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How to pick hardware for kitchen cabinets
Is there need to help you figure out what hardware to use for your kitchen cabinets? If so, then this blog post is for you. We will discuss the different available hardware options and decide which option will work best for your needs.
Many factors go into selecting the right one, but at the end of this article, you should be able to make an informed decision about what type of hardware works best in your home.
What is kitchen cabinets hardware?
Kitchen cabinet hardware is the metal hardware that attaches to the cabinets and enables you to open and close them. The most popular types of kitchen cabinet hardware pieces of equipment include:
1. Ball bearing full extension pullout
This is the “gold standard” of kitchen cabinet hardware. These cabinets usually have a metal “runner” that slides out from underneath the cabinet and allows you to pull open the cabinets by tugging on a handle.
2. Soft-close hinges
These are the most luxurious of all kitchen cabinet hardware. They allow you to close cabinets very slowly and silently. The cupboard doors close slowly and gently, so there’s no slamming or loud noise.
3. Standard hinges that have a soft-close feature
These are your standard hinges but with the added feature of a soft-close. Hinges that have this feature will close slowly and silently, and it’s usually an easy DIY upgrade to get this feature.
4. Self-closing mechanism (also known as “butt” hinges)
These are usually found on pantry-style kitchen cabinets. When you open the door, it will stay in place due to magnets or springs, and when you close it, it will snap shut. These are great for cabinets that don’t get opened very often or that you can leave open (like your base cabinet above the fridge).
5. Standard or “butt” hinges with a self-closing feature
These are usually found on pantry-style kitchen cabinets. When you open the door, it will stay in place due to magnets or springs, and when you close it, it will snap shut. These are great for cabinets that don’t get opened very often or that you can leave open (like your base cabinet above the fridge).
How to pick the best hardware for your kitchen cabinets and drawers:
These are the most important factors you should consider when selecting hardware for your kitchen cabinets.
What is your budget?
This is probably the No. 1 question you should ask yourself. If budget is your biggest concern, it’s usually best to select standard hinges with a soft-close feature. These are typically pretty affordable and very easy to install.
If you have a slightly higher price range, it often makes sense to go with full extension pullout hardware, standard hinges with a soft-close feature, or self-closing mechanism hardware.
Is it easy to clean?
Kitchen cabinet hardware can significantly impact how easy it is to clean the cabinets. Full-extension pullout hardware will allow you to clean the inside of your cabinets without having to move the hardware every time. Self-closing hinges also make it easy to clean the insides, even though you must move the hinges to clean around them.
Will it last a long time?
Most of the hardware options available will last a long time if installed and maintained properly. Full-extension pullout hardware is typically very easy to install and maintain. Traditional full-extension, soft close hinges, and self-closing mechanisms will also last longer if installed correctly. You should always use the correct tools when installing any hardware, and it’s always best to ask for help if you’re not sure what you’re doing.
Is the scale right?
Kitchen cabinet hardware is designed to look good and add a touch of luxury, so you must choose the hardware scale that’s right for your cabinets. For example, it probably wouldn’t look very good if you installed a tiny self-closing hinge on massive kitchen cabinet doors.
Is it comfortable?
This might seem weird to consider, but kitchen cabinet hardware can affect how comfortable it is to open and close your cabinets. Some people like it to be very easy to open and close their cabinets, while others like it stiff so they can’t slam the doors. Most hardware is available in different finishes so that you can find something soft enough for your needs.
Square of rounded shapes?
Kitchen cabinet hardware comes in just about every shape you can think of, although the most common shapes are square and rounded. The hardware you choose must complement your cabinets, so it’s best to consider that when making your selection.
What’s the finish?
Kitchen cabinets typically come in various finishes like white, black, gray, or wood tones. Based on the look you’re trying to achieve with your kitchen, choosing hardware that matches the cabinets is important.
Would you like some color?
Most people think of kitchen cabinet hardware as silver or chrome, but it comes in a range of colors, from gold to black. Kitchen cabinets are fairly neutral, so adding color with the hardware can often be a simple way to add character to your cabinets.
Select a style that compliments the cabinet style
For example, if your cabinets are rustic wood, go with a rustic style. If your cabinets are modern and sleek, then select a hardware style that suits the cabinet style.
When in doubt, keep it simple.
If you’re having trouble selecting cabinet hardware, it’s usually best to select something simple. Keep in mind that too many details can be distracting, so keep the design as simple as possible.
Coordinate knobs and pulls
A simple knob or handle is best if you have a single door. A matching set of knobs and handles would be best if you have multiple doors.
Be careful with unusual shapes
Kitchen cabinets are fairly simple, so it’s probably best to select hardware that complements rather than contrasts with the cabinets. If you want to add something unique to the area, then a matching piece of art on the wall would probably look better than unique hardware.
More is more
If you want to make an impression, it’s best to select a style with multiple details. For example, if you want knobs on all of your doors, then make sure they match. The more details you add to your cabinet hardware, the more it will stand out and make a statement.
Kitchen cabinet hardware styles
1. Matte black kitchen cabinets hardware
You should use matte black finish hardware for your modern and luxury kitchen style. This is easy to clean and keep looking good because the hardware color doesn’t contrast with the cabinets.
2. Gray kitchen cabinets hardware
This is another great color for modern and luxury styles. If you combine the cabinets with chrome finish hardware, then it can bring life to your modern style. This is also great if you have gray marble countertops.
3. Black kitchen cabinets hardware
Many people think that black kitchen cabinets are dark and dull, but this is a very stylish look. If you’re not really into subtle finish hardware, this is a good option but want something slightly different from the standard chrome or stainless steel.
4. Golden kitchen cabinets hardware
If your cabinets aren’t finished in a light color, you will need to match the hardware to the cabinets. Dark mahogany or walnut cabinets will work well with a golden hardware finish.
5. Copper hardware
Copper hardware is perfect for people who want to add some color but in a seamless way. The bronze finish will match most colored cabinets or natural wood cabinets. This is generally a good choice for people who want to try something different but don’t want to go all out with color.
6. Mix and Match
This is a very popular choice for kitchen cabinets. For a traditional look, you will choose several finishes. You can use all the same finish or mix up the finish. For example, you would use all silver hardware on white cabinets but black hardware on dark brown cabinets to create a more classic look.
7. Two-Tone
This is a very popular design look for kitchens, and it’s very easy to do with kitchen cabinet hardware. The hardware will be a different color than the cabinets, and it’s easy to switch them out as your style changes or replace your old cabinets.
8. Stainless Steel
This is the most popular choice for kitchen cabinets because it matches everything and it’s easy to clean. Stainless steel is easy to match with the appliances, and it will flow through your kitchen nicely.
9. Wood Kitchen Cabinets Hardware
The hardware for wood cabinets needs to match the wood well. This is a good choice if you want to go with a rustic style in your kitchen. Dark wood cabinets look good with black hardware, and light wood cabinets look good with golden hardware.
You may also use antique brass for dark wood cabinets and oil-rubbed bronze for light wood cabinets.
10. Chrome
Kitchen cabinet hardware can be straight or curved, and both look good with a chrome finish. The refined hardware is great for cabinets with a more simplistic design, and the curved hardware is perfect for cabinets with a more modern and luxurious style.
There are so many styles to choose from for kitchen cabinet hardware, but you can also mix and match everything on your cabinets, even on the same door. The most important thing to remember is that you should go with what makes you happy and feel good about your kitchen because you will spend most of your time.
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