How to Select Cabinet Hardware Like a Pro
The Most Common Question
One of the most frequent questions we hear is:
“Should I use knobs or pulls on my cabinets?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your kitchen’s style, how you use the space, and your personal preferences.
Here’s where to start:
- Take a look at your current kitchen hardware.
- Do you like how it looks and functions? Would you change it if you could?
- Browse photos of kitchen designs online or in magazines.
- What types of hardware are you drawn to? Knobs, pulls, or a mix?
Pro Tip:
Designers often mix cabinet hardware styles — for example, using knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. You can also mix different sizes of pulls to add visual interest. As long as it’s cohesive and proportional, mixing it up adds depth and dimension to your kitchen or bathroom design.
Start with Your Kitchen Style
Before choosing hardware, step back and evaluate your kitchen’s overall style. Different hardware styles pair best with certain design aesthetics.
Transitional Kitchens
This popular style blends traditional and contemporary elements.
- Mix simple knobs with decorative pulls.
- Use matching hardware in various sizes for balance.
- Arched or curved handles help bridge modern and traditional elements.
Traditional Kitchens
Timeless and detailed.
- Opt for classic knobs and ornate pulls.
- Look for finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass
Modern Kitchens
Sleek and minimalist.
- Choose edge pulls, tab pulls, or streamlined bar handles.
- Stick with finishes like matte black, polished chrome, or stainless steel.
Choosing the Right Hardware Finish
Hardware finish plays a major role in defining the tone of your kitchen. It should complement your cabinet color, appliance finish, and overall design theme.
Popular Cabinet Hardware Finishes:
- Matte Black – Perfect for modern, farmhouse, or Scandinavian kitchens. Pairs beautifully with white or light wood cabinets.
- Brushed Nickel – A versatile, classic finish that works well in traditional or transitional kitchens.
- Polished Chrome – Sleek and contemporary. Ideal for modern spaces.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Warm and rich, best for traditional kitchens with earthy tones.
- Unlacquered Brass / Brushed Gold – Stylish and trending. Adds warmth and elegance, especially on dark or white cabinets.
Pairing Hardware with Cabinet Colors
For Painted Cabinets:
- White Cabinets – A blank canvas. Anything goes! Try black for contrast, gold for warmth, or chrome for a sleek touch.
- Greige / Taupe Cabinets – Versatile and stylish. Pair with warm brass or bronze finishes for a refined look.
- Black Cabinets – Striking when paired with gold, brass, or even chrome for modern flair.
- Navy / Blue Cabinets – Coastal to transitional, blues pair well with pewter, black, gold, or chrome.
- Green Cabinets – Earthy tones shine with black, gold, or oil-rubbed bronze.
For Stained Wood Cabinets:
- Honey Oak (Older Homes) – Try matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, or brushed brass.
- Quarter Sawn Oak – Pair with matte black, unlacquered brass, or brushed nickel.
- Cherry Cabinets – Complement with black, bronze, or satin nickel hardware.
- Walnut Cabinets – Beautiful with brushed brass, matte black, or gold tones.
Cabinet Hardware Dos and Don’ts
✅ DO:
- Coordinate hardware with your faucet and lighting.
They don’t have to match perfectly — just aim for a cohesive look.
- Consider scale and proportion.
Larger drawers typically need longer pulls for balance.
- Try different finishes against your cabinet color.
Undertones in wood or paint may react differently to each finish.
- Maintain stylistic harmony across the kitchen.
Keep lighting, faucets, and hardware within the same design family.
❌ DON’T:
- Mix hardware colors.
Unless it’s part of a purposeful mixed-finish design, stick to one finish throughout.
- Overwhelm your cabinetry with oversized pulls.
Make sure each piece fits the drawer or door properly.
- Stress about perfection!
Your kitchen designer can guide you through the decision-making process.
Final Thoughts
Think of cabinet hardware as the jewelry of your kitchen — it’s the finishing touch that ties everything together. Whether you’re remodeling or just updating hardware for a quick refresh, selecting the right knobs and pulls can completely transform your space.
Need help deciding? Our design team is always here to help. We’ll guide you through finish choices, sizing, and style pairings to create a kitchen that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
*All hardware in this article is by Top Knobs www.topknobs.com