How to Pick the Perfect Cabinet Hardware for Your Space

This article originally appeared on Schoolhouse, a Portland-based company in the Food52 family of brands.

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From selecting lighting to picking paint, there are many major decisions involved in the process of making a house a home. With all these moving parts, it can be hard to remember that design is in the details, too. And hardware is a detail that can easily become an afterthought. But the right knob or pull can make a serious visual impact, elevating the room in a way that is easy and effortless-looking. And when you think about the countless times that cabinet hardware is used throughout everyday undertakings, it becomes clear that the value and joy that a well-made piece of hardware brings is well worth the investment.

So, whether you’re building a brand new kitchen, working on a bathroom remodel, or simply want to swap out some existing hardware on a thrifted furniture find, we’ve put together a simple and straightforward guide to help you choose the perfect cabinet hardware for your space.

First, decide if you’d like to use all knobs, all pulls, or a combo of both. While there are no hard-and-fast rules, it’s generally a lot easier to open a cabinet with a knob and a drawer with a pull. With that said, there are plenty of exceptions. For instance, installing drawer pulls vertically may work best for bathroom baseboard cabinets. If you want to upgrade existing furniture (such as a side table or media console), you may decide that small knobs add the perfect amount of visual impact over a longer pull. When thinking about hardware type, try to envision what will feel the most functional for your lifestyle.

Knobs have smaller profiles than handles, are generally less expensive, and can be used for both drawers and cabinets. They are slightly easier to install than pulls since you only need one screw to secure the knob to the surface.

Pulls are larger than knobs, make more of a statement, and tend to be easier to grip. They're usually more expensive than pulls, but come in many different sizes. They complement drawers or larger cabinets with their linear shape nicely.

Once you’ve decided on hardware type, you’ll want to think about what style suits your space best. Hardware with ridges, curved silhouettes, and textured detailing typically work well with traditional or heritage-inspired designs. Modern cabinetry typically have clean lines and edges with a sleek, minimal profile that is smooth to the touch.

Next, you’ll want to consider the finish. Cabinet hardware works best when the finish adds contrast to the room. What color are your cabinets? What about your appliances, faucet, and lighting? In general, warmer-toned spaces with brass cabinetry have a vintage feel to them, while cooler tones with darker cabinet hardware lean more contemporary.

With that said, your space should be a reflection of your personal design choices, so don’t be afraid to break the rules or mix metals. We’ve seen plenty of kitchens with brass lighting and black hardware or vice versa. If you typically want everything to match but have stainless-steel appliances, try selecting black cabinet hardware. Not only does it mesh well with all finishes, but it also keeps your space feeling clean and well-coordinated.

Drawers and cabinets range in size, so it can be difficult to determine what size you need. While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately one-third of the cabinet or drawer width.

Hopefully, this simple how-to serves as a helpful starting point when shopping for cabinet hardware. In the end, experimentation is the best way to dial in your personal preference, because every room has its own unique set of requirements. If you find yourself unsure of what you’d like, we recommend you place a smaller order of hardware. Take some time to try different styles, sizes, and finishes to see how the swap impacts your space.

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Have you upgraded your cabinet hardware recently? Tell us in the comments!