Handles, Knobs and Pulls

You've chosen the style of your cabinetry. You've also chosen the material and color.  Congratulations!

Now it's time to choose the decorative hardware --- knobs and/or pulls for the doors and drawer fronts. If your cabinets have hinges that are exposed, you will probably want to match the material used in the hinges. Your designer can guide you to hardware that complements your cabinetry in either a subtle way or to hardware that makes an impact. Certain styles seem to go with certain cabinets-- but that doesn't mean you can't choose something "outside the box". Note the eye-catching cabinet color and the "unique" drawer pulls in the photo.
           

Because there are literally thousands of knobs and pulls available it can be helpful to have your designer narrow down your choices so you're not overwhelmed by the selections. Do you want something to go with your traditional cabinets? Something sleek and modern to match your contemporary cabinets? What finish would match the other finishes in your kitchen, such as appliances and faucets?                                            

One consideration is where to place the knobs and pulls. A trend has been to use both knobs and pulls on the cabinet doors, perhaps varying them by putting handles on the eye level cabinet doors and then putting knobs on the upper level cabinet doors such as those over the refrigerator. this can actually be pleasing to the eye but might require your designer to guide you as to "what makes sense" for each bank of cabinets.

                                                         

                             
In hardware, as in cabinetry, "you get what you pay for". Lower quality knobs and pulls will often have thinner metal, rougher finishes and will in general be a lighter weight than more expensive hardware. Higher quality hardware is made out of "solid" materials, like brass, steel, iron, bronze, zinc, etc. Lower quality drawer pulls may have inconsistencies in the distances between the screw holes so not all of them may fit.

High quality handles, knobs and pulls will last as long as your cabinetry. Look for a lifetime warranty and you won't be stuck with hardware that loses its finish after a year or two.