Jewelry of The Kitchen – Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Hardware | Discount Door Hardware

Function

There are no set rules to follow when choosing handles for your kitchen cabinets. One preference is to use knobs for all doors and pulls for all drawers.

For any large door such as a pantry and any pull-out door, such as pull-out base pantries or trash pull-outs, use a pull. From a functional perspective, it is easier and much more comfortable to open a door or drawer using a pull. This allows the whole hand to grab the handle, instead of only the fingertips.

While door knobs are still effective and functional, pulls definitely make it easier and more convenient to open heavy drawers loaded with pots and pans, especially for elderly people and for those with disabilities.

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Style

Once you have determined the functionality factors, it’s time to get to the fun part – choosing a style! Selecting a style of cabinet hardware is a very personal choice and both knobs and pulls are available in a colossal variety of Contemporary and Transitional styles and finishes. For those who are looking for something really different or unique, Richelieu offers a series of Eclectic cabinet handle styles!

Typically, hardware that has straight lines or that is more simple in appearance is more Contemporary, whereas hardware that is ornate and curvy will look more Traditional. Transitional hardware falls somewhere between the two other categories. Eclectic hardware, as the name suggests, derives its inspiration from a broad and diverse range of sources, usually resulting in some very interesting designs and concepts.

Consider the design, character and décor of your kitchen and bathroom as well as the appliances and fixtures. Square cabinet styles, like flat panel or shaker style are Contemporary whereas traditional raised panel doors, recessed panel doors or doors with ogee edges are more Traditional. The use of all pulls provides a more Contemporary appearance but can also be seen in traditional kitchens with more Traditional style pulls. Mounting all pulls horizontally on both doors and drawers provides a more contemporary presentation.

Take note of your cabinet style, countertop edge, lighting fixtures, appliance finishes and any other important design elements. Choose hardware that is consistent with the type of lines in your design. 

Cabinet hardware is the Jewelry of The Kitchen so, just like in a wardrobe, it must coordinate, be comfortable and enhance the design of the outfit. 

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Finish

Choosing the right finish is almost as important as choosing the right style. Choose a finish that complements both the style of your kitchen and bathroom, and the style of your home.

Typically, hardware with metallic finishes like stainless steel and satin nickel provides a more Contemporary appearance while hardware in antique bronze and antique brass finishes usually offers a more Traditional look. Depending on the style of the cabinet hardware, the cabinet doors and the décor in your home, matte black hardware can provide either a modern or more rustic appearance. While most homeowners will choose stainless steel or brushed nickel finishes (the two most durable), there are numerous other finishes available to add interest to your kitchen or bathroom. 

Don’t be afraid to mix up the hardware in your kitchen. Think of hardware like jewelry – it should stand out. Most importantly, the finish of your cabinet handles absolutely does not have to match your lighting or plumbing fixtures. Let it shine on its own!

 

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Selection

Two very common questions that come up when shopping for cabinet hardware are “what size cabinet handles should I pick?” and “where should I place them?”.

 

There are no hard rules with regards to size and placement of cabinet pulls; however, a general guideline to keep in mind is the rule of 3’s when choosing a larger size. Look for a cabinet handle that is roughly 1/3 the length of the drawer for equal spacing and handle placement. Keep in mind the overall length for this rule, especially when using bar pulls, since these handles are typically a bit longer as they extend beyond the centre-to-centre measurement of the mounting posts. If you are considering different sized pulls for your doors and drawers, it is typically recommended not to exceed more than three different sizes; this will give you variation without overwhelming your cabinetry.

 

Quick Tips

Try out one knob or pull before you purchase all the hardware for your entire kitchen or bathroom.

Touch it. Feel it. Does your hand fit inside the pull? Does it feel comfortable? Does it cram your fingers or feel sharp around the edges? You should be able to fit 3 or 4 fingers comfortably inside the pull.

Buyer beware – you get what you pay for! There are companies that manufacture cheap hardware and their finishes are also sub-par and will wear off in a very short time.

Whatever hardware you choose, always order a few extras just in case a screw breaks or the finish starts to wear off. 

Quality and Affordable Cabinet Hardware

When the time comes to install, replace, or upgrade your cabinet handles, you can trust Discount Door Hardware.ca to provide you with the best selection of quality cabinet hardware by Richelieu! We are a Canadian owned, online supplier and we offer manufacturer direct pricing for the entire line of Richelieu cabinet hardware! If you have any questions about our cabinet hardware, please contact Discount Door Hardware via email today!