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Picking out kitchen cabinet hardware as your renovation wraps up is like getting the dessert menu at the end of a meal. It’s a sweet way to end things. Still, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the choices before you. Latches, handles, knobs, or pulls? Matte black, antique brass, or polished nickel? Tiny and seamless or oversize? Understanding the ins and outs of each is the key to making a confident decision.
“Sizing and function are the two most important factors when considering what cabinet hardware is best,” says Kimberlee Gorsline, founder and principal designer of Kimberlee Marie Interiors. So let’s begin with the most common hardware on kitchen cupboards: knobs and pulls. Their end goal is really the same—to give you access to the stuff that’s on the other side—but the two options serve a space differently. So here’s everything to know about knobs versus pulls, upper cabinets versus lower cabinets, and getting the scale right in your space. Plus we share 16 options to shop for your own.
When should I use knobs on kitchen cabinets?
The general rule of thumb is that knobs are best for cabinet doors, though you can certainly break said rule. “We might do a single knob on a smaller drawer,” says Gorsline. It doesn’t matter what shape you go with (they come in round, square, oblong, octagonal—you name it), what’s important is location; place them 2 1/2 or 3 inches from the corner of the door.
When should I use pulls on kitchen cabinets?
Pulls offer a bit more flexibility because you can put them on both drawers and doors. “Overall I think that pulls are easier to grasp than knobs,” adds Michelle Lisac, founder and principal designer of Michelle Lisac Interior Design. That’s especially nice if your cabinet fronts are on the larger end and you need a bit more leverage to open them.
What size should my knobs and pulls be?
Start by accounting for the length of your cabinets. For smaller nooks, like spice pull-outs or slim doors that hide cutting boards, go with knobs that are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Otherwise, knobs that are between1 ¼ and 1 ⅜ incheswill suffice.That said, there are benefits to supersizing your knobs. Not only does it make them easier to grab, but the visual effect (especially if they’re painted the same color as your cabinet doors) is showstopping.
Pulls are a bit trickier to get right. “If you have a long drawer, you will need a long pull to support the weight of pulling out the drawer,” explains Gorsline.To simplify your shop, consider picking one size and using them throughout your cabinetry. A 3¾-inch distance between the screw holes looks nice on most cabinets and is large enough to grip comfortably.
What finish should I choose?
Let your cupboard color and style guide your hardware material. Check out a few of our favorite pairings, including iron on beadboard fronts, glass against a high-gloss finish, and wood painted to match vibrant doors. But don’t forget about satin and polished nickel, chrome, matte black, and copper. “In some scenarios, hardware is best applied like jewelry, and in others, you want it to be understated,” says Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design, who is obsessed with the former lately (she’s into organic shapes that look sculptural, like in this Bel Air kitchen).
“I’m currently loving an unlacquered brass, but I also like pulls with a combination of either textures or finishes, like Emtek’s knurled bars,” says Lisac. Style aside, her most important rule is to invest in quality. After all, “these are items that you are literally going to be touching every day,” she points out.
Can I mix knobs and pulls in the same kitchen?
There are two ways to go about incorporating knobs and pulls seamlessly in one kitchen. The first route is to put knobs on all the upper cabinets and pulls on all the lower cabinets for visual balance. The second option is to put knobs on all the doors and pulls on all the drawers, prioritizing function. But who said you can’t throw out the rule book entirely? Shea McGee mixed knobs, latches, thin pulls, and cup pulls in her kitchen, above—and thanks to the fact that they’re all the same brass finish, it totally works. Open sesame.
There are pros and cons to each option: Knobs tend to be cheaper and easier to install but they can often get caught on things like clothing etc. Pulls can have a big impact but are often more challenging to install and can be a bit awkward as a door pull.
When choosing between knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinet hardware, consider cabinet pulls for a modern, sleek look. Pulls are also a great choice for big, heavy drawers. Opt for knobs for a more traditional feel and for use on cabinet doors.
Cabinet knobs are placed opposite of door hinges. On wall cabinets, knobs are usually placed 2-1/2” to 3” from the bottom corner of the door.On base cabinets, they are placed 2-1/2” to 3” from the upper corner of the door.
Across the board, designers agree that textured finishes are set to be one of the biggest kitchen hardware trends of 2024. Say goodbye to sleek finishes and hello to hammered, brushed, and knurled finishes on both knobs and pulls.
A long traditional handle will also function well on shaker-style cupboards. Small knobs are often chosen for lighter cupboard doors and handles that have a wider surface are useful for drawers making them easier to pull open.
While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width. Small Drawers that are 12” or less typically work best with a pull that is 3” to 4” long or a knob that is 1” in diameter.
Material and Finish: Choose high-quality materials like brass, stainless steel, or zinc, and decide on a finish that complements your kitchen's existing fixtures and color scheme, such as chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, or matte black. 3.
What size should my knobs and pulls be? Start by accounting for the length of your cabinets. For smaller nooks, like spice pull-outs or slim doors that hide cutting boards, go with knobs that are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Otherwise, knobs that are between 1 ¼ and 1 ⅜ inches will suffice.
Cabinet knobs should be installed on the side opposite the hinges. The general rule is to place a knob 2 ½ to 3 inches from the corner of the door. For upper cabinets, install knobs in the bottom corners of the door. For lower cabinets, place them in the upper corners.
Unlike other more traditional hardware choices, the combination of copper and chrome in kitchen design brings a contemporary and luxurious touch to any space. Designers love to mix metals, and this dynamic duo is a perfect example of how contrasting elements can work together harmoniously.
Mixing the two can create a traditional look, while using all bar pulls works well if you're going for a modern look. Choosing all knobs can lean into a cottage or contemporary look, depending on the material and whether they are more ornate or simple in shape.
Bronze hardware, known for its enduring elegance and inviting warmth, is becoming a sought-after choice for contemporary spaces. This trend marks a revival of the rich, earthy tones of bronze in door hardware, marrying traditional allure with modern design sensibilities.
Does door hardware have to match? Door handles, fixtures and fittings, and other hardware don't have to match exactly, but they should blend together to make a harmonious space. If you want a cohesive aesthetic, select hardware that's a similar colour to the finish on your fixtures and appliances.
After the wood putty has dried completely, sand smooth with medium to fine grit sandpaper, removing all excess filler, paint or stain the filled area, then drill holes to fit the new screws for your pulls in the area previously marked.
The best handles for shaker style kitchen cabinets can depend on personal preference and the desired aesthetic, but popular choices include oil rubbed bronze cup pulls, tubular bar pulls, and matte black hardware. These options complement the classic look of shaker cabinets while adding a touch of modern elegance.
Choosing pulls has a number of benefits. First, pulls are typically a little easier to use than knobs, making them an excellent choice for homes with weak or arthritic hands. Pulls also reduce the amount of contact your hands have with your cabinets, which helps to keep your cabinetry clean.
Installing knobs on your upper cabinets and pulls on your lower cabinets is an excellent way to coordinate your hardware and create visual interest. Knobs are easier to grip higher up, so you can access the contents of your upper cabinets safely.
Your Shaker cabinet hardware will consist of cabinet knobs and pulls, most likely a mix of both. Knobs tend to be used for cabinet doors, pulls tend to be used with both doors and drawers.
If you want a space that leans towards more of the traditional side, the general rule to follow is knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. Every so often we will break this rule for small drawers or small spaces, such as bathrooms. But you really cannot go wrong when sticking to this overall guideline.
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