Sometimes the smallest of changes can have the biggest impact. Your kitchen hardware, while a small component of your kitchen matrix, can have a drastic effect on the overall look of your kitchen. Just by changing the pulls and knobs on your cabinets and drawers, you can convey a completely new style. And while updating your hardware is a relatively simple project, the process of choosing the right style of hardware to work with your existing kitchen cabinetry can be tricky. Here are some suggestions and tips for those of you looking to refresh your current kitchen or if you are in the process of installing a new one.
Choose your style of hardware carefully – It is a good idea to remember that while you like the look of this particular pull/knob it may not have the same effect when the numbers are increased. What looks good solo doesn’t always look good multiplied all over the kitchen.
Should you mix-and-match? – If you decide to change things up a bit and use a different type of pull with a different type of knob or hinge it is important to keep them in the same metal or wood family as well as similar patina. You wouldn’t want to use a brushed chrome knob with a worn patina look. Make sure they blend or complement each other.
Wood vs. Metal Knobs – All wood knobs or pulls is a great way to evoke a naturally light and airy visual to your kitchen. With that, wood knobs can be a bit larger in their diameter and overall larger than metal knobs. Metal knobs evoke a more clean and shiny feel.
Hardware placement – The placement of your hardware is important not only visually, but also functionally. A common mistake is to install a cabinet door knob in the very corner of the door face. This can prove to be a visual nightmare. You will immediately see the asymmetry appear after doing this. It can also cause problems when reaching for the knob and fingers can get caught and smashed into the neighboring cabinet or hardware. To find the right placement, it is good to divide the door length into 4 quarters. The knob should be placed in the middle 2 quarters. Hinges not equally spaced and aligned can cause uneven wearing on the joints of the hinge leading to faster breakdown of the materials.
Some quick tips to remember:
- If a drawer is wider than 18”, you should always install 2 knobs and they should always be placed about 1/6th of the drawer length from each end.
- Any drawer smaller than 18” can utilize one knob or pull.
- Knobs with a diameter of 1”-1 ½” is the standard for most kitchens.
- It is a good idea to keep the size of your knobs and pulls consistent throughout the kitchen.
- When installing single knobs or pulls on drawers, they should always be laterally centered. You should always have the knob/pull slightly higher than the vertical center. The reason for this is when you are viewing the kitchen at a standing height, anything placed dead center will look as if it was placed too low.