Get a Grip! Why Knobs and Pulls Are Key for Your Kitchen Remodel
Giving your kitchen a fresh new look often starts with upgrading the hardware. Those small yet essential details--knobs and pulls--can make a world of difference in transforming tired cabinets. But with so many options, how do you choose? Understanding the key differences between knobs vs pulls will ensure you select the best hardware to match your design style and functional needs.
You'll learn how location, interior design, ease of use, and visual appeal impact your decision. With the right information, you'll feel confident tackling this important detail for your kitchen remodel.
Knobs vs Pulls - What's the Difference?
First, let's clarify exactly what we mean by knobs and pulls. While they serve the same basic function--opening cabinets and drawers--their look and specifications differ.
Kitchen cabinet knobs are typically small, round handles around 1-2 inches in diameter. They have a singular mounting point and are operated with a grasping and turning motion. Pulls, on the other hand, are longer bars ranging from 3-5 inches wide. They have two mounting points and are operated with a pulling or sliding motion.
Knobs often have a more delicate, ornamental look reflecting traditional design styles. Pulls exhibit a more streamlined, minimalist aesthetic suited to modern sensibilities.
In terms of history, knobs were common in vintage kitchens across various architectural styles. But in the shift to sleek, contemporary spaces, pulls emerged as the hardware of choice. However, the recent craze for industrial, farmhouse and eclectic mixing of old and new has led to renewed popularity for classic knobs.
Important Considerations - Location, Design, & Function
With the basics covered, let's explore three key considerations when deciding between knobs or pulls for your kitchen remodel.
Cabinet Location
One of the most important factors is cabinet location. It's generally recommended to use knobs on upper cabinets and pulls on lower cabinets.
The smaller size and easy grasping motion make knobs ideal for upper cabinets. Positioned high on the wall, upper cabinets benefit from the ease of use knobs provide. You simply reach up, grasp the knob, and turn to open.
For lower cabinets closer to the floor, pulls are the better choice. Using the leverage of your arm, you can easily grasp and open lower cabinet pulls even from a crouched position. The longer shape provides clearance between the cabinet face frame and your hand.
Interior Design Style
To achieve a cohesive kitchen aesthetic, the style of hardware should align with the overall interior design.
Delicate, detailed knobs complement traditional kitchen elements like raised panel doors, ornate trim, and antique accents. The prominence of knobs as decorative focal points works well with classically styled spaces.
The clean lines and understated quality of pulls pair nicely with contemporary design features like flat slab doors, minimal trim, and modern fixtures. Pulls enhance the seamless look popular in contemporary kitchens.
Ease of Use
Ergonomics and ease of use are other key considerations. The different motions involved in operating knobs versus pulls each have advantages.
The twisting motion of knobs allows precise fingertip control when opening doors and small drawers. However, knobs placed too close to the edge can lead to uncomfortable hand positioning and difficulty grasping.
Pulls enable users to engage the whole hand when opening, providing power and leverage for heavier drawers and doors. But pulls can poke out and catch on clothing when positioned too close to countertop edges.
Getting the Right Fit - Cabinet Sizing and Proportions
Installing knobs or pulls of the right size establishes an ideal look, flow, and ergonomics. Follow these guidelines for sizing knobs and pulls appropriately for different cabinets.
For a typical upper kitchen cabinet measuring 30-36" wide by 12-15" tall, ideal knob diameter ranges from 1 1/4" to 1 1/2". This provides adequate clearance from the door frame for comfortable grasping and turning.
On larger lower cabinets with dimensions of 36-42" wide by 30-36" tall, pulls should fall in the 4-5" range. This allows enough surface area for easy gripping when opening lower doors and drawers.
As a general rule, knob or pull width should be 1/3 to 1/2 the width of the drawer or door it's installed on. This creates balanced proportions for an integrated look. For example, opt for 3-4" pulls on a 12" wide drawer versus 5-6" pulls on an 18" wide drawer.
The Visual Appeal - How Hardware Impacts the Overall Look
Beyond function, cabinet hardware makes a major impact on the kitchen's visual aesthetic. Consider these design elements as you choose knobs or pulls.
The decorative nature of knobs allows them to serve as focal points that attract the eye. Their ornate, artistic quality lends visual interest. Prominently displayed knobs on upper cabinets become part of the overall kitchen decor.
Pulls take a more subtle approach, receding into the cabinetry with their understated linear shape. Uninterrupted lines and continuous horizontal bands created by pulls reinforce a streamlined look.
The material, finish, and hardware shape further augment the decorative impact. Stainless steel or chrome pulls support a sleek, contemporary feeling while antique copper knobs enrich a traditional farmhouse style.
Key Takeaways - Summary of Main Points
When planning your dream kitchen, carefully chosen hardware plays a supporting yet starring role. Keep these tips in mind as you select knobs and pulls.
Stick with knobs for upper cabinets and pulls for lowers based on ease of use and ergonomics. Match the style of hardware to your kitchen's interior design for a cohesive look. Consider the size, shape, finish and visual impact of knobs and pulls to create your perfect aesthetic.
By understanding the nuances that distinguish knobs vs pulls, you'll choose hardware that elevates your whole kitchen remodel. The right knobs and pulls create cabinetry you'll love interacting with each day.
Next Steps - Helpful Resources for Readers
Ready to upgrade your cabinets with new knobs or pulls? Check out these resources to shop hardware and styles for your kitchen remodel.
- Shop cabinet knobs and pulls at Wayfair
- Browse Houzz for kitchen hardware ideas
- Learn more about kitchen remodeling at HGTV
- Download our checklist for choosing cabinet hardware
Functionality
While both knobs and pulls serve the purpose of opening cabinets and drawers, pulls may offer better functionality in certain situations. For example, in a kitchen with heavy pots and pans, the added surface area of a pull can provide a more secure grip, making it easier to open and close drawers.
Accessibility
When it comes to accessibility, knobs may be a better choice for those with limited mobility. Knobs are typically smaller and easier to grasp, making them more convenient for individuals with arthritis or other hand mobility issues.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Knobs may require less cleaning and maintenance than pulls, as they are less likely to collect dirt, grime, and bacteria in the crevices between the pull and the cabinet. However, knobs may be more prone to damage from water and moisture, as they are typically installed closer to the sink and dishwasher.
Design Flexibility
Both knobs and pulls offer a wide range of design options, from traditional to modern styles. However, pulls may offer greater design flexibility, as they can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, allowing for more creative and unique designs.
Cost
While both knobs and pulls come in a range of prices, pulls may be more expensive due to their larger size and the need for two screws for installation. However, some homeowners may find that the added functionality and design flexibility of pulls are worth the additional cost.
Durability
While both knobs and pulls can be durable and long-lasting, pulls may be more durable in certain situations. For example, pulls may be less prone to breaking or coming loose over time, as they are typically installed with two screws, providing greater stability and support.
Matching the Cabinet Style
When choosing between knobs and pulls, it's important to consider the style of the cabinets. Knobs may be a better choice for traditional or vintage styles, while pulls may be more appropriate for contemporary or minimalist designs. However, there are now many design options available that allow for a mix of both knobs and pulls, creating a more personalized and unique design.
While both knobs and pulls can be installed relatively easily, pulls may require more precision and measurement, as they need to be installed at the correct height and alignment for optimal functionality. Knobs only require a single mounting point so they are generally simpler to install.