Cabinet Hardware: One Size Does Not Fit All
Hardware is the jewelry of kitchen and bath cabinets. Failure to select appropriate hardware for cabinets in a new kitchen can compromise the finished project's look, feel, and enjoyment. The challenge for homeowners is that the unlimited options make it extremely difficult to select the perfect combination of knobs, pulls, and other hardware without the help of an experienced professional.
Cabinet hardware is made from a broad range of materials, from wood and brass to iron, leather, and everything in between. Hardware ranges in size, shape, and material. Most hardware pieces are fixed, but some operate as latches. Cabinet hardware is attached by integrated woodscrews, woodscrews from behind, glued tenon, machine screws, bolts, and nuts. Some hardware pieces come with backplates to protect cabinets from finger oils, others come with decorative escutcheons, but most hardware is sold as standalone without any type of backplate.
Our experience teaches that there is no single best knob, pull or handle for any project. Often a combination of different styles and shapes may be the best solution to help maximize the look and feel of a new kitchen. Stylistically, mixing different types and finishes of cabinet hardware can build tremendous character and visual interest in a new kitchen, especially in larger spaces. Frankly, using the same hardware style on every door and drawer can be underwhelming. There are also functional considerations that make using a variety of cabinet hardware in your new kitchen a smart choice. Different types of cabinets, drawers, and doors require different types of hardware to function most effectively.
Guidelines for Mixing Cabinet Hardware in A New Kitchen
Select one manufacturer. Most cabinet hardware manufacturers offer various styles, textures, materials, and designs in multiple collections. The reason why you should select a single manufacturer is to assure consistency of the finish. If you select the same finish from more than one manufacturer, there is no guarantee that it will match exactly.
The number of doors and drawers in your kitchen serves as a guideline for the variety of hardware that will look best in a new kitchen. For example, if your new kitchen has 20 doors and drawers or less, stick with two different types of hardware.
To create consistency of image, choose one style of hardware for upper cabinets and a second style for lower cabinets or drawers. A key to mixing multiple types and styles of cabinet hardware is to differentiate the look by relying on different sizes for upper and lower cabinets. An example might be knobs for upper cabinets and three- to four-inch pulls for lower.
We understand that selecting cabinet hardware is not easy. If you would like to discuss the perfect combination of hardware for your new kitchen, please give our showroom a call at 440-543-8050 or visit us at 8454 Washington Street in Chagrin Falls.