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CHOOSING THE RIGHT BATHROOM AND KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE

March 26, 2024 · BY: WOLF HOME PRODUCTS

Something as small as your cabinet hardware can change the look and feel of your bathroom or kitchen. As new styles emerge, you have more options than ever before — so how do you know what’s right for you and your space? Discover how to choose cabinet hardware and find the perfect finishes that complement your design style and personality.

Style

Not all cabinet handle hardware is the same. From sleek, modern options to unique statement pieces, there is hardware for every design style.

Before looking at the design and color of your cabinet hardware, you first need to decide on cabinet pulls versus knobs. You can mix and match these handles or opt for a single style throughout your design, and both pull and knob hardware comes in various designs and sizes. If you want to incorporate both types of handles into your cabinetry, pulls are typically used for drawers, while knobs are used for cabinet doors.

Cabinet Pulls

Cabinet Pulls

Pulls are ideal for drawers because they allow you to use your whole hand to open the drawer instead of just your fingertips. A wider grip gives you better control, especially for heavier drawers. If you prefer an all-pull look, it’s best to place your pull handles horizontally for drawers and vertically for doors.

Pull-handle cabinetry can give your bathroom or kitchen a more modern look. Popular pull handle styles include:

  • Arch pulls
  • Bar pulls
  • Birdcage pulls
  • Cup pulls
  • Drop-handle pulls
  • Finger pulls
  • Ring pulls

Bar and arch pulls are classic pull handle options, but take some time to consider all your options. It’s important to find a handle that matches your style and is comfortable to use. You’ll use these handles multiple times a day, so you’ll want to make sure you like the way they feel, not just how they look.

Knobs

Knob handle hardware for kitchen and bathroom cabinets is most commonly a geometric shape. However, novelty design options are available as well. You can find novelty cabinet knobs in a wide variety of shapes, from animals to flowers. Whichever design you choose, ensure the knob is also comfortable in your hand.

Knob handles boast a traditional and classic look. Some popular knob handle styles include:

  • Bar knobs
  • Cylindrical knobs
  • Geometric knobs
  • Round knobs
  • Square knobs
  • Oval knobs
  • Mushroom knobs

Whether you go for knobs or pulls on cabinets is completely up to you and your personal style. However, even if you opt for an all-knob handle design, you may still want to use pulls for any heavier drawers or doors, such as a pullout trash compartment.

Color and Finish

Another way to customize your cabinet hardware to fit your design style is through its color and finish. Some popular hardware finishes include:

  • Chrome
  • Brushed nickel
  • Shades of bronze
  • Satin brass
  • Oil-rubbed bronze
  • Rust
  • Aluminum
  • Matte black
  • Clear glass
  • Wood

If you want to create a monochromatic look, choose a finish that matches your cabinets. If you’re looking for a pop of color or want to add contrast to your color scheme, try matte black kitchen hardware for cabinets.

Having a hard time choosing a finish for your kitchen cabinet hardware? Look to your appliances for inspiration. What color and finish are your refrigerator, dishwasher and sink faucet? Look at options that complement your current appliances, as well as ones that add contrast.

Hardware Trends

Hardware Trends

Design trends are constantly changing — it’s essential to focus on your own taste and style to ensure you love the look of your kitchen or bathroom for years to come. After all, you’re the one who will use the space daily. The most important person to please is yourself!

However, we sometimes need a little help finding our style. You can use these cabinet hardware trends to inspire you during your design process:

  • Go bold: From oversized handles to eye-catching colors like gold or black, current cabinet hardware design trends are all about making a statement. A bold cabinet handle or knob will draw attention and add a beautiful design element to your space without being overwhelming.
  • Incorporate historical design elements: Current design trends show a renewed interest in the dramatic and elegant designs of the past. If you love a vintage look, you might consider historic-inspired cabinet hardware. You can find collections with novelty items and more traditionally shaped pieces.
  • Mix and match: Mixing metals is just one way to create a fun, unique look. Try choosing a single color and finish for your hardware, but mix up the shapes you use. Experiment with fun geometric shapes for your cabinet drawers and classy pulls for your drawers. Have some fun and find a combination that makes your space personal to you and your style.

Bathroom Cabinet Hardware Ideas

Explore these stylish cabinet hardware ideas to transform your bathroom space:

Knobs

The knobs you choose for your bathroom cabinets add a subtle finish that can help bring your design together. Knobs are relatively easy to change out, giving you room to experiment before choosing your favorite options. These are three simple but popular options:

  • Ceramic knobs: Plain ceramic knobs are an excellent choice for a classic and timeless style. Ceramic bathroom cabinet knobs also come in a range of eye-catching designs and fun colors, so you can match them to any bathroom cabinet to create a custom design.
  • Glass knobs: Whether frosted or clear, glass knobs provide a clean look that modernizes bathrooms.
  • Metal knobs: Opting for vintage bronze, brass, copper or nickel knobs is a fantastic way to achieve a vintage look.

Pulls

Cup pulls are perfect for adding some geometric features to your bathroom. Selecting pull cups that contrast your cabinets is also an easy way to add a pop of color to your space. Cup pulls come in various colors and materials to suit different styles and price ranges. You can find brass, brushed nickel, antique pewter and steel cup pulls with different finishes.

Themed Hardware

If you want to create themed rooms, a bathroom is a good place to start. Your bathroom cabinet hardware is a subtle but powerful touch.

Themed Hardware

Consider the overall style of your bathroom, the color and finish of your cabinets and the theme you want to encapsulate. For example, if you are going for a beach theme in your bathroom and have powder blue cabinets, you could add sandy-colored or white knobs to achieve a beach house-inspired feel.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas

If you’re wondering how to choose the right kitchen cabinet hardware, picking a style you love can help you simplify your choices. You can add these hardware style ideas to your kitchen remodeling checklist:

  • Classic: Classic knobs and pulls made of stainless steel or brass help create a refined and timeless look in your kitchen space. Matte finishes in black and cream are also excellent choices.
  • Modern: Long, slim pulls in stainless steel and matte finishes pull a modern look together, as does creating contrast between the cabinets and hardware. Think polished nickel hardware on black and gold hardware with olive green, dark blue and charcoal gray cabinets.
  • Minimalistic: An easy way to achieve a minimalistic style in your kitchen is by choosing hardware with a similar shade to that of your cabinets. This creates a clean, streamlined look.
  • Rustic and farmhouse: Choosing hardware made from wood and leather is an easy way to unify a rustic-style kitchen.
  • Vintage-inspired: For an awe-inspiring vintage look, you can choose antique brass or dark stainless steel pulls and knobs. You can also shop around for ornamental pieces with beautifully elaborate carvings.
  • Trendy and playful: Experimenting with cabinet hardware is a great way to achieve a more playful and trendy look without worrying about an expensive, long-term commitment. You can find knobs, pulls and even hinges in bright colors and fun designs.
  • Mix and match: One of the biggest growing trends in kitchen cabinet hardware is mixing and matching hardware. You can do this by combining different finishes, shapes and sizes.

Where to Put Cabinet Hardware

If you’re replacing your current cabinet hardware, the existing screw holes will guide where you place your new hardware. However, if you’re replacing a knob with a pull or vice versa, you’ll need to determine the new placement yourself.

Follow these guidelines to find the proper cabinet handle placement for knob hardware:

  • Place the knob on the opposite side of the door’s hinges.
  • Place the knob around 2 ½-3 inches from the bottom corner for upper cabinet doors.
  • Place the knob 2 ½-3 inches from the top corner for lower cabinet doors.

Follow the same rules for pulls by placing one end of the hardware where your knob would go. Ensure the pull is level before securing the other end.

The center of the drawer is a classic option when adding pull hardware. You can also place the pull slightly above the direct center if it feels more comfortable for you. This same idea applies to knob hardware. Align the center of your bar knob or other knob hardware with the center of the drawer.

Upgrade Your Cabinetry With Wolf Home Products

No matter your style preferences, cabinet hardware gives you a versatile and simple way to experiment with different designs around your home.

When you want to elevate and upgrade your home, Wolf Home Products offers a great selection of beautiful, high-quality cabinets, vanities and more. From traditional cabinets to more unique models, we offer several cabinet options for various design styles and preferences. Find a dealer in your area to start renovating or designing your new space today.

Upgrade Your Cabinetry With Wolf Home Products

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