Traditional or Modern? How to Choose Kitchen Knobs vs Pulls
When renovating or redesigning your kitchen, one of the most important yet often overlooked decisions is choosing between knobs or pulls for your cabinets and drawers. The style, ease of use, and functionality of your hardware can greatly impact the aesthetics and practicality of your kitchen. Should you opt for traditional rounded knobs or modern bar pulls? Here's what you need to know when deciding between these two popular options.
Knobs and pulls may seem functionally similar as they both serve the purpose of opening cabinets and drawers, but they have some key differences. Knobs are round handles that typically use a single screw to attach to a cabinet or drawer. Their small size makes them well-suited for higher cabinets and smaller drawers. Pulls are long straight bar handles that require two screws for installation and work well on lower cabinets and larger drawers due to their wider surface area and grip space.
Knobs Offer Timeless Appeal
If you love the look of vintage or traditionally styled kitchens, knobs are likely the best option. The ornate, delicate detailing of antique-inspired knobs brings plenty of old-world charm. Knobs come in a multitude of shapes from simple circles to complex faceted or floral-shaped designs. Their sculptural style makes knobs ideal for shaker, country, or farmhouse kitchens. The single screw attachment also makes knobs easier to install and access, especially for upper cabinets.
Size and Placement
Due to their smaller circumference, knobs work well on drawers and thinner cabinet doors. Focus knob placement on upper cabinets mounted high on the wall where the dainty scale suits the smaller storage space. For lower cabinets place larger rounded knobs or opt for pulls for easier opening. Based on the size of your hand, measure knobs before installing to ensure they can be easily gripped and turned.
Pulls Offer Contemporary Appeal
If you want your kitchen to embody a more modern, streamlined look then pulls are likely the better choice. The long straight bar shape has a very clean, contemporary style. Pulls often extend the width of the cabinet doors or drawers for full access along the length of hardware. The wider gripping surface provides superior leverage for opening heavier lower cabinets or large drawers.
The dual screw installation offers added durability and strength over time, preventing loosening or detachment. Pulls stand up well to heavy usage on busier lower cabinets. If your kitchen features a more minimalist, modern style then pulls can beautifully complement that aesthetic very nicely. Mix and match finishes like matte black, brass, or nickel for visual interest.
Factors To Consider
Cabinet Placement
When deciding between knobs or pulls consider where they will be installed. For upper cabinets mounted higher on the wall, simple round knobs are best. The location makes utilising pulls more difficult and knobs provide easier access. Use pulls on lower cabinets and drawers which their wider grip area can fully harness the leverage needed to open heavier doors and deep storage.
Design Style
Your kitchen's interior design style should heavily influence your knobs vs pulls decision. Those with traditional or farmhouse style kitchens tend to look best with rounded knobs in antique-inspired shapes and finishes. The ornate details pair nicely with shaker cabinets and vintage styling. For contemporary kitchens with a more modern or minimalist aesthetic, stainless steel or matte black pulls communicate that sleekness through form and function.
Budget
Cost is often a factor in choosing knobs or pulls. Given their smaller size and ease of installation with just one screw, knobs tend to be more budget friendly. However, pulls offer greater durability and strength when quality materials like stainless steel are used. Consider longevity if opting for a less expensive option. Mixing knobs and pulls is also a way to add visual interest while optimizing the budget.
Personal Preference
When debating between knobs vs pulls personal preference also comes into play. Those who like a rounder, more sculptural style may gravitate towards knobs. If you want a wider gripping surface then pulls would provide superior leverage and support. Ergonomics and ease of use should factor into comfort along with visual appeal. Mixing the two types provides aesthetic and functional contrast.
Choosing Your Hardware
Take Measurements
When installing new knobs or pulls properly measuring the existing holes or spacing is crucial. Based on where existing screws and openings are located, measure the distance horizontally and vertically to ensure your new hardware will fit. Improperly sized holes can damage cabinets. Take knob or pull samples with you when shopping to envision placement and hold shapes in hand before permanently installing.
Order Samples
Hardware stores and online sellers typically offer sample programs where you can order one knob or pull option to test before fully committing to a style. Seeing a full set mocked up on your actual cabinets is hugely beneficial. Samples allow you to view shapes and finishes in the space under your lighting. You can paint samples in real time to determine what hardware works best with your color scheme before assembling all materials.
Mix and Match
There's no rule that you must stick to just knobs or only pulls when selecting hardware. Mixing the two varieties provides contrast and allows you to maximize their different offerings. Use knobs up top on higher cabinets while pulls open lower doors with ease. Contrasting finishes like brass knobs and black pulls interject eclectic style. Just ensure your mixed metals make sense together aesthetically.
When deciding between using knobs or pulls in your kitchen the differences lie beyond just appearance. Consider where functionally they will be placed, the existing design style as well as personal ergonomic needs. Knobs excel on upper cabinets and emphasize vintage charm with sculptural shapes installed by a single screw. For contemporary schemes with a focus on wide gripping leverage, two-screw pulls better equip larger lower cabinets. Take stock of your budget, kitchen's aesthetic and organizational requirements when choosing to install knobs, pulls or even a stylish combination of both.