How to Choose the Right Knobs and Pulls

While choosing the right knobs and pulls for your kitchen may seem as easy as, “Hey, I like that one,” you’ll soon find that it is as difficult as picking out what color paint you want for your walls, and the type of carpet to choose. In many ways choosing pulls and knobs is more difficult than most decisions. When you start looking at available selections you’ll see why. There are literally thousands of style choices. On top of that you have composition type and then finish. However, despite so many options, you can simplify your choices by considering a few tips.

Knobs for doors, pulls for drawers

Like all of these tips, this isn’t a hard-fast rule, although in making a decision, this is an easy first choice to look at. Traditionally, knobs are used for doors such as your cabinets, and pulls are used for drawers. If anything this will help you decide how many of each you will need.

Hardware consistent with lines

Curved or square: The shape of your cabinets, countertops, and even your lighting fixtures plays a role in what the aesthetic of your kitchen. As such, your pulls and knobs should have a consistent feel. For example, if you have squared features in your kitchen, then a more squared pull, or knob with straight-line designs would work well.  The same is if your kitchens features are more curved, or have softer shapes you may want to use rounded, or intricate knobs and pulls.

Hardware that contrasts with your cabinets

It’s amazing how much contrasting colors work together. Lighter color cabinets work well with darker knobs and pulls. For example, white cabinets pair well with dark woods and deeper colored finishes. While darker cabinets may go with lighter colored knobs and pulls such as brushed nickel.

Complimentary Finishes

In addition to contrasting colors on your cabinets and drawers, the finish you choose should also compliment other finishes in the room such as faucets, lighting, and appliances. They don’t necessarily need to be the same finish, but complimentary, such as brushed nickel and pewter or oil-rubbed bronze.

The Feel

The feel of knobs and pulls is much more important than many people realize. You need to remember that you will likely be touching knobs and pulls more than any other item in your house. You will have your hands on them hundreds, if not thousands of times a month. So, you will want to make sure the feel works for you. If you don’t like the feel of gloss you may want to avoid chrome. If you don’t like something rougher, then you will want to avoid matte finishes.

Know your budget

Lastly consider your budget. It’s great if you can choose what you want, but if you don’t allot for the number of knobs or pulls you need, then your budget can quickly dissolve. Make sure you have a budget in mind, and simply divide it by the number of knobs and pulls you need. One thing to consider is that drawers greater than 18” will need two knobs or pulls.