10 Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas

The right kitchen cabinet hardware, whether it’s knobs, pulls, or handles, can take your kitchen from plain to show-stopping with just a few small tweaks. Whether you’re into sleek and modern, vintage charm, or bold and playful, choosing hardware that complements your style is the secret ingredient to making your kitchen unforgettable.

To help you find the proper hardware for your kitchen, we’ve broken down the top ten hardware ideas into the most popular kitchen styles: Traditional, modern, farmhouse, industrial, and trendy.

Traditional Kitchen Hardware

Warmth. Timelessness. Elegance. Traditional hardware brings a sense of charm that never goes out of style. Think classic, understated pieces that add a touch of sophistication and are built to last.

Brushed Brass

Brushed brass is a versatile option that combines warmth and adaptability. It can work well with simple, traditional shaker-style cabinets or a more ornate design. Brushed brass also pairs well with neutral palettes like white and grey.

Nickel or Stainless Steel

These are both timeless hardware options that work across many kitchen styles, like vintage or shaker style cabinets. Nickel looks stunning with grey counters or cabinets, especially with stainless steel appliances.

Modern Kitchen Hardware

Modern design is defined by sleek, clean lines, and the hardware should enhance the space's sense of simplicity and modernity.

Matte Black

Matte black immediately suggests bold sophistication, perfect for the modern kitchen. It works well with neutral and colorful cabinets, offering a striking contrast to enhance the minimalist look. For the most contrast, pair matte black hardware with white cabinets.

Integrated Handles

For an authentic minimalist look, integrated handles are the way to go. They are built into the cabinet door, creating clean lines for an uninterrupted look that allows the cabinets to truly be the kitchen's focal point. They work best with slab-style cabinetry, like our Illume Catalina door style.

Farmhouse Kitchen Hardware

Farmhouse style is perfect for your kitchen if you’re all about a cozy, homey vibe with a touch of rustic charm. Think shiplap, a farmhouse style hood, and a palette of neutral colors that make the space feel welcoming and lived in.

Copper

Copper adds warmth and character, bringing the kitchen a cozy, rustic touch. It complements earthy tones and adds a welcome glow to light cabinets.

Rope Pulls

Nautical-themed rope pulls add a beautiful handmade touch to the kitchen, great for farmhouse or beach aesthetics. For a DIY option, use a knotted 3/8-inch twisted rope for added charm and texture.

Industrial Kitchen Hardware

Raw, utilitarian elements with integrated metal, wood, and brick fit the industrial theme. Industrial hardware also works well if you have a loft-style kitchen or love textured, tactile finishes.

Textured and Mixed Materials

Mixed materials add depth of character to an industrial kitchen. Pair natural wood finishes with brass hardware for a rugged vibe or nickel knobs for an industrial feel that’s still visually appealing.

Matte Black

Matte Black works well for an industrial theme as well as a modern one. Its subtle, understated look adds to the raw, utilitarian feel of the industrial aesthetic. Matte black works best with other metal and wood elements in the kitchen.

Trendy Kitchen Hardware

If you love keeping up with the latest trends with bold, playful design elements, trendy hardware is right up your alley. Trendy hardware is perfect for creating a statement in kitchens that embrace a fun, whimsical, or eclectic vibe.

Bold Brass

Oversized brass pulls or handles make a bold statement in a trendy kitchen, combining elegance with modern flair. They will create a focal point in the kitchen, making it great for a statement island.

Whimsical Colors

If you’re feeling playful and eclectic, try bright and vibrant hues and patterns to create a fun contrast against neutral cabinets or to enhance a playful kitchen design. Remember to use sparingly to avoid overwhelming the space.

Tips for Choosing the Right Hardware

• Functionality first- choose hardware that feels comfortable and easy to grip while opening and closing multiple times daily.
• Plan- measure the spacing on your drawers and cabinets to make sure the hardware will fit before committing. For standard cabinet sizing, check out this blog.
• Maintenance matters- choose hardware that is easy to clean- matte and textured hardware usually requires less cleaning. (Expert tip: give your cabinets a quick wipe-down weekly to keep them looking their best!)
• Match the style- the hardware should match your kitchen’s overall design theme.

Choosing hardware for your kitchen cabinets starts with figuring out which design style fits your kitchen, whether modern, traditional, whimsical, or anything else. Bold brass, sleek matte black pulls, or whimsical knobs can add character, dimension, and a bit of fun to your kitchen. Experiment with mixing materials, shapes, and finishes to create a custom look to make your space uniquely yours! And if you’d like a professional design opinion, reach out to your local dealer.

FAQS

What is the current trend for cabinet hardware?

Right now, it's all about brass. Try unlacquered brass for a timeless look.

What is the 1:3 rule for cabinet hardware?

This is a general guide for measuring for hardware- the pull length should be 1/3 of the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 of the width of the drawer.

Can I mix knobs and pulls?

Yes! This is a great, low-key way to keep things interesting in your kitchen. Keep one type on the uppers and the other on the lowers so it looks coordinated.

Should my faucet match my cabinet hardware?

They don’t have to be the exact finish, but they should complement each other. Feel free to mix metals. Just keep things similar for a balanced look.