Choosing the right kitchen cabinet hardware can make a big difference in the look and feel of your kitchen. Whether you want to add some personality, contrast, or harmony to your cabinets, you need to consider the style, color, placement, quality, material, and budget of your hardware. Here are some tips to help you choose the best kitchen cabinet hardware to match your decor.
Understand Your Kitchen Style
The style of your hardware should complement the style of your cabinets and your overall kitchen theme. For example, if you have a traditional or farmhouse kitchen, you might want to go for classic knobs, pulls, or latches in brass, bronze, or copper. If you have a modern or contemporary kitchen, you might prefer sleek and simple cabinet hardware finishes in stainless steel, chrome, or matte black. You can also experiment with different shapes and designs, such as square, round, oval, bar, cup, ring, or novelty hardware.
Coordinate With Paint Colors
The color of your hardware should either match or contrast with the color of your cabinets and other elements in your kitchen. For example, if you have white cabinets, you can go for any hardware color that suits your taste. You can choose a warm tone like gold or brass to add some warmth, a cool tone like silver or pewter to create a clean and crisp look, or a bold tone like black or copper to make a statement. If you have colored cabinets, you can either match the hardware color to create a monochromatic look or choose a contrasting color to create some visual interest.
Know Placement Matters
The placement of your hardware should be consistent and functional. You want your hardware to be easy to reach and use, as well as aesthetically pleasing. A general rule of thumb is to place knobs and pulls about 2.5 to 3 inches from the edge of the cabinet door or drawer, and center them horizontally on the door stile or drawer front. You can also experiment with different placements depending on the size and shape of your hardware and cabinets. For example, you can place knobs in the center of the top rail of drawers, or place pulls vertically on tall cabinets.
Check Out Current Kitchen Hardware Trends
Mixed Metals
Mixing different types of metals, such as brass, copper, chrome, or black, can create a dynamic and eclectic look in your kitchen. You can mix metals by using different hardware finishes on upper and lower cabinets, or by using different hardware styles on drawers and doors. You can also mix metals by adding other metal accents, such as faucets, lighting fixtures, or appliances.
Minimalist Designs
Minimalist designs, such as hidden or integrated pulls, can create a sleek and streamlined look in your kitchen. You can achieve this by using hardware that blends in with your cabinet color or material, or by using hardware that is recessed or flush with your cabinet surface. You can also achieve this by using touch-to-open or push-to-open mechanisms that eliminate the need for hardware altogether.
Colorful Hardware
Colorful hardware, such as bright or pastel knobs and pulls, can add some fun and personality to your kitchen. You can use colorful hardware to create a contrast with your cabinet color or to match your kitchen theme. You can also use colorful hardware to add some pops of color to a neutral or monochromatic kitchen.
Choose Quality Over Quantity
The quality of your hardware should be durable and comfortable to use. You want your hardware to last long and feel weighty in hand. Solid metal hardware is usually more durable and sturdy than its hollow counterparts. However, solid metal hardware can also be more expensive and heavier than hollow ones. You should also look for hardware that has a rust-resistant and scratch-resistant finish that will not fade or discolor over time.
Choose The Right Material
The material of your hardware should be suitable for your kitchen environment and personal preference. There are many types of materials available for kitchen cabinet handles, such as brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, copper, bronze, iron, pewter, chrome, nickel, ceramic, glass, wood, acrylic, crystal, leather, etc.
Each material has its own pros and cons in terms of durability, maintenance, appearance, and cost. For example:
- Brass is a popular material for kitchen cabinet hardware because it is antimicrobial and helps reduce the spread of germs. It also has a warm and elegant look that can complement many styles and colors. However, brass can be expensive and prone to tarnishing if not lacquered or plated.
- Stainless steel is another common material for kitchen cabinet hardware because it is strong and resistant to corrosion and stains. It also has a sleek and modern look that can suit many styles and colors. However, stainless steel can be cold and hard to touch and show fingerprints easily if not brushed or matte.
- Zinc alloy is a budget-friendly material for kitchen cabinet hardware because it is inexpensive and easy to mold into various shapes and designs. It also has a similar look and feel to solid metal hardware but is lighter in weight. However, zinc alloy can be less durable and prone to breaking or bending if not coated with a protective finish.
Consider Your Budget
The budget for your hardware and cabinet pulls should be realistic and affordable for you. You want your hardware to fit within your overall kitchen upgrade budget without compromising on quality or style. Kitchen cabinet hardware can range from $2 to $50 per piece on average, depending on the type, material, finish, size, design, brand, etc. You should also factor in the labor cost if you hire a professional to install your hardware for you. The average cost to install cabinet hardware is $5 to $30 per piece for labor, depending on the complexity of the installation.
FAQs: How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Hardware to Match Decor
How do I measure the size of my cabinet hardware?
To measure the size of your cabinet hardware, you need to measure the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. This is called the center-to-center measurement or drill centers. You can use a ruler or a tape measure to do this. Make sure you measure in millimeters or inches, depending on the unit of measurement used by the hardware manufacturer.
How do I install my cabinet hardware?
To install your cabinet hardware, you need to have a drill, a drill bit, a screwdriver, and some screws. You also need to mark the position of the holes on your cabinet doors or drawers using a pencil or a template. Then, you need to drill the holes using the drill bit that matches the size of your screws. Finally, you need to attach the hardware to the cabinet using the screwdriver and the screws.
How do I clean my cabinet hardware?
To clean your cabinet hardware, you need to use a soft cloth and a mild soap or detergent. You can also use a toothbrush or a cotton swab to reach any crevices or grooves. You should avoid using any abrasive cleaners or chemicals that might damage the finish of your hardware. You should also wipe your hardware dry after cleaning to prevent any water spots or stains.
How do I replace my cabinet hardware?
To replace your cabinet hardware, you need to remove the old hardware first by unscrewing it from the cabinet. Then, you need to measure the center-to-center distance of the existing holes and compare it with the new hardware. If they match, you can simply install the new hardware using the same holes and screws. If they don’t match, you need to drill new holes using a drill and a drill bit, and then install the new hardware using new screws.
How do I choose the best cabinet hardware for my kitchen style?
To choose the best cabinet hardware for your kitchen aesthetics, you need to consider the style, color, placement, quality, material, and budget of your hardware. You should also consider your personal preferences, trends, and tastes. Here are some general guidelines for different kitchen styles:
- Traditional or farmhouse: Choose classic knobs, pulls, or latches in brass, bronze, or copper.
- Modern or contemporary: Choose sleek and simple hardware in stainless steel, chrome, or matte black.
- Rustic or country: Choose rustic or vintage hardware in wrought iron, pewter, or antique brass.
- Transitional or eclectic: Choose mixed and matched hardware in different styles and colors.
By following these tips, you can choose the best kitchen cabinet hardware to match your decor and enhance the beauty and functionality of your kitchen. Remember that hardware is like jewelry for your cabinets so don’t be afraid to express your personal style and have some fun with it!