Deciding to upgrade your kitchen cabinets is the easy part. The next step, choosing all the design elements, is where things can get a bit more challenging. The details you select, from the style of the cabinet doors to the color of your hardware, all contribute to the overall design. And one of the most important design elements you must pay attention to is the cabinet handles or knobs. While small and seemingly insignificant, these pieces of hardware can dramatically affect the look and feel of your kitchen.

As you design your custom cabinets, you’ll find that there are numerous choices to make regarding handle styles, materials, finishes, and sizes, which can make the selection process a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, this guide will walk you through the steps of choosing the best handles for your kitchen cabinets so you end up with a design that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your home.

Consider Your Kitchen’s Style

The first step to choosing the perfect handles for your kitchen cabinets is to consider the overall style of your kitchen. This will help you determine whether you should lean toward traditional, modern, or transitional hardware styles. For example:

Traditional Kitchens: If you have a traditional kitchen, you might prefer the classic appearance of antique brass, solid brass, or bronze hardware. You may also find that rounded knobs and classic cabinet pulls pair beautifully with details like shaker cabinets, which are often found in traditionally styled kitchens.
Contemporary Kitchens: For more modern cabinetry, consider hardware with straight lines and clean finishes. Black, polished nickel, or brushed stainless steel hardware can make a striking statement against sleek cabinet doors and works particularly well with stainless steel appliances.
Transitional Kitchens: If your kitchen is a blend of traditional and modern styles, you can mix metals and finishes for a unique look. For example, consider pairing brass hardware on the upper cabinets with black handles on the lower cabinets.

Choose Between Knobs & Pulls

Kitchen cabinet hardware comes in various shapes and sizes, from classic round knobs to modern rectangular pulls. Small knobs are timeless and versatile, perfect for both cabinets and drawers. They’re particularly suited for traditional kitchens and come in materials like bronze, antique brass, and polished nickel.

Cabinet pulls are longer handles that offer a firmer grip. They’re great for larger drawers and cabinets and even make it easier for those with weak or arthritic hands to open and close the cabinets. Plus, you can install them horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference.

Contemporary kitchen with gray cabinets and light wood cabinets with long brass handles in vertical and horizontal positions.

Determine the Right Finish

The hardware finish you choose can elevate every single one of your kitchen's design elements. You can even mix and match finishes to create visual interest, as there are no hard and fast rules here. Some popular finishes include:

Polished Nickel: This finish has a sleek, shiny appearance that works well with both traditional and modern kitchens. It’s an excellent option if you’re mixing metals in your space, as it can complement plumbing fixtures like faucets and sinks.
Brass: If you’re interested in traditional hardware, consider a brass finish. It adds warmth to cabinetry and can even complement dark cabinet doors in contemporary kitchens.
Matte Black: Black hardware is on-trend and versatile. It works well in both modern and transitional kitchens and pairs nicely with stainless steel appliances.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze: This finish gives an old-world, rustic vibe to your cabinets, making it perfect for traditional spaces. It also hides fingerprints, which is great for busy households.
Brushed Stainless Steel: A classic choice for modern cabinetry, brushed stainless steel has a clean and professional look. It’s perfect if you’re aiming for a cohesive look with stainless steel appliances.
Gold: Gold hardware has warm tones that can brighten up cabinetry, especially when paired with white or dark-colored doors, adding a sophisticated and timeless appeal to your kitchen.

These are just a few examples of the finishes you can choose for your kitchen cabinet’s handles. At Sean’s Cabinetry, we often work with Berenson Hardware, Emtek, and other hardware brands to provide an array of finishes and styles.

Select Hardware Size and Scale

Continuous wood pull at the top of a cabinet drawer

The size of your cabinet hardware can impact the functionality and appearance of your kitchen. If you have wider or longer drawers, consider long pulls that span the width of the drawer. This provides a balanced, polished look and makes it easier to open larger drawers. For smaller cabinets, avoid oversized handles that can look bulky. Instead, choose small knobs or compact pulls that match the scale of the cabinet door.

Don’t Forget About Cabinet Hardware Placement

The placement of your cabinet hardware is just as important as the style, finish, and size you choose. If you select knobs, place them 2 to 3 inches from the bottom corner of upper cabinet doors and from the top corner of lower cabinet doors. This placement offers a balanced look and makes it easy to reach the knob without straining.

If you choose cabinet pulls, center the pulls horizontally or vertically on standard-sized doors and drawers. For longer drawers, consider placing two pulls on either side. This not only adds visual interest but also makes the drawers easier to open, especially when they’re filled with heavy items.

Don’t Like Cabinet Handles? Go Without!

Do you prefer the clean, sleek appearance of cabinets without handles and knobs? You can choose from touch-to-open and Gola Channel cabinets!

Touch-to-open cabinet doors and drawers are a great alternative to traditional cabinetry hardware and are especially popular in modern-style kitchens. These doors and drawers use a pressure-sensitive latch mechanism so all you have to do is press on the cabinet door or drawer front to get it to open.

While touch-to-open hardware is an excellent option if you prefer not to have handles obstructing the appearance of your cabinets, it’s not your only option. You can also choose Gola cabinets, which have an integrated hardware option that allows you to open the cabinet by hooking your fingers around a recessed channel at the top of the drawer or door. This option keeps you from having to place hardware on the face of the cabinetry.

Contact Sean’s Cabinetry for Assistance With Cabinet Door Hardware

Selecting the best handles for your kitchen cabinets doesn't have to be overwhelming. For expert guidance on style, finish, and placement, turn to Sean’s Cabinetry. Our professional craftsmen can help you navigate your options and select handles or knobs that meet your needs and beautify your space. Contact us today to begin designing kitchen cabinetry with the perfect cabinet hardware!

How to Choose Handles for Your Kitchen Cabinets