How To Choose Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets

written by Kasey White
last updated: February 22, 2022

Choosing cabinet hardware for kitchen cabinets and drawers can be a difficult task. Handles for kitchen cabinets have a lot of choices that go with them. There are many factors to consider like style, functionality, and the color of the cabinets themselves. So how do you make sure you have functional hardware without sacrificing your personal style and flair?

Even though function is the primary reason for having hardware for your kitchen cabinets and drawers, it doesn’t have to be the only reasoning. Choosing hardware that fits your kitchen’s design style is also important. For example, if you have a more traditionally designed kitchen, knobs and pulls that are more ornate and elegant are a great choice. Contemporary and modern homes tend to look best with simple lines that fit a clean and sleek look.

Should Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Be Knobs or Pulls?

This is truly more of a design question than the functionality and size issues we covered previously. Some people prefer to have everything to be the same, but if you mix and match your hardware it gives more opportunity for incorporating your own style. For example, having knobs on your cabinet doors and pulls on your drawers gives a great mash-up without clashing and can help with the functionality of both options.

What Size Handles for Kitchen Cabinets Are Best?

Another factor to consider is what size handles for kitchen cabinets that you need. A way to figure that out is to try and see how comfortable they are for you to use. Are they too large or small? Are they easy to pull or open? All these things are ways to narrow down your search.

white kitchen with gold pull handles on cabinets with a large center island and bar seating

What Color Hardware is Best for White Kitchen Cabinets?

White cabinets are probably the most popular and longest-lasting color trend when it comes to kitchens.  But what color hardware for white kitchen cabinets look the best? Colors like black, bronze, stainless steel, and nickel are all beautiful options for your kitchen cabinet hardware.

Black and Oil Rubbed Bronze

Black hardware against white cabinets and drawers gives a beautiful contrast and an elegant look. This is also an excellent choice when looking for a more modern kitchen. (If you want more on the gorgeous combination of black hardware and white cabinets check out this post.) Using oil rubbed bronze hardware is a great option for your more rustic or traditional style homes. This color hardware pairs beautifully with farmhouse style homes giving it a homier and more vintage feel.

Stainless Steel and Brushed Nickel

Stainless steel is a great option for your more minimalist style kitchens. Using stainless steel with white cabinets and drawers is an easy way to provide stronger contrast with the silver hue and white, making your cabinets and hardware pop. Brushed nickel can give you all the perks of stainless steel while maintaining a lower profile. The brushed nickel is great for traditional style homes with its more understated look.

white cabinet with gold pull handles

The Different Cabinet Hardware Styles

You also must take your styles into consideration when choosing hardware for your kitchen cabinets and drawers. Classic, modern, and farmhouse styles have dominated the design world for a long time now, so what style do you have in your kitchen?

Farmhouse kitchens are a huge craze, mostly because of the relaxed feel they give off. With this style, simple is the way to go. Using knobs and pulls in simple and basic colors are your best course of action. Classic kitchens are a classic for a reason. This style kitchen is elegant and sophisticated. Choosing hardware that is more embellished and elaborate is the perfect option for this style. Modern kitchens have been moving up in popularity over the years due to their sleek look and feel. Using simple hardware without patterns or bright colors is the best way to maintain that clean look for your kitchen.

The Choice is Yours

Basically, the choice is yours. Handles for kitchen cabinets are a great way to personalize your space. Make sure you take all these factors into consideration and most importantly, take your time. Don’t rush into a choice because you feel you have to, check into all your options. Taking in all these tips will help you make an informed decision and lead you to the kitchen of your dreams.

If you want to see more options for cabinetry and hardware, click here to see Wellborn’s line-up and locate a dealer in your area.

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