Build Your Dream Kitchen With Our Handle How-To

Is your kitchen in need of a makeover? Want to take your existing space to the next level? One of the easiest ways to update the look and feel of your kitchen is by installing new cabinet hardware. Cabinet pulls, knobs, and handles serve both form and function--adding style while making cabinets and drawers easier to open. But with so many size, shape, finish, and style options available, it can be downright overwhelming to decide what works best.

Not to worry! Follow our tips below for pulling together a stunning, cohesive look you'll enjoy for years to come.

Things to Consider When Choosing Handle Size

Door/Drawer Size

One of the most important factors in selecting cabinet hardware is making sure it fits the scale of your existing cabinetry. As a general rule of thumb, handles and pulls should be about one-third the height of the cabinet doors or drawers they'll go on. This creates nice visual balance. For standard cabinet doors, opt for handles in the 3 to 4 inch range. Larger pulls in the 16 to 24 inch range work well on full-height pantry-style doors to provide ample grip and control.

Don't be afraid to mix and match sizes, either. Using the same size hardware throughout can look monotonous. Go for contrast by pairing longer pulls on lower cabinets with daintier knobs up top. The key is keeping proportions in check so the hardware doesn't overpower the design.

Handle Type

Decide whether you want to use cabinet knobs, pulls, or a combination of both. Knobs tend to have a smaller profile and turn to open doors and drawers. Pulls feature a longer grip area and typically provide more leverage. Kitchens often combine the two for visual punch:

• Use knobs on upper cabinets if storage inside doesn't require two hands to access.
• Opt for pulls on frequently used drawers and lower cabinets.
• Pair knobs and pulls finished in the same metal across cabinets for cohesion.

Cabinet Contents and Frequency of Use

Consider what you store inside each cabinet and how often you access them when selecting hardware dimensions. For example, opt for larger pulls on lower cabinets that contain heavier cookware. This makes them easier to grip and open. Likewise, frequently reached spaces like utensil drawers benefit from oversized hardware for seamless access.

On the other hand, smaller knobs help maximize storage capacity on upper cabinets keeping spices, servingware and other small items. For the least used spaces like under-sink cabinets, smaller, more discreet hardware preserves a clean-lined look.

Design and Decor Style

Handle selection goes hand-in-hand with your kitchen's overall aesthetic. Contemporary spaces shine with streamlined bar pulls in polished chrome or matte black. Farmhouse-inspired rooms might feature antique-style bin pulls. The size you choose should align with the existing style and finish of your cabinetry hardware for a cohesive whole.

Additionally, pay attention to the lines created by varying hardware sizes. Oversized hardware can ground lower cabinets; dainty knobs help lighten up wall space. Mix materials too--combine metal and ceramic pulls for textural contrast.

Taking Proper Measurements

Getting accurate measurements is crucial for ensuring handles properly fit your cabinetry. Start by measuring existing doors and drawers from top to bottom and side to side. This gives you the overall scale to select suitable sizes. Pay special attention to the width and depth of each door and drawer front--you don't want hardware that overhangs the frame.

If your project involves new cabinetry installation, obtain the dimensions from your designer or use the manufacturer's guidelines. Mark everything on a floorplan for easy reference when order time comes. Don't forget to account for inset versus overlay doors and drawer fronts when taking measurements.

Achieving a Cohesive Look

The devil's in the details when it comes to nailing a unified aesthetic with mixed cabinet hardware. Start by limiting yourself to two or three coordinated finish colors and materials. Introduce visual repetition through shapes: pair round knobs with rectangular pulls, for example.

You can also create intentional patterns by varying hardware sizes. Try alternating between large and small handles across drawers or use diminishing sizes as you move up to wall cabinets. Where you place each type of hardware impacts the overall flow.

Most importantly--step back frequently and evaluate the big picture. Seeing things from a distance helps ensure balance across the full design.

Choosing the perfect cabinet hardware involves assessing size in relation to design, functionality and visual impact. Make sure new handles align with the existing scale and finish of your cabinetry for a tailored fit. Vary knob and pull shapes and sizes to reflect how each space gets used. Most importantly--have fun with mixing and matching to reflect your personal style!