Choosing kitchen cabinet hardware plays a large role in dictating the style of the space. Matching kitchen knobs and pulls with your cabinets shapes the look and function of your space. The right hardware supports your style and keeps your kitchen easy to use.
How kitchen knobs and pulls fit different door styles
Your goal is to match the scale of the hardware to the size of the door or drawer.
- Shaker doors work with most hardware.
- Slab doors often pair well with long, simple pulls.
- Raised panel doors (traditional styles) are balanced with round knobs or small pulls.
Choosing a Hardware Finish
Finishes that work with painted cabinets:
- White and light painted cabinets work well with black, brushed nickel, or gold.
- Dark painted cabinets work well with contrasting gold/brass or chrome kitchen knobs and pulls.
Finishes that work with wood cabinets:
- Warm stains work with black, gold, or oil rubbed bronze.
- Lighter wood stains can handle softer metal tones or contrasting black hardware.
You can match your kitchen knobs and pulls to the appliances or mix finishes if you want more creativity.
Popular Hardware Combinations for Kitchen Knobs and Pulls
Here are some popular combinations of kitchen cabinet hardware and cabinet finishes:
Placement Tips for Kitchen Knobs and Pulls
Knobs make sense on most cabinet doors because they keep things simple and easy to use. Pulls work best on drawers since they offer better grip, especially on wide bases. They also feel natural on tall pantry doors.
They key is to try and strike a balance with the size of the door and the way the cabinet will be used. Try a few samples in your hand to see what feels comfortable before you commit.
Designer Tip: Mix kitchen knobs and pulls to create a varied look. Designers often use:
- Pulls on lower cabinets and drawers
- Knobs on uppers
- A mix on tall cabinets for comfort
The goal is balance, not perfect symmetry. However, make sure you install the hardware in an orderly way, keeping in mind the cabinet proportions.
Using Kitchen Knobs and Pulls in Unique Designs
Kitchen knobs and pulls can help you build a unique cabinet layout. This works well for designs that play with pattern, rhythm, or custom drawer sizing, because the hardware guides the eye and reinforces the shape of each cabinet.
This kitchen uses hardware to create a totally custom design. The apothecary-style grid is emphasized with rows of brass knobs that make every square stand out. Wider drawers are fitted with matching brass pulls, giving the island balance and everyday function.
