#2.

Looks much nicer, size wise, with your cup pulls.

My first thought was the cloverleaf. I thought it would "hide" more of what is in the cabinets. But as I kept looking, I think I like the diamonds, as it gives a lighter feel to the cabinet - which, BTW, is beautiful. The cloverleaf is almost like you are trying to hide what is behind the door - the diamonds embrace it --- if that makes any sense.

I like #2 also. Partly because the cloverleaf style reminds me of what covered the radiator in my childhood bathroom. I think you'll be happier with the sturdier material, too. Clever idea!

Just a thought: You could also spray paint them to match the color of your knobs.

#2 for sure! Good idea!!

Option 2 gets my vote. And no need to paint the metal, it looks just fine to me.

To me #2 would look as if you bought it that way so I vote for #2.

I like option number two by far.
Vanilsv, did you ever finish your DD's room. Maybe I missed the post.

Wow, this is the first time I ever posted a question and got a consensus!!! DH and I also were leaning towards #2; though did like the added privacy of #1--so getting this feedback is very helpful. Thank you everyone! I'll be sure to tell DH we should stick with #2 and will post pics when it is complete--though may take awhile since DH will need to complete and only has time of the weekends.

lyban: No I'm not finished with DD's room, though have made progress. I was waiting until after I painted the desk to post an update. Weather here has been rainy/sunny so I've not started it as yet. I have been following the progress in all of the other Shabby Chic rooms as it seems there are several of us doing them and it's fun to see what everyone else is doing.

So once again I am the odd man out. I much prefer the cloverleaf. I think it echoes the round shape of the knobs, and while it may be flimsier metal, looks more substantial. Number 2 reminds me too much of chickenwire, which says country to me.

Before you decide you might spray each one of them to the ORB. It will change the effect.

I like #2, agree that you don't need to paint it, and that the scale is perfect for this piece. It looks old world to me, not American country. The cloverleaf looks like a radiator cover.

I'm late to the vote.....#2!!!! Great idea by the way!

Hey Val! I wondered how you were making out on this. Those were the two I had also picked out. I ended up going with #2 because of #1 being flimsy.

Visually I like #2 with your console better.

Les: I always appreciate your thoughtful point of view. There are aspects of each that I find appealing; then after everyone said #2, I started to think, gee, why did I even need to ask since it seemed obvious to everyone else #2 is the better choice. I agree it would be easier to visualize the cloverleaf in ORB to get the full effect; though at $24/sheet I hate to paint it unless I'm reasonably sure I want to use it.

shee: Like you it took me a few trips to Lowes to find these. At first I even asked for radiator covers, Steel Works, etc. and the salesperson looked at me like huh? I thought maybe it was a regional thing and the CA stores don't carry it. Then I did some internet research and next time I went in I asked for a wire mesh or sheet metal and they showed me to the right section. I actually wish I could get the one like yours in the 1/2" diamonds, but they don't have it wider than the 12" width and I need 17" wide. I actually found the larger diamond sheets at Home Depot--once I knew where to look. In case anyone else is looking, it's in the hardware dept. next to all the screws and bolts as I found it in the same section of both stores.

Thank you everyone else for your input. It really helps!

Val, take a look at the latest copy of Remodel magazine, I think I got mine at Lowes. One of the prettiest cottage remodels EVER has the grilles on cabinets in their family room. Cabs are white, grilles look brown. They used the smaller design that you are looking at.

And for anyone looking for some wonderful photos and ideas, this magazine, that I rarely buy, is fabulous this month!

Red

Thanks for the tip, Red! I'll be sure to check it out.

And, the good news is I found the 1/2" diamond grille that I want in the larger sheet size at Orchard Supply Hardware yesterday. They are having their we-pay-the-sales-tax event this weekend so we'll get it tomorrow. Hopefully, DH will have time to cut it so I can then spray paint it.

I know some suggested it doesn't need it; but for those who have seen sheesharee's wire screen she put in her kitchen cabinet, I think it looks much better and will be a better match with my cup pulls and knobs.

#2 for sure!

I'm glad you found what you were looking for in the size too Val. I was going to recommend looking at Hardware Cloth. It's square, but could be installed on the angle. Not as nice at the diamond though.

Here is a link that might be useful:

Valinsv, you've given me inspiration to change out the glass from my kitchen hutch, which I always hate having to clean! That 3/4" diamond grill would be perfect to use, so I'm off to Home Depot in the morning! Can't wait to see your finished cabinet!

I would have to see the 1/2" mesh, the 3/4" looks so perfect! Do we get another vote? :0)

prairiegirlz5: I think sheesharee used the 1/2" diamonds in her kitchen cabinet. You can see it in the link below. She also painted hers ORB so you get a better idea the look I am after. We prefer the smaller diamonds as it adds a little bit more privacy since the contents behind the grille may not be that decorative.

justgottabeme: Thanks for the link for the hardware cloth.

nanny2a: Look at the link below to see the finished look in sheesharee's kitchen cabinet. Her Dad did a great job on the installation also. I guess I also need to pick up some of those metal strips he finished it off with.

Here is a link that might be useful: sheesharee's kitchen cabinet with decorative grille

Thanks for the link val~Good tips about the ORB paint, that sounds easy enough. Would this work on a ceiling fan? We had some moisture issues in our basement, resulting in pitting on the brass housing of the ceiling fans. Otherwise, they work fine. I was thinking of taking them down to paint them, of course, removing the blades, etc. Hopefully this will disguise the problem, or should I just replace them?