Cabinet Hardware: Choosing the Right Style for Your Kitchen

The kitchen is truly the heart of a home it’s where we spend time preparing meals, enjoying a cup of coffee, or just making memories with loved ones.

Styling this space to compliment your personal preference can transform it into a relaxing, welcoming haven, perfect for everything from cooking to conversation. 

When you’re upgrading your kitchen to match the vibe you’re going for, the right cabinet hardware can really tie the whole space together. But with so many options to choose from, it can feel like an overwhelming process to even begin to tackle.

Not to worry, though! You don’t need an interior designer to revitalize your kitchen you just have to know where to start!

In this post, I’m sharing a guide on choosing cabinet hardware that prioritizes style and functionality, making the process way more fun and stress-free. Ready to elevate your kitchen? Let’s dive in!

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How to Choose Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Before we start, let’s break down what types of kitchen cabinet hardware are even available, so you can choose what works best for your space, needs, and personal style. Whether you’re after something more practical or purely decorative, this guide is here to help walk you through the process. 

What Are The Different Types of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

Cabinet Knobs

For a clean, streamlined look, cabinet knobs are a classic and chic upgrade. They’re simple and timeless, perfect for adding a subtle touch of style without overpowering your cabinetry. 

Typically, cabinet knobs feature materials such as brass, stainless steel, ceramic, glass, and wood. This makes them the perfect, versatile addition to complement whatever aesthetic you’re going for. 

Cabinet Pulls

Cabinet pulls are a contemporary twist for a more For a minimal and modern vibe. With finishes such as brass, chrome, wood, or even leather, it’s an easy way to add texture to your space in a way that doesn’t feel harsh or ornate. 

Because they are slightly bigger than knobs, cabinet pulls work best on larger cabinet drawers. Whether you choose a straight or curved design, they will surely add a sleek finish to your kitchen. 

T-Bar Pulls

T-bar pulls are another form of cabinet pull, but they feature an industrial-style “T” shape to complement a more urban, modern aesthetic. 

The sleek geometric shape adds visual interest to your kitchen in a way that doesn’t feel bold or overly decorative. With finishes such as metals, acrylics, and even leather, it’s a fabulous addition for a small focal point. 

Recessed Pulls

Recessed or finger pulls are built into the cabinet for a clean, flush look. Rather than visible knobs and pulls, the recessed pull is a favorable choice among minimalistic aesthetics because they provide a seamless, uninterrupted appearance.

Because finger pulls exist as part of the cabinetry, this eliminates deciding what hardware style best suits your kitchen perfect for anyone who wants a sleek look without the extra decision-making. 

Cup Pulls

For kitchens that blend a vintage feel with a modern design, cup pulls will seamlessly blend into the aesthetic. It’s a more traditional piece of hardware, but they’re easy to adapt into more contemporary designs. 

You can maintain a minimalist vibe by choosing a finish such as matte black or brushed nickel especially when paired with a more simplistic cabinet door.

Edge Pulls

If you favor the more discrete, seamless look of the recessed pulls but don’t want to go all in on new cabinets, edge pulls are your answer! They offer a sleek design that combines minimalism and functionality beautifully. 

This hardware design is installed on the top or the side of cabinet doors in a discreet and practical way. The hidden nature creates a clean, interrupted, and chic look. Perfect for a low-profile design that elevates your kitchen without drawing any attention. 

Does Kitchen Faucet Have To Match Hardware?

No, your kitchen faucet does not have to match the kitchen hardware! But, there are a few helpful considerations when choosing a cabinet hardware replacement to ensure everything feels cohesive think about finishes, color schemes, and overall style to create a balanced look. 

Mixing finishes between your combination of knobs and your kitchen faucet can actually create visual interest. For example, if your faucet is a brushed nickel, use a matte black knob to add a complementary contrast. This helps break up the dynamic of the space so it doesn’t feel too flat or monotone.

It’s also important to consider your kitchen’s color palette and aesthetic and select finishes within a similar color family. Brass hardware may look stunning in a more natural kitchen with sage greens and cream ivories, but it may not look as streamlined in a kitchen styled with stark whites and luxe blacks. 

A good rule of thumb is to prioritize matching style rather than color. It’s much easier to create harmony in your space if the overall aesthetic is cohesive rather than just focusing on if your hardware colors align with your faucet. 

How To Choose Kitchen Cabinet Hardware To Match Decor

Consider the overall style of your kitchen. 

Whether your kitchen is modern, rustic, traditional, or industrial, choosing a hardware style that complements the overall vibe is important. 

This maintains a cohesive look throughout the space, ensuring nothing feels jarring or out of place. 

A vintage-inspired ceramic knob flatters a farmhouse-inspired kitchen, whereas a matte black T-bar pull elevates a more modern aesthetic.  

Match your hardware to the cabinet color. 

Choosing hardware in a color that compliments your cabinets is an effective way to create visual harmony. Light-colored cabinets pair stylishly with brass, bronze, or black hardware to provide a stunning contrast. 

On the other hand, darker cabinets pair wonderfully with a stainless steel or polished nickel finish. 

It’s important to choose colors that enhance the overall aesthetic rather than clash with it. 

Think about the finish and hardware material. 

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, light interacts with various stylistic elements within a home that can influence their appearance  hardware included. 

When deciding what type of finish and material you’d like for your updated hardware, consider factors such as lighting, backsplash designs, and countertop colors. 

The right finish will complement (not compete with!) the kitchen’s overall design. 

Keep the cabinet style in mind. 

The type of cabinets in your kitchen plays a key role in determining which hardware will work best in the space. 

Due to their larger surface area, flat-panel cabinets are complemented by longer pulls you don’t have to worry about the hardware overcompensating compared to space. 

Alternatively, shaker-style cabinets pair fabulously with classic knobs or cup pulls. It highlights the more traditional style of cabinetry in a way that feels updated and modern. 

Consider the size and scale of the hardware. 

Similarly to cabinet size, you want to consider your chosen hardware’s size. If you have larger cabinets and drawers, long pulls evenly fill up the space in a way that doesn’t look cluttered or overwhelming. 

If your kitchen design features small drawers, recessed pulls or edge pulls may be the more suitable style. 

Hardware that isn’t too large or bulky guarantees a more balanced look within your space. 

Think about the functionality of the hardware you choose. 

Decorative hardware can be a good alternative aesthetically, but functionality shouldn’t be overlooked. Consider how easy (or intricate) specific hardware designs would fit into your daily life. 

On your most used spaces, consider incorporating handles with larger grips or easy-to-pull knobs to make for easy and efficient access. 

Mix your finishes, but keep them balanced. 

As previously mentioned, mixing finishes is an elegant upgrade that provides depth, texture, and visual interest in your space. With that in mind, it also requires a bit of finesse. 

It’s important to pair finishes that complement each other in color or finish (or both!). It’s easy to create a beautifully layered look without feeling chaotic or disconnected you just have to be mindful of the placement. 

For example, brass hardware combined with matte black elements is a stunning pair in the right places. You would want to use brass pulls on the upper cabinets and black knobs on the lower ones to add a balanced, modern contrast without being too matchy-matchy. 

Choose hardware that reflects your personality. 

As with any design advice, don’t be afraid to choose pieces that reflect your personal style. If you love a little bit of glamour, incorporate crystal knobs into your design. For a look that exudes understated luxury, leather knobs are a unique, unexpected addition. 

If you favor minimalist kitchen decor, utilize sleek matte blacks and polished nickels for a streamlined, cohesive look.

Ultimately, your kitchen should reflect your personal taste and preferences. Having the creative freedom to style your hardware as you’d like is the fun part!

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Which kitchen hardware are you using to upgrade your space?

With all of the endless possibilities out there, it can feel hard to narrow down which style of kitchen hardware would best elevate your space. Matching hardware to the overall decor of your kitchen isn’t just about what looks good it’s about balance, functionality, and style. 

If you’re looking for more ways to upgrade your kitchen, check out these posts: 

• 10 Kitchen Decor Trends
• 13 Ceiling Design Ideas
• 20 Ideas To Decorate a Small Minimalist Kitchen

And be sure to check out my blog for everything else involving decor ideas, lifestyle tips, and holiday-themed help. Don’t forget to bookmark the blog to keep up with each new post!