By Glenda Taylor, Jasmine Harding
Updated on Jun 29, 2022 5:46 PM EDT metal handle
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Cabinet hardware is like the icing on a cake: These finishing touches can invigorate the entire kitchen. Swapping out knobs and drawer pulls is one of the simplest and most effective ways to change the look and feel of a kitchen without dropping big bucks.
The best cabinet hardware is functional, comfortable to use, and should complement a kitchen’s style rather than distract from it. Feel free to be creative and have fun while making hardware selections, but do so wisely and be mindful of the overall look and feel of the kitchen. For example, polished chrome pulls on rustic reclaimed oak cabinetry might look odd, whereas hand-forged cast-iron pulls may seem like the perfect fit.
Keep reading for more tips on how to choose the right kitchen cabinet hardware. We’ve also included a list of our top picks to give you an idea of what’s out there.
When it comes to choosing cabinet hardware, there’s a seemingly endless selection to choose from. Cabinet hardware comes in a wide variety of styles, shapes, materials, and finishes to complement any home decor style. When choosing the best cabinet hardware for your living space, consider the cabinet hardware type, material, shape, finish, and compatibility with your furniture or kitchen cabinets.
When it comes to handles, kitchen decor connoisseurs have two options: Knobs or handles. Knobs are smaller than pull handles and come in a variety of shapes, finishes, and colors, from matte black to colorful patterned styles. Thanks to their size and versatility, knobs make for an understated, yet stylish finish option.
Unlike knob handles, pulls are larger and make more of a statement. They come in a variety of shapes, finishes, and colors. Common shapes include rounded, angular, or arched bars, as well as rings, cups, and novelty shapes.
Want to mix things up a bit? Consider using knobs for cupboard doors and pulls for drawers. The combination of the two could make for an interesting aesthetic.
The material of cabinet hardware is just as important, if not more so, as its style. Metal knobs and pulls, for example, are a popular option because they’re durable, easy to clean, and are available in a range of styles and finishes. Metal hardware is often made from metal alloys, which can include steel, zinc, brass, and bronze to create sturdy and long-lasting hardware.
Although metal is a popular material choice, other options are available. Wood, stone, ceramic, porcelain, crystal, glass, and sturdy fabrics such as leather can make practical and beautiful cabinet hardware.
From classic round knobs to novelty hardware pulls shaped like animals, food, nature-inspired items, and more, cabinet hardware comes in an array of styles and shapes. Those interested in adding personality to their space should opt for a more creative option. Unique cabinet hardware is a subtle way to add character to a space.
Although the right style and shape will come down to personal preference, here are a few characteristics to consider before making a final decision.
Cabinet hardware may seem like an insignificant detail, but it can make a big difference in the way a room looks and feels. Choosing the right pieces can subtly pull a room together or make a big statement, depending on the color and finish.
What’s even better? There’s an endless number of colors and finishes to choose from, including distressed neutral pulls to bright, rainbow-patterned knobs to warm, polished woods to an array of metallic finishes. There’s truly a finish for every room.
Those who want their hardware to match their current decor should look for similar finishes for a cohesive look. For example, kitchen cabinet pulls with a stainless steel, satin nickel, or chrome finish will match with stainless steel appliances.
Cabinet hardware can also be used as a way to make the kitchen cabinets a focal point. Want to make a statement? Consider picking colorful or patterned hardware.
Installing cabinet hardware is a relatively easy DIY project. For most installs, a drill (and the right hardware) should do the trick. When installing cabinet hardware, one factor to consider is the cabinets’ thickness. Most knobs and pulls that include mounting hardware come with 1-inch screws. For thicker cupboards or drawers, you may need to pick up your own screws.
When it comes to choosing cabinet hardware, most sizing choices come down to personal taste. Cabinet knobs are small and install using one screw, so they don’t require much measurement prep and should fit any cabinet or drawer.
Installing cabinet pulls may require some measuring to check for compatibility. For drawers or cabinets with bevels or designs on the front, there should be a good spot to drill the two or more holes required for installation. When installing sliding cabinet door hardware, make sure the pull doesn’t get in the way of opening the cabinet. To install full-length pulls, measure the cabinet length to ensure the pull is a good fit.
Below, we’ve listed some of the best knobs and pulls on the market. To ensure that we catered to our readers’ personal style, we included a wide variety of cabinet hardware, from traditional knobs to modern pulls.
The classic look of these Franklin Brass cabinet knobs will give any cabinets a fresh, updated look. The slightly flared, square knobs are 1.15 inches wide and extend 1.02 inches from the cabinet door’s face when installed. To match standard appliance and faucet tones, these simple knobs come in a classic satin nickel finish.
The knobs are made from durable, die-cast zinc and feature a subtle step-edge at the base that adds just a hint of visual texture. Whether your kitchen’s style is traditional, country, casual or something more modern, these knobs will make for a handsome update. One order includes 10 knobs, plus the screws required to install them.
Get the Franklin Brass cabinet knobs on Amazon, The Home Depot, and Wayfair.
The muted satin nickel finish on these round cabinet knobs will work well in a kitchen with modern stainless steel appliances and fixtures. They’re versatile and look just as sharp in a bathroom as they would in a kitchen. The handles feature a gentle convex surface and small step base, making for a simple, brushed nickel finish.
Each knob comes in a plastic bag to reduce scratching during shipment, and one order includes 25 satin nickel knobs. The knobs are 1.25 inches in diameter and extend 1.125 inches from the cabinet front. They come packaged with the screws required for installation.
Get the Cosmas cabinet hardware knob on Amazon.
You don’t have to spend a lot to update the kitchen with these 1.25-inch round knobs from Ilyapa. There are a number of colors and finishes available to suit different kitchen decor styles. When installed, they extend just 1 inch from the front of the cabinet.
The handles come with breakaway mounting screws, allowing the user to install the knobs on cabinet doors up to 1.5 inches thick. These affordable metal knobs are shipped individually wrapped to reduce the risk of scratching during shipment.
Get the Ilyapa flat black knob on Amazon.
To incorporate a copper aesthetic into the kitchen, consider these understated knobs from Dynasty Hardware. Made from zinc alloy for durability with an antique copper finish, the round knobs measure 1.375 inches in diameter and extend 0.98 inches from the cabinet door’s face.
Though simple, the stepped base and classic ringed design on the surface add visual appeal. These knobs come with the screws required for installation and fit cabinet doors up to 1.125 inches thick.
Get the Dynasty Hardware knobs on Amazon.
Add a bit of brilliance to your cabinets with these trendy, Euro-styled, polished chrome cabinet pulls from Cosmas. These glistening bars catch and reflect the light, giving the kitchen a chic, upscale look.
Each pull measures a substantial 5.375 inches long but fits a standard 3-inch hole center. The pulls extend 1.375 inches from the cabinet’s face and are suitable for installation on both drawers and doors. Each piece of hardware comes individually wrapped to protect its finish, and the screws needed for installation are included. One order consists of 10 pulls.
Get the Cosmas cabinet hardware on Amazon.
Add bold flair to a modern kitchen with goldenwarm’s high-quality, anticorrosive stainless steel bar pulls. These sleek black bar pulls are just the thing to complement contemporary kitchen decor, and their clean geometric shape is appropriate for flat-surface cabinet doors and drawer fronts alike.
What’s nice about these pulls from Goldenwarm is that they’re available in a range of hole-center measurements, from 3-inch centers up to 18-inch centers, so there’s bound to be a set that’s sized for your needs. The larger bars can even double as kitchen towel bars.
Get the goldenwarm drawer pulls on Amazon or at Wayfair (set of 25).
Can you hear the roosters crowing? These oil-rubbed bronzed drawer pulls by Cosmas hearken back to our forefathers’ turn-of-the-20th-century country kitchens. This time-honored style’s rustic appeal adds farmhouse allure and bucolic charm to traditional and historic-style kitchens. The deep richness of the oil-rubbed bronze finish is reminiscent of the softly aged look of yesteryear’s real bronze pulls.
The cup-style pulls, designed for installation on drawer fronts with the open side facing downward, measure 3.5 inches from side to side and extend 1 inch out from the cabinet face. They come individually wrapped in a pack of 10 and install on 3-inch hole centers.
Get the Cosmas Oil-Rubbed Bronze bin cup on Amazon.
The curved bar on the Franklin Brass Pierce drawer pulls will add contemporary appeal to your kitchen. What’s more? The curved design gives your fingers extra room to properly grip the pulls. They’re made from strong zinc alloy and are available in various minimalist finishes to complement common appliances and faucets. Get them in the satin nickel finish to beautifully complement kitchens with stainless steel appliances.
The pulls are 5.375 inches in length from end to end, installed on 4-inch hole centers, and extend 1.1 inches from the cabinet face. Sold in sets of 10 and individually wrapped for protection, these pulls come with all the hardware you need to install them.
Get the Franklin Brass drawer pulls on Amazon, Lowe’s, and Wayfair.
A classic satin nickel finish and trendy square knobs make the Franklin Brass Parow Knobs a versatile choice to update your kitchen or bathroom. For a simple and ultra-modern style, consider the Cosmas Traditional Round Cabinet Knobs. These knobs have a minimalist round design and a soft brushed nickel finish.
Style is one of the most important features shoppers look for in new cabinet hardware, so we put a lot of weight on aesthetics, choosing hardware that looks attractive and approachable to fit a wide range of homes and applications.
Beyond looking nice, cabinet hardware should feel pleasant to use (you will use it every day, after all). Through product research and reading online reviews, we chose hardware that would feel comfortable in hand—no overly sharp corners or unfinished edges on this list.
Switching up cabinet hardware is often taken on as a DIY project, so ease of installation was another important feature we considered. Each option on this list includes mounting hardware for easier installation, taking the hassle out of finding the right screws. We also looked for options where each piece is individually packaged. Although this uses a little more packaging, it greatly reduces scratches and dings in transit to make sure the hardware arrives ready to install.
Switching up your cabinet hardware is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to give your living space a facelift. But with a huge array of options available it can be overwhelming to narrow down the best choice for your bathroom or kitchen cabinets. For more help choosing and installing new hardware on your cabinets, consider the frequently asked questions ahead.
Choosing between pulls or knobs comes down to personal style and preference. One factor to consider is the size and shape you prefer, both in terms of look and feel. If you want a subtler look and smaller grip, go for cabinet knobs. If you want an option that takes up more visual space and feels more like a handle, consider cabinet pulls.
For the most part, the cabinet hardware size depends on your preferred look: Small hardware is more subtle, while large hardware can make a statement.
Most cabinet hardware requires a 0.1875-inch diameter hole.
First, measure and mark where you want to place the knob or pull. After marking, drill an appropriately sized hole. Install the new handles using a screwdriver, and voila! Your cabinets have a whole new look.
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