5 Min. Read
Cabinet hardware is beautiful, but it can be one big mystery. As the jewelry of your kitchen cabinets, it works hard from a functional standpoint, and it also completes the style you have been dreaming about. However, questions always come up about what kind of hardware to use. Will pulls or knobs look better? Should you use more than one kind? And where do you place it on your brand-new kitchen cabinets?
Below we will explore what types of hardware will look best on different styles of cabinets, how to mix and match, and where to install cabinet hardware on your doors.
What Style of Cabinet Hardware Will Look Best?
As with any other design detail, first, decide what style your space is going to be. Below we have a breakdown of the most popular kitchen design styles and the corresponding hardware that will enhance that look.
Transitional
A mixture of modern and traditional materials, transitional style has some furniture-style elements such as raised panel cabinets, with modern twists such as simple backsplashes and light fixtures.
Recommended Cabinet Hardware: Transitional kitchen designs have lots of flexibility because of their ability to balance detail and simplicity. This type of kitchen can use bar pulls, knobs, bin pulls, and arch pulls.
Farmhouse
Inviting, nostalgic, and fun is how most people would describe farmhouse style. With warm nods to things of old, this style showcases classic farmhouse details like white-washed wood, butcher block countertops, shiplap, apron sinks, and heirloom décor.
Recommended Cabinet Hardware: Farmhouse kitchen designs need cabinet hardware that compliments the old style and functionality of a true farmhouse. This type of kitchen should include knobs, bin pulls, and latches for more character.
Modern
Moderate details with clean lines and personality describes modern style. This style will often include mixing and matching colors with natural wood tones, shaker-style cabinets, and bold hardware with minimal details.
Recommended Cabinet Hardware: Modern kitchen designs have a lot to choose from because almost anything goes as long as it’s not too detailed. This hardware should include knobs, pulls, bin pulls, latches, and in some cases, finger-pulls.
Contemporary
Clutter-free minimalism with clean lines defines the contemporary style. Hallmarks of this style include slab door styles, high-gloss finishes, quartz countertops with minimal or very bold patterns, sleek lighting that makes a statement, and stainless steel.
Recommended Cabinet Hardware: Contemporary kitchen designs need sleek hardware that is functional and keeps the focus on the kitchen design itself. Use hardware like finger pulls, bar pulls, and sleek knobs to maximize this style.
Traditional
Stately details and decorative, furniture-style features are the essence of traditional style. Common features you will see include raised panel doors, decorative beaded details on cabinets and trim, paneled walls, detailed crown molding, brass cabinet hardware, and rich stone countertops.
Recommended Cabinet Hardware: Traditional kitchen designs often use a bit of everything. Try latches, decorative cup pulls, embellished bar pulls, and detailed knobs.
Insider Tip: Use a mixture of hardware to create a more furniture-style kitchen. For example, in a modern kitchen, use knobs and pulls in the main areas of the kitchen, and use latch cabinet hardware on the buffet or coffee bar. This creates a more high-end furniture look for your cabinetry.
Big-Picture Decisions for Cabinet Hardware
Keep in mind that cabinet hardware is a hard-working component of your kitchen design, so don’t be afraid to spend some money on it. Hardware needs to stand the test of time along with thousands of hands touching and pulling on it so explore nicer brands with warranties and durable finishes.
Additionally, think about the person or people who will be using the kitchen. If they are aging in place, or older in general, choose hardware that will be easier on their hands. Over time, everyone loses dexterity and the ability to grab and twist small items, so using bar pulls, bin pulls, and larger knobs will make it easier to function in their home long-term.
Where to Install Cabinet Hardware
Believe it or not, there actually isn’t just one perfect place to install the hardware on your kitchen cabinets. Some kitchen design styles have different hardware placement than others so identify your style, the hardware you want to use, then go from there. Here are some of the most common cabinet hardware placements.
Centered Placement (Drawer Fronts)
This by far the most popular placement for drawer bases. This means the hardware is completely centered on the door panel, evenly dispersing the weight across the whole drawer front.
Centered Top Placement (Drawer Fronts)
Placing the hardware center at the top of the drawer front is another popular choice. Because of the location, the hardware is easier and closer to grab while standing upright.
Horizontal Placement (Door and Drawer Fronts)
Horizontal hardware is predominantly seen in more modern or contemporary kitchens because of its sleek and edgy appearance. This placement makes grabbing cabinet pulls more convenient.
Corner Placement (Door Fronts)
Another common favorite is the corner placement for cabinet doors. It’s easily accessible and gives you the flexibility to use knobs, pulls, or latches.
Insider Tip: When installing hardware on base cabinets, consider using 2 knobs, bar pulls, or bin pulls on cabinets wider than 24”.
How to Install Your Cabinet Hardware
The best way to install your hardware is by using a cabinet hardware jig with a power drill and the screws included with your hardware. Whether you make one yourself out of scrap wood, or buy one from a big-box store, this will save you the frustration of pinpointing the same location on every door and drawer across your entire kitchen.
For standard hardware placement on doors, look at the top of the bottom rail on the door and follow that line to the center of the vertical stile. Regardless of how you choose to orient the cabinet hardware, unless it’s a finger pull, always center it on the stile for a professional look. Lastly, if you’re having a hard time deciding on where to place the cabinet hardware, use a putty to temporarily hold it in place while you take a step back and think.
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