With so many things to consider when designing or renovating a kitchen, cabinet hardware is often overlooked. However, it's the final touch, the top finish, that completes the room.
Whether you're working with a custom factory or creatively painted stock cabinets, choosing the right hardware can be very helpful. The options are endless. Knobs and pulls come in all shapes and sizes, not to mention every material option from chrome to glass. And you should consider finishes like polished, varnished, and lacquered, to name a few.
Hard work spaces such as kitchens undergo a lot of work every day, so in addition to aesthetics, you also need to consider the ease of cleaning, durability, and location of the hardware. Here are 38 kitchen cabinet hardware ideas, from paint combinations to styles that will dress up any kitchen staple.
bold blues and brass
James Ransom.Styling: Veronica Olson
When you get creative with painting, like artist Dorothy Shane did in her home, hardware is paramount. These polished brass cup pulls are a perfect match for Sherwin-Williams Blue Starry Sky, SW 9140 coated blue cabinets.
traditional latch
A traditional turn latch adds an old-world feel. In this kitchen, designer Stephanie Sabbe used a combination of latches and double-knob drawers to bring a touch of luxury to farmhouse style.
edge pull
This style of hardware can give a clean, barely-there look, or the polished brass edges of Modern-Matter's coastal-inspired 2022 Idea House You can also add just enough fun, like a pull.
Polished nickel on black
It doesn't take much to add contrast to a dark background. The combination of simple silver hardware (also used throughout the kitchen) and black cabinetry gives this minimalist, modern style Alabama cabin the right statement.
recessed pull
To further enhance the seamless look and simple feel, consider recessed lift handles flush with the cabinetry. These matte black handles look sophisticated against unstained wood without attracting too much attention.
rustic tone
Whitechapel's two styles of detailed antique hardware add charm to the natural wood. This Virginia home is filled with homages to the land, including salvaged fence boards used for custom cabinetry.
bidirectional pull
Bree Williams Styling: Jennifer Berno Declean
Combine the hardware placement to mount the drawers vertically in the upper cabinet and horizontally in the bottom. For added appeal, pair the smooth handle with a muted blue-gray hue (Krypton by Sherwin-Williams, SW 6247).
Chunky silver and bold colors
This kitchen bar corner is all about making a statement. Thick, shiny silver hardware ties the deep blue paint selection to the charcoal gray metallic backsplash.
simple pairing
Laurie W. Glenn.Stylist: Matthew Gleeson
Consider your kitchen's other color palettes when choosing hardware. For this green (Sherwin-Williams Meander, SW9522) cabinet, designer Laura Hodges chose matte copper-colored handles and knobs.
Exterior hinges and painted knobs
Larsen & Talbert
Let the unique hinges shine while the knobs blend into the paint. Ben and Erin Napier wanted their new kitchen to feel like the rest of her 1930s home. For that, I had to choose an exposed hinge.
small knob
If you don't want to make a statement with metal accents, small knobs and thin handles will blend in perfectly. Just because you have tall kitchen cabinets doesn't mean you need to increase the size of your hardware.
moody black and green
Laurie W. Glenn
Two shades of green set the tone for this moody yet energetic kitchen, and the matte black cabinet hardware blends in perfectly. Designer and homeowner Lari Klassen paired black with a striped rug.
subtle details
Whether it's the knobs themselves or metal plates flush with the cabinets, subtle details can add personality to your kitchen, regardless of the color of the room.
wrought iron feel
Let bold hardware stand out as a decorative element in any kitchen. In this light-filled kitchen, designer Whitney McGregor created an eye-catching contrast by pairing soft white paint with exposed hinges and handles that mimic dark wrought iron.
contrasting colors
For the 2020 Idea House, designer Lauren Reese chose dark metal cup pulls for the workhorse drawers, and porcelain cabinet knobs on the doors added nice contrast and a touch of class.
extra large pull
Oversized cabinet handles are a fun way to make a statement without making your kitchen feel busy or crowded. The contrast between dark metal and bright paint colors like this gray-blue also adds character.
natural colors and gold
Alison Gooty
Bring in the outside by choosing a natural shade for your cabinet paint and pairing it with gold-tone hardware. Designer Caroline Brackett used a combination of knobs and handles in her renovated kitchen.
patina brass
Bree Williams
In some cases, all you need to remodel your kitchen is update the hardware and give the cabinets a new coat of paint. In this kitchen, Molly Williams chose Sherwin-Williams Extra Her White, SW 7006, genuine brass hardware to brighten the space.
Uniquely shaped bump
To really upgrade your cabinet, choose unique knobs. For Idea House 2021, designer Sarah Bartholomew chose these pill-shaped turtle pulls from Modern Matter.
matching shine
Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
Liven up your kitchen with paint and hardware finishes. Designer Jeremy Clark refreshed this kitchen with glossy cabinets and shiny round silver knobs with fine protrusions on the ends.
simple cup pull
For the 2020 Idea House timeless kitchen, designer Lauren Reese leans into her natural surroundings, choosing dark stained wood and patinated brass cup handles from House of Antique Hardware. I combined it.
minimalist knob
Laurie W. Glenn
These small round knobs leave room for adding detail in other ways. Designer Lindsay Ellis and Beatty love a fresh palette, so she decided to keep it simple in the kitchen, other than adding a patterned tile backsplash.
antique hardware
Simple latches add purpose to any cabinet. In this kitchen, designer Sarah Bartholomew uses two of her styles of polished brass hardware from Armac Martin, cupboard turns and knobs, to complement the glass-front cabinetry.
casual finger pull
For a contemporary look, pair muted, dark finger pulls with lighter cabinetry, like this kitchen's combination of black hardware and white oak.
glass handle
From classic farmhouse styles to mid-century modern kitchens, clear handles (glass, acrylic, or crystal) are a fun addition to brighten up a room without taking away from the beautiful design.
gold and white
Emily Henderson Design/Photography by Rashida Banks: Keyanna Bowen
You can't go wrong with the classic combination of creamy white and sparkling gold. In the galley kitchen, interior decorator Rashida Banks painted her Benjamin Moore cabinets Creamy Her White (OC-7) and chose polished brass Mushroom Her Style knobs.
cut out
If you can't find a hardware option you like, consider skipping it entirely in favor of cut-out handles, like the one seen in this simple, relaxed coastal kitchen.
black on brass
To accent her timeless black-and-white kitchen, musician and home repair enthusiast Holly Williams turned to Rejuvenation, which gives a touch of sophistication to the cabinets painted Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black (SW 6258). Brass accents were used throughout, including simple hardware.
novelty knobs
If traditional style doesn't pack enough punch in your kitchen, look to innovative knobs in all shapes, sizes and designs.
tone on tone gray
A sophisticated gray palette is always a safe choice. To keep your kitchen space clean and simple, consider choosing tone-on-tone cabinet colors and hardware.
mixed style
Why choose a single type of hardware when you can use a combination throughout? All three styles (round knob, cup pull, and arched handle) have the same finish to create a cohesive look.
monochrome look
Matthew Millman
With a natural palette, this two-tone kitchen features honey-colored cabinets and simple, small round knobs that maintain clean lines.
classic silver
There's something elegant about the cabinet handles, which are larger than necessary. In this two-tone cabinet, silver drop bail handles complement the homeowner's collection of silver serving pieces.
glass knob
Give your kitchen a playful feel with clear hardware. Brass accents help it blend in with the other fixtures in the room.
rope handle
Nautical elements, such as a subtle rope pull, give this small cottage kitchen lots of character. Find ways to infuse your home with accents that are meaningful to your environment.
shiny silver knob
You can't go wrong with sparkling silver for a simple look like these mushroom-shaped polished chrome knobs.
