Choose a Theme
First, think about the overall look and feel you want to achieve. Is your kitchen modern and sleek, traditional and ornate, or somewhere in between?
- For contemporary kitchens, stick with simple, geometric hardware in brushed nickel, black, or matte white.
- In traditional kitchens, opt for vintage-inspired hardware like crystal, porcelain, or brushed brass knobs and pulls.
- Eclectic kitchens allow for more creativity in mixing different finishes and styles.
Once you settle on a theme, choose 2-3 finishes to mix and match. Too many different finishes can look disjointed.
Pair Tall Cabinets with Knobs
Use knobs on taller upper cabinets and full-height pantry cabinets. Knobs take up less visual space, keeping these cabinets looking streamlined. Popular knob styles include:
- Round or spherical knobs
- Crystal or faceted glass knobs
- Vintage ceramic knobs
- Novelty or sculptural knobs
Use Pulls on Drawers and Doors
Reserve pulls for lower drawers and cabinets, as they are easier to grip than knobs on frequently opened doors. Some pull styles that look great mixed with knobs:
- Bar pulls in matte black or brushed brass
- Cutout or recessed pulls for a minimalist look
- Vintage glass or crystal cup pulls
- Sculptural wrought iron pulls
Coordinate Finishes
Try mixing complementary finishes, like polished chrome with brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze with antique brass. Stick to 2 or 3 finishes maximum for a cohesive look. Using the same finish on upper and lower cabinets also helps tie the look together.
Mix Size and Shape
Varying the size and shape of knobs and pulls adds visual interest. On upper cabinets, use a combination of small, medium and large knobs. On lower cabinets, mix bar pulls with smaller circular pulls. You can also integrate unique hardware like glass or crystal knobs as accents.
Add Pops of Color
Colorful hardware is an easy way to enliven a neutral kitchen. Try bold pulls in alacarte blue or mint green against crisp white cabinets. Or introduce metallic finishes like rose gold, champagne or bronze for a glamorous vibe. Just be sure to coordinate any pops of color with your overall kitchen decor.
Consider Overall Visual Weight
Bigger and bolder hardware makes more of a statement, while petite knobs and pulls have a lighter look. Find a balance that suits your kitchen’s existing features and style. For heavy, ornate cabinetry, small hardware helps lighten the visual weight. Contemporary designs can handle more heft.
Place Knobs Consistently
While mixing knob styles helps create interest, maintaining consistency in placement lends a sense of order. Place knobs equidistant from edges and neighboring knobs for a polished look. A general guide is to position cabinet knobs 3-5 inches away from top edges and side edges.
Step Back and View Holistically
Once you’ve installed your chosen hardware, step back and look at the overall picture. Make sure there is a good balance of knobs, pulls, finishes and details. Tweak and adjust hardware combinations as needed until you achieve just the right designer mix.
With a thoughtful, coordinated approach, mixing knobs and pulls is an easy way to add stylish personality to your kitchen. Have fun playing with different combinations until you find your perfect blend of finishes, shapes and details!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mixing Knobs and Pulls on Kitchen Cabinets
How do I choose knobs and pulls for my kitchen cabinets?
Consider the overall style you want for your kitchen – modern, traditional, minimalist, etc. Pick 2-3 finishes that coordinate, like brushed nickel and matte black. Use knobs for upper cabinets and pulls for lower cabinets and drawers. Mix different sizes, shapes and details for visual interest.
Should all the knobs match on kitchen cabinets?
Not necessarily. Mixing knob styles and finishes can add personality, while using the same finish helps tie everything together. Just don’t go overboard with too many wildly different ones.
What is the most popular finish for kitchen cabinet hardware right now?
Matte black hardware remains very popular and pairs well with many kitchen designs from traditional to modern. Brushed brass and oil-rubbed bronze are also widely used for a warmer, vintage look.
How do I space multiple knobs on a cabinet evenly?
As a general rule of thumb, position knobs 3-5 inches away from top and side cabinet edges and space neighboring knobs equidistantly for consistency.
Should cabinets have knobs or pulls?
Use knobs on upper cabinets and pulls on lower cabinets and drawers. Knobs keep upper cabinets looking streamlined, while pulls are easier to grip on frequently opened lower doors.
How do I choose hardware size for kitchen cabinets?
Consider the existing kitchen features. Smaller hardware looks best on ornate, heavy cabinets while contemporary styles can handle larger pulls. Make sure hardware is scaled proportionally to cabinet/drawer size.
What is the best way to mix and match hardware finishes?
Limit yourself to 2 or 3 coordinated finishes like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass and matte black. Try matching upper and lower cabinets in one finish and drawers/pulls in a second finish.
Should I hire a designer to select my kitchen cabinet hardware?
If you feel overwhelmed mixing finishes and styles, a designer can provide guidance. But with some thoughtful planning, you can easily mix knobs and pulls like a pro on your own!
Conclusion
The key to successfully mixing knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets is thoughtful coordination. Choose a style theme and limit yourself to 2-3 finishes that work together, like brushed nickel and matte black. Use knobs on upper cabinets to keep them streamlined, and pulls on lower cabinets for easy opening. Mix up knob sizes, shapes, and details for visual variety. Add pops of color or unique hardware as accents. Position knobs consistently and make sure your hardware combinations are well-balanced. With these tips, you can easily achieve a customized, designer look that reflects your personal taste and kitchen style. Have fun playing with different hardware options until you find your perfect mix!
