The hardware you choose can make or break the look of your furniture. It can also transform an older piece and make it look like new without having to spend a fortune. Here are a few things you should think about when picking hardware for your kitchen, or on stand-alone pieces like sideboards, dressers, and TV-stands.
1) Knobs or pulls
When you select knobs or pulls, you should consider aesthetics, but maybe even more so, function. It's easier to open a drawer with a pull. Alternatively, you can add two pulls on each drawer, to get an even pull-out effect.
If you have several cabinets, like in a kitchen, consider just sticking to knobs or pulls, or at least be consistent in terms of when to use what. Pulls usually are more expensive than a knob due to size. The price will, of course, depend on the material and the style you choose. More about that later.
In terms of installation, knobs are easy to replace on your own. They are often installed with a single screw. Pulls need a bit more measuring to make sure the holes are in a correct position, and that the pulls are straight.
Matte black knob Elisabeth and pull Ingrid.
2) The right grip
Whenever you compare a knob to pulls, a knob is usually harder to grab onto. If a person has a disability or arthritis, then it can be an issue. Even if you're perfectly healthy, a knob can slip in your hand, especially if you're opening something a bit heavier like a drawer.
The best way to determine that the hardware has the right grip for you, you should try it before purchasing a larger quantity. How does it feel when you grip it? Is there anything that is pressing into your hand when you grab it? Does it look good when you hold it in front of the door or drawer?
3) Size and position
There are a lot of lengths available for pulls, but most commonly, the length is 3-4 inches. Choosing the right length is essential because if it is too small, the cabinet will be overpowering, and vice versa.
4) Style and finish
When considering different styles, you either should focus on the look you're going for in the room, but don't disregard the style of the piece of furniture you're putting them on. Using rustic hardware will pair nicely with a distressed cabinet, and going with too modern hardware might clash.
A square design of a cabinet, such as “shaker” and flat panel, can have hardware that is round but preferably with square contours. A more curved design includes raised and recessed panel doors, beads, or similar patterns, which benefit from having hardware with soft edges and more details.
Long and short tubular pulls give the piece a more modern look, a flat bar will provide it with a contemporary edge, and a wire pull will make it more traditional. Vintage pulls usually have exposed screws, which could both give a classic and industrial feel.
Marie doors, top and sides in Tanned Leather on IKEA Besta cabinets.
With both knobs and pulls, you have endless options; luxurious to accent an elegant piece of furniture, modern and sleek for a more contemporary look, small or large, basic or colorful, square or round, etc.
Chrome and brushed are the most common hardware for kitchens, but that doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to those finishes. If you’re replacing the hardware on a stand-alone piece of furniture, you can get experimental with glass, wood, leather, brass, or matte black.
Brass knob Elisabeth, black knob Marlen, and Chrome knob Kristina.
A good price range for knobs is $7 to $12, and for pulls is $8 to $15. Price is based on finish and design. Solid material, like stainless steel or bronze, will be more.
Get creative and remember that one single knob can transform a cabinet.
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