How to Choose Your Kitchen Hardware in 5 Steps

Whether you are looking for a quick refresh, or starting from scratch, choosing your hardware can help you complete the look in your kitchen. With so many decisions to be made, there is a tendency to overlook the hardware decision. But it’s an opportunity to make a big impression. Sometimes, it’s the small details that make the biggest difference. Like most of the decisions in your kitchen, there are no right and wrong answers. The best answer is the one that feels right to you, the one you feel completes the space in the best way for you and your family.

Here’s a step by step guide to get there.

Step 1: Knobs or Pulls

The first choice you have is knobs or pulls. You can go with all knobs, all pulls, or a mixture of both. Knobs have a smaller profile, and can be used on either doors or drawers. They can also be easier to install since they only require one screw to attach it. Pulls are larger than knobs and might provide an easier grip. While they tend to have a larger profile than knobs, they still come in all shapes and sizes, so you can get a minimalist look. Their linear shape works well with drawers, but can also be applied to doors. Pulls come in a variety of shapes, but generally boil down to either a handle or a cup. 

Whether you choose a knob, pull or mixture of both, take into consideration how it feels in your hand. Pulls can be either a handle or a cup. Make sure that you can fit your hand in and around it. You don't want to have it all installed and realize it's something that just doesn't fit well in your hand. 

Step 2: Find your style

You don’t need to choose an exact piece here, but decide which style you like best, one that suits your kitchen and your home. There are an infinite number of hardware options, so it’s important to go into this decision with a direction. To best find what you like, platforms like Pinterest can be really helpful. Find a few kitchens you love and look for what the similarities and styles are.

Step 3: Choose your finish

Hardware can make the biggest impression when it adds an element of contrast or color to the room. Look at your larger color themes. What color are you cabinets, appliances, and fixtures? Take the ‘temperature’ of a space. Are you using warmer soft traditional tones? Or are you tending towards a cool modern and contemporary feel?

Don’t be afraid to mix your metals here. While going with one finish can tie a room together, picking 2 or more can help make an impression and add variety and depth to your design. Again, there are no wrong answers, only what you like.

Step 4: Size it up

Small Drawers that are 12” or less often work best with a pull that is 3” to 4” long or a knob that is 1” in diameter.

Medium Drawers that are between 12” to 30” work well with a pull that is between 4” to 8” long or a knob that is between 1” to 1.5” in diameter

Large Drawers that are 30” to 48"will require a pull that is longer than 8" or a knob that is 1" in diameter or greater. Using two pulls or knobs for a large drawer can be a great option.

Step 5: Make Your Choice

By this step, you should know if you want pulls or knobs, what style, finish and relative size you're looking for. So it's time to make your choice. Once you know what your looking for it's easier to find. This is not to say you won't come across a piece of hardware that you weren't expecting, but you absolutely have to have it. Sometimes, you can do all the work to narrow your choices and end up with something completely different. It can be hard to accept but that's just the way the process goes. Sometimes, the work you do leads you in a completely different direction than you planned. 

To look at hardware samples for inspiration and to narrow down your choices, you can make an appointment in our Showroom. We have an abundance of hardware for you to see and feel, and know what right for your home.