Selecting Your Hardware
How do you choose the right decorative hardware? We offer an extensive selection, plus a wealth of knowledge and experience to get you on the path to selecting the right combination.
Guidelines for Selecting Hardware
When choosing hardware, there are a few things to consider, such as style and aesthetics, comfort, and functionality. Should you choose knobs, pulls or a combination of both? As they are most likely going in high-traffic areas of your home, your hardware should be not only pleasing to the eye but durable and comfortable to grip, matching the size, shape and material to the theme of the room. Overall, what you choose should be both practical and a reflection of your personal style.
Knobs
Knobs provide a classic, simple look (though more ornate knobs are available) with the versatility to be used on both drawers and cabinets. Shapes vary but are generally either round/oval, square/rectangular or T-shaped.
An additional benefit of choosing knobs is how easily they can be installed and replaced should you choose to update your hardware, as they only require a single screw.
Handles / Pulls
Handles and pulls offer a more substantial grip than knobs and come in a range of sizes to fit both drawers and cabinets. Available in an extensive variety of styles, handles and pulls should both be comfortable to use and suit your personal design aesthetic.
Knobs Combined with Handles/Pulls
Combining knobs with handles or pulls adds variety to your space and can increase visual interest. From a functional standpoint, some cabinets and drawers are better suited to certain types of hardware. Regardless of how you choose to mix them, there should be an overall consistency in finish and placement that aligns with your personal style.
Choosing the Right Size
When selecting the size of your hardware, consider the size of the drawers or cabinets it will be mounted on. The right knob or handle should balance the look of the drawer or cabinet while also serving its function.
Knob Sizes
Understated and versatile, standard knob sizes are around 1 1/4" in diameter with a projection of 1 1/16" to 1 1/4".
Larger knobs are offered in sizes up to around 2" diameter with a projection of 1 1/4" to 1 1/2".
Handle / Pull Sizes
Handles and pulls come in a variety of sizes, with dimensions given as center to center. Sizes range from around 3" to about 320mm or just over 12".
For projects that require a larger size, appliance handles measure around 12" to 18".
Common Materials
There are many different materials used to make decorative hardware, each with its own distinct appearance and advantages. Some of the more common materials are stainless steel, bronze, pewter, glass, crystal, ceramic and zinc/zamak.
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look and is available in many finishes such as polished, brushed and matte. Rust resistant and easy to maintain, stainless steel will retain its luster and functionality for many years.
Bronze and Pewter:
Bronze and pewter provide a warm, traditional feel to a space. Both are strong and sturdy materials that age well to form a patina and are equally at home on light or dark cabinetry.
Glass, Crystal and Ceramic:
Glass and crystal provide a classic look. Despite their delicate appearance, glass and crystal knobs and handles are quite durable, scratch resistant and able to withstand regular use.
Ceramic offers a warm, vintage home feel and is well placed in a rustic-style room. Ceramic hardware is available in a wide range of colors and designs, making it easy to match with surrounding décor. The smoothness of ceramic knobs and handles makes them comfortable to hold and use.
Zinc / Zamak:
Zinc and zamak (an alloy which uses zinc as a base) are practical and versatile materials for hardware. Both provide a good surface for treatment, allowing a wide variety of finishes to be applied and increasing the choices you have to fit your décor. Zinc and zamak are highly resistant to wear and corrosion and will last a long time.
Upgrading Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
