How to choose the right cabinet hardware for your kitchen
Kokeena believes that good design also means the details and that includes your cabinet hardware. The right knobs and pulls can be the finishing touch that makes your kitchen feel complete. Now’s not the time to second-think or skimp on hardware that can leave even the best cabinets looking unfinished.
Choosing high-quality hardware is an essential part of the process. Here are some tips we put together to help you choose the right hardware for the right cabinet.
What to consider when choosing cabinet hardware
It sounds obvious, but one of the first steps is ensuring your hardware matches your cabinet style. Modern kitchens often call for sleek, minimal pulls with clean lines and smooth finishes like brushed nickel or matte black. In a traditional kitchen, more ornate designs with finishes like antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze feel right at home. For rustic and farmhouse styles, hardware with a handcrafted or weathered look adds warmth and personality.
Material and finish also play a big role, not just in appearance but in durability. Solid metals like brass, bronze, and stainless steel can better withstand daily use and resist wear over time. You can also coordinate your hardware finish with other elements in your kitchen, like your faucet or lighting, to create a cohesive look.
Choosing the right size and proportion for cabinet hardware
Hardware size matters more than you might expect. Pieces that are too small can feel awkward, while oversized pulls may overwhelm smaller cabinet doors. Ideally, the size of the hardware should match the scale of your cabinetry, balancing both aesthetics and function.
For example, small drawers often need just one knob or a smaller pull, while larger drawers may work better with two pulls for better balance and easier access. On cabinet doors, knobs and pulls are typically positioned about two to three inches from the door's edge for comfortable use and a polished look.
Cabinet hardware styles and how to choose the best one for your kitchen
Choosing a style that complements your cabinets and overall design vision ensures everything feels cohesive and intentional. Here are three options.
Modern cabinet hardware focuses on simplicity, with streamlined shapes and smooth finishes like chrome or black. It works especially well with flat-front or slab-style cabinets.
Traditional and vintage styles tend to feature more intricate designs and warmer finishes, creating a sense of timelessness and elegance.
Rustic and industrial hardware brings a rugged, authentic feel to kitchens, often with distressed finishes, hammered textures, or handcrafted details that add character and depth.
Tips for mixing and matching hardware finishes
Mixing hardware finishes can add richness and interest to your kitchen design, but it’s important to keep a few guidelines in mind. Try to limit yourself to two or three finishes to avoid visual clutter. It's helpful to keep similar undertones together, like cool tones with cool, warm with warm, and to select one dominant finish as the anchor of your design, with the others acting as accents. Thoughtful mixing can give your kitchen a curated, layered look without feeling chaotic.
Proper placement of cabinet hardware
Proper placement is key to both function and appearance. On cabinet doors, knobs or pulls should be installed near the upper or lower corners, about two to three inches from the edge. This placement makes doors easy to open while maintaining a visually pleasing alignment.
For wide drawers, particularly those over 24 inches, it’s a good idea to use two pulls instead of one. This helps distribute the weight and makes the drawer easier to operate over time.
Kokeena’s high-quality cabinet hardware for your home
When it’s time to choose your hardware, it’s worth investing in quality pieces that will enhance your kitchen for years to come. Our pop-up hardware shop offers a premium selection of cabinet hardware designed to complement our handcrafted cabinet doors. With customizable options and durable materials, our hardware is made to look beautiful and last longer than generic brands.
Ready to upgrade your cabinets with the perfect hardware?
The right hardware does more than open a door or drawer, it ties your entire kitchen together. Whether you're updating a few details or planning a full kitchen renovation, the perfect hardware can elevate your space. Explore our collection today and find the finishing touches that make all the difference.
Still have questions about the right hardware for your Kokeena cabinets?
We’re here to help!
Get in touch: talk@kokeena.com