it doesn’t deliver the look you wanted to go for, it might be too late.
Here are a few factors you need to check before you make the crucial decision for your kitchen. Let’s get started.
Cabinet style
The first thing we need to decide is what kind of cabinet you’re going for. There are so many to choose from! When deciding which one is right for your home, it can be helpful to think about the overall style of your house.
Do you prefer a more traditional look, or are you drawn to contemporary designs? Perhaps you like the best of both worlds and would feel most comfortable with a transitional or eclectic style.
Just take your time, do your research, and trust your gut. After all, it’s your home and you should love the way it looks. If you’re not finding authentic inspiration, hit Instagram or Pinterest and see what they got for you.
Hardware Type
Why do we use a cabinet? To open it and store things of course. And to open the cabinet you need- a door handle! Now, there are two main door handles for cabinets- knob or pull. Which one you prefer is entirely up to you.
I prefer knobs more personally due to the fact that it looks much more modern and fashionable.
Size And Placement
The next thing you need to decide afterward is size. Although the order can be flipped. Some like to choose their style based on the area available and that’s also a legit way to do things.
Make sure your knobs or pulls are in proportion to your doors and drawers, or you’ll end up with a mismatched look that is both aesthetically unpleasing and functionally confusing.
For example, oversized doors require large hardware, while small doors can get away with smaller-scale pulls or even no hardware at all.
Pulls are typically positioned horizontally on drawers and vertically on cabinets. But it’s 2022, you can throw the rulebook away and go with whatever you like more.
Also, where you place your hardware is also important. You don’t want it too high as it’ll make you overextend your arms. Having it too low, let’s say- on the hip section is also inconvenient. Have them somewhere below the chest area.
Hardware material
The materials that your hardware is made of probably don’t interest you very much if you’re like most people. You may not think that it makes a difference to the overall appearance and feel of your space, but it actually does.
So if you’re thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover, it’s worth considering your hardware options.
If you have a colored cabinet, for instance, you’ll want to choose the hardware in a complementary color. If you’re going for a classic look, then gold, black, or bronze hardware is a great option. If you’re looking for something more modern, then silver or stainless steel might be what you’re after.
And if you’re going for a vintage look, then glass or crystal is the way to go. Ultimately, it’s all about finding what works best for your space and your personal style.
I really like the black hardware over the white cabinet. I think it’s simple yet a classy look.
Identify The Correct Finish
What finish you want to go for becomes extremely easy to decide once you’re done deciding the rest. Because all you have to do is match it with the aesthetics of the other parts. There are a few different finishes, for example- matte, paint, satin, polish, etc.
If you’re going for a sleek, modern look in your kitchen, then a brushed or polished steel finish is a great option. These finishes will help to accentuate the clean lines of your cabinets and give them a bit of extra shine.
An old-school kitchen would benefit from a brass finish. The warm, classic look of brass can really bring your cabinets to life.
You can’t go wrong with bronze cabinet hardware in a rustic kitchen. With bronze, your kitchen will have a vintage vibe. As if it’s from a victorian era.
Adding black hardware to light-colored cabinets in a transitional kitchen will be eye-catching. Transitional kitchen are about flashiness since it combines traditional and modern elements, let your creativity flourish with these kinds of cabinets.
Read:
- How to Install Soft Close Cabinet Hinges
- How to Adjust Soft Close Cabinet Doors Hinges
- How to Install Drawer Slides on Face Frame Cabinets
How Much Does Cabinet Hardware Cost?
Kitchen cabinet hardware is a lot like ice cream – there’s something out there for everyone, no matter your taste or budget. A single unit can cost as little as $5, while an ultra-luxe selection could cost even $5000. It all depends on your budget, quality, bargaining skills, number of cabinets, etc.
Conclusion
So if you’re thinking about giving your kitchen a makeover, it’s worth considering your hardware options. The good news is that there are lots of great choices out there, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style.
With a little research and patience, you’re sure to find the perfect pieces to complete your dream kitchen. No matter what style you choose, make sure your hardware compliments the rest of your space for a pulled-together look.
This is Adam Sullivan, the author of tchardwaretools.com! I started my days as a mobile carpenter to become a full-time shop owner, and have been living my professional life for more than 8 years now.
Here I want to share my thoughts, experiences, and ideas through this platform. Stay Tuned!