Cabinet Hardware: How to Select Knobs and Pulls

Did you know that kitchen cabinets can last up to 50 years while bathroom cabinets typically last less than two decades?

When it comes to cabinet lifespan, much of it depends on daily care and maintenance. Routine cleaning and careful usage can keep your cabinet doors in top shape.

Cabinet hardware like knobs and pulls can also prevent wear and tear on the finish. Plus, they can instantly add style to your kitchen or bathroom.

The trouble is, it's often difficult to choose the best knobs and pulls from the thousands of options out there.

Luckily, a few key decisions can make the process easier. Read on to learn how to choose the best cabinet hardware for your home design and your lifestyle.

Cabinet Hardware Options: Knobs vs. Pulls

Knobs are typically round or square and installed at the corner of a cabinet or the center of a drawer. Pulls look like a wide handle that you can use on either a cabinet or a drawer. Many people install them vertically on cabinets and horizontally on drawers.

All knobs are common in older homes simply because hardware choices used to be limited. If you're going for a more modern or contemporary look, go with all pulls. You also have the option to mix knobs and pulls which is why some homeowners use pulls for drawers and knobs for cabinets.

If you're not getting new cabinet doors, you'll need to stick with the same type of hardware you have. If you want to switch from knobs to pulls, you'll have a hole to patch in the cabinet front. But if you do get new cabinet doors, you can choose knobs or pulls.

Choose a Style

These lines will help you decide if your style is more modern or if it's traditional. Look for hardware that has the same lines as your kitchen for the most cohesive design.

Shaker cabinets have a very square look so they look best with square pulls or knobs. Pillow top doors and those with cathedral panels are examples of rounded looks. These doors would pair well with knobs or pulls with rounded edges.

Pulls come in styles like cupped, bar, or arched while knobs come in styles like round, oval, mushroom, or square.

Pick a Finish

While you don't need to use the same finish or color for all the hardware in your kitchen, be mindful of how they work together. For example, you can mix a brushed stainless faucet with brass drawer pulls. Just make sure it fits with the design in the rest of your kitchen.

Copper, pewter, and brass are all popular finishes in farmhouse kitchens. Matte black is a common choice in contemporary or modern kitchens. If you're going for a traditional look, you can't go wrong with brushed nickel.

Think About Function

After all, you're going to use your cabinet hardware many times each day. Make sure it's easy to use.

When you're shopping for hardware, notice how each knob or pull feels. Is it tough to grasp or do your fingers feel like they get caught? Is the hardware painful to hold or does it slip right out of your hand?

These are things you need to consider before you purchase an entire set. Plus, if you have young children, drawer pulls with sharp or square edges can be dangerous for them to run into.

Remember Your Budget

Most cabinet knobs and pulls range from $6 to $12 a piece, but they can go much higher. If you have a lot of cabinets, your hardware budget alone can easily get away from you. Sometimes it makes more sense to splurge on a light fixture or a faucet rather than on your drawer pulls.

If there's a particular finish or design you like, compare similar models and opt for the most affordable one. As long as it's made in good quality, you might not even notice much difference between the high priced model and the budget model.

Keep an open mind as you're shopping so you don't close yourself off to new design options. If you had your heart set on solid bronze pulls, consider a more affordable model with a bronze finish instead.

Find Your Dream Cabinet Hardware Today

If learning more about the best knobs and pulls have inspired you to upgrade your cabinets too, then you're in the right place. At Cabinet Wholesalers, we offer everything from cabinet refacing and stock cabinets to custom cabinets and remodeling.