Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

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Updating your kitchen cabinet hardware is one of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a new fresh feel without totally breaking the bank. However, with so many different hardware styles, finishes, and sizes how do you go about choosing the best fit for your kitchen?  

I’ve been living in my current home for about 5 years and within those 5 years, I have updated my kitchen cabinet hardware twice. The first update was when I first moved into the home. I choose chrome cup pulls for the drawers and chrome knobs for the cabinets. I then fell hard for the farmhouse kitchen cabinet hardware style and updated it from chrome hardware to the more trendy matte black pulls and knobs.

The best part about cabinet hardware is that it’s one of the easier updates to do in a kitchen. That being said, you can go with more of a trendy cabinet hardware choice without the fear of it being permanent and looking dated in a few years.

Both times updating the cabinet hardware, changed the look of the whole kitchen.  I love that something as simple as switching out hardware made such a large impact on the kitchen. And for such a low cost!

HOW TO CHOOSE KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE

We know that there are a crazy amount of hardware choices but how do you choose one (trendy or not) that is the right fit for your kitchen?

It’s safe to say cabinet hardware is like jewelry to a kitchen. It’s the last accessory to complete a kitchen look. However, it is often overlooked, especially if you are going through a kitchen renovation. With so many decisions and choices already made, once it’s time to choose the kitchen cabinet hardware, you are completely burnt out.

Figuring out how to choose the perfect kitchen cabinet hardware can be overwhelming. With all the different hardware finishes and styles, how do you possibly choose?

Don’t let your choice of hardware be an afterthought!

Picking it out is easier than you think. Follow these kitchen cabinet hardware guidelines to choose the best hardware for your kitchen.

CABINET KNOB OR PULL?

How do you choose between a cabinet pull or a knob?

Similar to handles, cup pulls are another cabinet hardware option.  These cabinet handles are elegant and work gorgeously on cabinet drawers. Cup pulls will give your kitchen an elegant look and feel.

If you like the look of both types of hardware and cannot choose, opt for mixing pulls and knobs. Consider using pulls on your drawers and knobs on your cabinet doors. This will add some visual interest to your kitchen.

HOW TO CHOOSE CABINET HARDWARE SIZE?

When it comes to what hardware size to choose, a good place to start is with the size of your kitchen. Oversized hardware works wonders in kitchens that are larger. The larger hardware will look proportionate in the space.

Smaller-sized hardware will work in smaller kitchens. It won’t overpower the cabinets.

I wouldn’t say you can never use one and not the other. It all depends on the kitchen and what it can handle. (pun not intended, but yet a happy accident) If you love the look of an oversized pull but don’t want to overpower your kitchen, try mixing and matching different pull sizes in the same style. For example, use oversized pulls on longer drawers and smaller pulls on shorter drawers.

HOW TO CHOOSE A CABINET HARDWARE FINISH?

When deciding on a cabinet hardware finish remember to consider your cabinets, appliances, and fixtures.

Brass Cabinet Hardware – Brass has been gaining popularity lately. In 2019, You saw many designers using this in their kitchens and it’s also all over HGTV.  Brass is one of the trendier options in kitchen cabinet hardware.

Chrome Cabinet Hardware – Chrome is a classic and timeless finish. It works well with many cabinet colors. If you like brushed nickel but are wanting something that will pack a little more punch, chrome hardware might be a great option for your kitchen. Chrome will work with a modern kitchen as well as a farmhouse style kitchen.

Polished Chrome Cabinet Hardware– Polished chrome is brassy, and bright and will make your kitchen shine. It will give your kitchen a modern feel.

Brushed Nickel Cabinet Hardware – Brushed nickel is the most popular cabinet hardware. It works well with all cabinet colors as well as stainless steel appliances. Brushed nickel is also the more durable hardware finish being that it resists fingerprints.

Silver Satin Cabinet Hardware – Very similar to brushed nickel, silver satin works well with all cabinet colors. If you like the chrome look but, it’s a hair too shiny, opt for silver satin cabinet hardware.

Black Matte Cabinet Hardware – Black cabinet hardware works well with all kitchen cabinet colors. It’s a bold choice yet at the same time it’s neutral enough to not overwhelm your kitchen. Black cabinet hardware was very on-trend in 2019 and is still trendy in 2020. Also, black cabinet hardware is a very popular choice in farmhouse style.

Iron Cabinet Hardware – Iron is a great choice if you are looking for a classic, durable finish that won’t go out of style. Iron can range from a light gray, stainless steel color to very dark, almost black.

Copper  Cabinet Hardware – Copper Cabinet hardware makes a bold statement in your kitchen. If you are looking to give your kitchen something trendy and unexpected, copper cabinet hardware may be exactly what your kitchen needs. If you have bold blue cabinets, copper would a stunning option.

Oil Rubbed Bronze Cabinet Hardware – Oil rubbed bronze hardware has a variety of colors in it, including deep brown, darker gray, and a touch of copper undertones. Oil rubbed bronze had been a very popular choice in previous years. However, in 2019 and 2020, it hasn’t been nearly as popular as a kitchen cabinet hardware choice. you can say oil rubbed bronze is not a trendy choice at the moment.

Glass Cabinet Hardware – Glass hardware is an excellent choice when trying to bring in an antique or vintage feel to your kitchen.

Ceramic Cabinet Hardware – Ceramic kitchen cabinet hardware will add a bit of fun and whimsy to your kitchen. These are an eye-catching options for any kitchen looking to bring a little extra character into the space. Definitely one of the more unique cabinet hardware options.

CABINET COLORS AND HARDWARE

Kitchen cabinets come in all different colors.

White cabinets are a great canvas for bolder more unique kitchen cabinet hardware. The white will make the hardware pop. White cabinets also work beautifully with matte black cabinet hardware, which of course plays into the highly popular farmhouse kitchen style.

Farmhouse kitchen cabinet hardware is not just limited to black. Chrome pulls and knobs are also popular choices. If you want to learn more about how to get the farmhouse look in your kitchen, check out this article where experts share all their helpful tips.

Consider brass cabinet hardware with gray kitchen cabinets. The colors work well together adding a trendy touch of elegance to the kitchen.  

Traditional wood-toned cabinets look beautiful with iron hardware. The iron sits beautifully against the darker tones cabinets and is a timeless choice.

READ MORE: PAINT COLORS THAT LOOK GREAT WITH HONEY OAK

For a lighter wood-toned cabinet opt for brushed nickel hardware. Not only does brushed nickel work with light wood cabinets but it also works with most kitchen cabinet colors. 

NEED A PAINT COLOR FOR YOUR KITCHEN CABINETS? CHECK THESE OUT:

• BM Chantilly Lace
• Dovetail Sherwin Williams
• Sherwin Williams Peppercorn
• Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee
• SW Tricorn Black
• Lazy Gray SW
• Great Paint Colors for Dark Wood

WHAT HARDWARE LOOKS BEST ON SHAKER CABINETS?

The beauty of shaker-style cabinets is that it’s a classic style, which means it works beautifully with almost all cabinet hardware styles.

Shaker cabinets are classic. They are a blank canvas and they are a great cabinet style to showcase trendy hardware.

KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE TRENDS FOR 2020

We all know how trends work, they come in hard and when they are over they are over. I personally tend to stay away from trends when it comes to fixed elements. For example, tiles, countertops, flooring, etc.

Why? Since these are things that are basically permanent (unless you renovate every few years which is crazy) So sticking to materials that are timeless and classic rather than trendy, will keep your space from looking outdated.

In choosing kitchen materials with a timeless look, you can bring in trends in other places. One in particular of them is cabinet hardware.

Kitchen cabinet hardware is a great place to have a little fun and bring in what’s currently trending. It is certainly one of the elements in a kitchen that is on the more affordable side and easier to update.

SO what are some of the kitchen cabinet hardware trends for 2020?

MIXING METALS

Mixing metals is a big hardware trend right now and it is ok! This is where many people get caught up when it comes to choosing kitchen cabinet hardware. If you have stainless steel appliances don’t think you have to choose stainless steel hardware. Stainless steel is practically neutral and will work with any hardware finish. 

If your light fixtures and kitchen faucet are of the same metal you can go for another metal option for your cabinet hardware. However, if they are two different metals, choose one of those metals for your hardware. Having more than two types of metals in your kitchen can get messy and incohesive. 

OVERSIZED PULLS

The oversized pull trend is great for larger kitchens. This is a trend that works in all decor styles and can really have an oversized impact on a kitchen. MATTE BLACK AND BRASS

Black hardware has been a popular trend now for a couple of years and it is still going strong in 2020. The beauty of black hardware is that it is timeless. Black is a classic color and will add elegance to any kitchen.

Brass is another very trendy hardware option. Just like black hardware, brass works with all decor styles. Using brass will add a little more glam to a kitchen, without going overboard.

LATCHES

Latches are super trendy right now in kitchens. They add a very substantial look and feel to your cabinets. Now some may say it’s more inconvenient than anything having to unlatch every time you need to get in a cabinet. However, latches can be beneficial if you have small children that like to get into everything. Functional and trendy, win-win.

WHERE TO BUY KITCHEN CABINET HARDWARE?

When it comes to purchasing cabinet hardware there are a number of amazing places to look.

For more affordable cabinet hardware try Lowes or Home Depot. They have a number of options you will be able to see in store. Amazon is another great choice for inexpensive cabinet hardware. 

Looking for something more specific? A specialty cabinet hardware store will be an excellent place to look.  

Finally, you have your online stores such as Wayfair, Overstock, and Hayneedle that all have a wide variety of cabinet knobs and pulls to choose from.

I went through a few of my favorite stores and found 20 of my favorite cabinet pulls and knobs down below. 

#1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8 #9 #10 #11 #12 #13 #14 #15 #16 #17 #18 #19 #20

When it comes to kitchen cabinet hardware there is no right or wrong option. Nowadays, all the old “design rules” aren’t necessary to follow. For example mixing metals, brass, and stainless, together? In one room? No way! Why not though? If it looks good and it makes your heart happy, go for it! The best part about cabinet hardware is that it’s inexpensive in comparison to some other kitchen updates you’d make. So have fun with it and make it your own!

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