Get a Grip on Kitchen Cabinets With the Right Knobs and Pulls
Here's how to pair the right style, type and finish of cabinet hardware with your kitchen style
Joni Hilton
June 3, 2014
My interior and landscaping designs have appeared in several magazines, and I also share them from time to time as the Youtube Mom. I'm an award-winning playwright, author of 22 books, and appear regularly on television showing my creative ideas. I'm also the wife of St. Bob and the mother of four kids who comprise the most patient family in the universe, tolerating constant remodeling and frequent mentions in my blog. See all this and more at my website, jonihilton.com.
My interior and landscaping designs have appeared in several magazines, and I also... More
You might think that after making dozens of tough decisions during your kitchen remodel, something like choosing handles for your cabinets would be easy. Yeah, so not the case. You’ll soon find out that there are more cabinet knob options than there are stars in the sky. But don’t panic. And by all means, don’t make a knee-jerk decision just to get it over with. When I used to make up design and swatch boards, I would remind clients that the hardware matters as much as the big stuff. Remember, you’ll be looking at and touching your kitchen cabinet knobs every single day. So you want to make the right choice. And after all, this is a micro design element that can have macro impact.
I photographed this showroom display board to show you just a sliver of the vast array that’s out there. But keep in mind that once you narrow down the kind of handle or knob you want, you can zero in on a few dozen choices instead of hundreds. Two common approaches to narrowing the field:
- If you’re making considerations based on resale, the top-selling finishes today are satin nickel, chrome and bronze.
- Base your selections on your kitchen faucet finish and style.
In my opinion, going to a specialty showroom and paying the extra expense is worth it, because you’ll find choices outside the mainstream and you can get expert help there. These come from the selection at The Plumbery, a kitchen and bath fixture store in Northern California. Here you can see glass knobs, swirly knobs, modern knobs — all just a tad pricier than conventional choices at a hardware store. But look at the workmanship and style, even the heft. Though the average kitchen has 20 to 40 knobs, you might want to splurge for something unique.
While the material choices and detailing are endless, there are a few common styles that you’ll see come up again and again. Knowing which general kind you’re looking for will help you narrow your search. Here are a few key ones:
While the material choices and detailing are endless, there are a few common styles that you’ll see come up again and again. Knowing which general kind you’re looking for will help you narrow your search. Here are a few key ones:
Streamline Moderne
What it is: This is a form inspired by the high-speed rails and ships of the art deco era. You see it in the architecture and furnishings of that mid-1930s time period as well — think curved, slender, often horizontal lines.
These slim beauties are a natural for modern cabinetry and often come in stainless steel, making the style an excellent choice for dark stained wood. You see them in nautical-themed rooms as well.
And, as long as you’re adding or replacing cabinet handles, see if there’s a matching appliance handle for your fridge (as seen here) — many showrooms sell them.
Pros: Sleek, elegant, roomy
Cons: Large pulls cost more than small ones.
It’s good for you if: You want an easy grip, something shallow pulls don’t provide
Styles it works with: Modern, contemporary, art deco, transitional
What it is: This is a form inspired by the high-speed rails and ships of the art deco era. You see it in the architecture and furnishings of that mid-1930s time period as well — think curved, slender, often horizontal lines.
These slim beauties are a natural for modern cabinetry and often come in stainless steel, making the style an excellent choice for dark stained wood. You see them in nautical-themed rooms as well.
And, as long as you’re adding or replacing cabinet handles, see if there’s a matching appliance handle for your fridge (as seen here) — many showrooms sell them.
Pros: Sleek, elegant, roomy
Cons: Large pulls cost more than small ones.
It’s good for you if: You want an easy grip, something shallow pulls don’t provide
Styles it works with: Modern, contemporary, art deco, transitional
Bar Pulls
What they are: Sturdy yet glamorous pulls that complement many styles of cabinetry. Here linear flat bar pulls not only underscore the contemporary feel of the kitchen, but oversize pulls eliminate the need for two pulls on a wide drawer. A good rule of thumb is to use two knobs or pulls on drawers 18 inches wide or wider. But if you choose superwide pulls like these, one is enough.
There’s no hard and fast rule on how long bar pulls should be, so go with personal preference. However, most designers keep them at two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the drawer. Notice they’re even longer in this kitchen, yet the length works. A good idea is to purchase a few knobs and pulls, bring them home and try them out before replacing your entire kitchen’s hardware.
What they are: Sturdy yet glamorous pulls that complement many styles of cabinetry. Here linear flat bar pulls not only underscore the contemporary feel of the kitchen, but oversize pulls eliminate the need for two pulls on a wide drawer. A good rule of thumb is to use two knobs or pulls on drawers 18 inches wide or wider. But if you choose superwide pulls like these, one is enough.
There’s no hard and fast rule on how long bar pulls should be, so go with personal preference. However, most designers keep them at two-thirds to three-quarters the width of the drawer. Notice they’re even longer in this kitchen, yet the length works. A good idea is to purchase a few knobs and pulls, bring them home and try them out before replacing your entire kitchen’s hardware.
richlite.com
Here’s another example of one long bar pull that is doing the job of two smaller ones. Bar pulls are a great utilitarian choice for flat-panel cabinets.
Though most often stainless steel, they come in many other finishes, such as satin nickel (a bit darker than stainless), black and polished brass. Be aware that any shiny finish, such as chrome or brass, will show scratches more easily.
Something else to consider is that pulls are easier for the elderly to use than knobs. A pull that allows seniors to use their whole hand instead of just their fingertips, will be much appreciated.
Though most often stainless steel, they come in many other finishes, such as satin nickel (a bit darker than stainless), black and polished brass. Be aware that any shiny finish, such as chrome or brass, will show scratches more easily.
Something else to consider is that pulls are easier for the elderly to use than knobs. A pull that allows seniors to use their whole hand instead of just their fingertips, will be much appreciated.
Don’t think bar pulls are only for modern kitchens. Here they give a jazzy, updated feel to Shaker-style, five-piece recessed panel doors.
Pros: A secure grip and streamlined appearance
Cons: The larger formats mean they have a tendency to stand out more.
They’re good for you if: You like a pristine, unfussy look
Styles they work with: Modern, minimalist, contemporary, traditional, transitional, Shaker
Pros: A secure grip and streamlined appearance
Cons: The larger formats mean they have a tendency to stand out more.
They’re good for you if: You like a pristine, unfussy look
Styles they work with: Modern, minimalist, contemporary, traditional, transitional, Shaker
Bin Pulls (Cup Pulls)
What they are: An upside-down cup-shaped pull popularized in the mid-19th century. Bin or cup pulls are a popular choice for giving a kitchen a minimalist, vintage feel, just like on these Shaker-style cabinets and drawers. Shakers originally used wood pegs, usually made from maple, cherry or pine, in keeping with their preference for simplicity and austerity. But these cup-shaped drawer pulls are considered Shaker style today, and look clean and understated along with small knobs for the doors.
What they are: An upside-down cup-shaped pull popularized in the mid-19th century. Bin or cup pulls are a popular choice for giving a kitchen a minimalist, vintage feel, just like on these Shaker-style cabinets and drawers. Shakers originally used wood pegs, usually made from maple, cherry or pine, in keeping with their preference for simplicity and austerity. But these cup-shaped drawer pulls are considered Shaker style today, and look clean and understated along with small knobs for the doors.
Bin pulls and knobs come in a variety of finishes; these are matte nickel. You can find them in most stores that sell cabinet hardware, and they range in price from $8 to $15 and up. As with any knob or pull, count how many you’ll need and price them — along with hinges — before you make a decision.
Black was a great color choice for the bin pulls used here on stained wood cabinetry. When choosing knobs, hold them against various finishes to see which color looks best. You may have seen a photo of a knob you love in polished brass, but with a different cabinet door color than the ones you actually own. Bin pulls come in almost infinite other finishes as well, including chrome, oil-rubbed bronze, cast iron and brass.
Pros: Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to mix with a variety of cabinet styles
Cons: They tend to work best for mostly traditional styles.
They’re good for you if: Your drawers are heavy, because these are strong, workable pulls
Styles they work with: Shaker, traditional, vintage, country, eclectic
Pros: Easy to use, easy to clean, easy to mix with a variety of cabinet styles
Cons: They tend to work best for mostly traditional styles.
They’re good for you if: Your drawers are heavy, because these are strong, workable pulls
Styles they work with: Shaker, traditional, vintage, country, eclectic
Window Sash Pulls
What they are: Pulls based on window sash fittings, designed to lift heavy windows in the early 1900s during the transitional period.
Just look how smart black hardware looks against the white wood and subway tiles in this kitchen. These are window-sash-style pulls, the homey comfort food of cabinetry hardware. They take us back to an old-fashioned era when window fittings were smooth and simple, with softly rounded handles.
These industrial-feeling pulls are a blend of colonial and Arts and Crafts, and come in a wide variety of finishes. While these black ones are a good choice with the black appliances and lighting, don’t feel your knobs must match all the finishes in your kitchen; it’s OK to mix things up. Just don’t mix the knobs and hinges on the same door; those definitely should be coordinated so one doesn’t detract from the other.
Pros: Easy to grip, nostalgic
Cons: Works with only a handful of styles
They’re good for you if: You need a firm grip to open drawers and doors.
Styles they work with: Traditional, Arts and Crafts, colonial, country, vintage
What they are: Pulls based on window sash fittings, designed to lift heavy windows in the early 1900s during the transitional period.
Just look how smart black hardware looks against the white wood and subway tiles in this kitchen. These are window-sash-style pulls, the homey comfort food of cabinetry hardware. They take us back to an old-fashioned era when window fittings were smooth and simple, with softly rounded handles.
These industrial-feeling pulls are a blend of colonial and Arts and Crafts, and come in a wide variety of finishes. While these black ones are a good choice with the black appliances and lighting, don’t feel your knobs must match all the finishes in your kitchen; it’s OK to mix things up. Just don’t mix the knobs and hinges on the same door; those definitely should be coordinated so one doesn’t detract from the other.
Pros: Easy to grip, nostalgic
Cons: Works with only a handful of styles
They’re good for you if: You need a firm grip to open drawers and doors.
Styles they work with: Traditional, Arts and Crafts, colonial, country, vintage
Novelty Knobs
What they are: Artsy knobs with personality, and usually a theme.
I like this photo for several reasons. First, sometimes a novelty knob is the perfect touch to bring to an otherwise blah kitchen. The knife and fork here likely remind the homeowners not to take themselves too seriously.
This is also a great example of knob placement. Notice the knobs aren’t scrunched down in the bottom corner.
If you have a cabinet that stands alone, this is a good spot to show some personality and flair, or even splurge on one or two pricey knobs. It can be one of those small touches that really makes a room.
Pros: They can bring a dash of drama to an otherwise blah room.
Cons: These knobs aren’t always the easiest to grip and pull, because function isn’t always the first thing in mind. Also, it’s a look that can be overdone if too many are used in one space.
They’re good for you if: You enjoy expressing personality and taking chances in your decor
Styles they work with: Best on basic, plain cabinetry — modern, traditional, contemporary — so the knob gets the attention.
What they are: Artsy knobs with personality, and usually a theme.
I like this photo for several reasons. First, sometimes a novelty knob is the perfect touch to bring to an otherwise blah kitchen. The knife and fork here likely remind the homeowners not to take themselves too seriously.
This is also a great example of knob placement. Notice the knobs aren’t scrunched down in the bottom corner.
If you have a cabinet that stands alone, this is a good spot to show some personality and flair, or even splurge on one or two pricey knobs. It can be one of those small touches that really makes a room.
Pros: They can bring a dash of drama to an otherwise blah room.
Cons: These knobs aren’t always the easiest to grip and pull, because function isn’t always the first thing in mind. Also, it’s a look that can be overdone if too many are used in one space.
They’re good for you if: You enjoy expressing personality and taking chances in your decor
Styles they work with: Best on basic, plain cabinetry — modern, traditional, contemporary — so the knob gets the attention.
Back Plates
What they are: Knobs with a back piece that lies flat against the door.
The owners of this kitchen used dressy knobs with back plates that leave no doubt about the room’s Mediterranean style. Expect to pay a bit more for a knob with a back plate, as opposed to a knob alone.
Pros: The back plate protects your finish from fingernail scratches. It also gives a more substantial feel to the knob.
Cons: Often ornate, a back plate can be harder to clean around the details. Plus, back plates are an extra expense.
They’re good for you if: You want high impact that underscores the style you’ve chosen, such as a stylized European, Asian or Victorian theme.
Styles they work with: Mediterranean, Tuscan, Victorian, Asian, traditional, eclectic, vintage, Gothic, Edwardian
What they are: Knobs with a back piece that lies flat against the door.
The owners of this kitchen used dressy knobs with back plates that leave no doubt about the room’s Mediterranean style. Expect to pay a bit more for a knob with a back plate, as opposed to a knob alone.
Pros: The back plate protects your finish from fingernail scratches. It also gives a more substantial feel to the knob.
Cons: Often ornate, a back plate can be harder to clean around the details. Plus, back plates are an extra expense.
They’re good for you if: You want high impact that underscores the style you’ve chosen, such as a stylized European, Asian or Victorian theme.
Styles they work with: Mediterranean, Tuscan, Victorian, Asian, traditional, eclectic, vintage, Gothic, Edwardian
Drop Handles
What they are: Two-piece handles with a mounted portion and a dangling pull. Drop handles make built-ins look more like furniture.
What they are: Two-piece handles with a mounted portion and a dangling pull. Drop handles make built-ins look more like furniture.
While a dangling ring is the most common style, drop handles work in other shapes and styles, too. This rectangular choice is brilliant with these Craftsman-style cabinets.
Another reason to choose drop handles is because they make it harder for little ones to open the cabinet, which is good for families with curious toddlers.
Another reason to choose drop handles is because they make it harder for little ones to open the cabinet, which is good for families with curious toddlers.
Here rectangular drop pulls give oomph to plain cabinets. They’re just unexpected enough to make a style statement.
Pros: They give a furniture feel to cabinetry and make cabinets tougher for toddlers to open.
Cons: Not as easy to open as standard pulls, and can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. Also, depending on the handles, they can scratch the cabinets over time.
They’re good for you if: You’re trying to dress up plain-looking cabinets.
Styles they work with: Any style. Just use modern handles on modern cabinets, Victorian handles on Victorian cabinets and so on.
Pros: They give a furniture feel to cabinetry and make cabinets tougher for toddlers to open.
Cons: Not as easy to open as standard pulls, and can be frustrating if you’re in a hurry. Also, depending on the handles, they can scratch the cabinets over time.
They’re good for you if: You’re trying to dress up plain-looking cabinets.
Styles they work with: Any style. Just use modern handles on modern cabinets, Victorian handles on Victorian cabinets and so on.
Glass Knobs
What they are: Relatively inexpensive yet flashy knobs, usually fairly small. Octagonal and fluted glass knobs became an affordable luxury during the Depression era; here the look is updated with a square shape and a color that matches the persimmon backsplash.
Something to remember is that center-placed knobs appear to be below center when viewed from above, so place them just slightly above center on lower cabinets.
Pros: They can add a touch of sparkle or formality. Also, a knob is usually less expensive than a larger handle and quicker to install.
Cons: Richly carved or fluted ones can be difficult to clean.
They’re good for you if: You like classic simplicity with a bit of bling.
Styles they work with: Vintage, eclectic, contemporary, traditional, country
What they are: Relatively inexpensive yet flashy knobs, usually fairly small. Octagonal and fluted glass knobs became an affordable luxury during the Depression era; here the look is updated with a square shape and a color that matches the persimmon backsplash.
Something to remember is that center-placed knobs appear to be below center when viewed from above, so place them just slightly above center on lower cabinets.
Pros: They can add a touch of sparkle or formality. Also, a knob is usually less expensive than a larger handle and quicker to install.
Cons: Richly carved or fluted ones can be difficult to clean.
They’re good for you if: You like classic simplicity with a bit of bling.
Styles they work with: Vintage, eclectic, contemporary, traditional, country
Recessed Pulls
What they are: Streamlined pulls built into door facings. Slim indentations keep the visual plane uninterrupted in this contemporary kitchen. Obviously they have to be planned for before you choose your cabinets, but they’re a great choice in a galley kitchen with a lot of traffic — where clothes could snag on knobs that stick out.
Pros: Smooth lines, no catching on knobs as you breeze by
Cons: It takes a bit more work to reach in and pull than if you used a knob. Also, these can’t be switched to a different style later, if you decide to change your decor.
They’re good for you if: You’re replacing the doors entirely and can purchase this style at the outset.
Styles they work with: Minimalist, modern, contemporary
What they are: Streamlined pulls built into door facings. Slim indentations keep the visual plane uninterrupted in this contemporary kitchen. Obviously they have to be planned for before you choose your cabinets, but they’re a great choice in a galley kitchen with a lot of traffic — where clothes could snag on knobs that stick out.
Pros: Smooth lines, no catching on knobs as you breeze by
Cons: It takes a bit more work to reach in and pull than if you used a knob. Also, these can’t be switched to a different style later, if you decide to change your decor.
They’re good for you if: You’re replacing the doors entirely and can purchase this style at the outset.
Styles they work with: Minimalist, modern, contemporary
Cremone Bolts
What they are: Knob systems with vertical rods that slide to lock. This anything-but-ordinary cabinet gets its impact from European cremone bolts. Just be sure your hinges match, and be prepared to shell out more than $100 for each bolt.
Pros: Conversation pieces, style statements, even fun to use
Cons: Ka-ching
They’re good for you if: You want a look of architectural integrity, you like gadgets and you have a large budget for cabinet hardware. They also would be good for a single statement piece on a stand-alone cabinet.
Styles they work with: Vintage, antique, colonial, eclectic, country
What they are: Knob systems with vertical rods that slide to lock. This anything-but-ordinary cabinet gets its impact from European cremone bolts. Just be sure your hinges match, and be prepared to shell out more than $100 for each bolt.
Pros: Conversation pieces, style statements, even fun to use
Cons: Ka-ching
They’re good for you if: You want a look of architectural integrity, you like gadgets and you have a large budget for cabinet hardware. They also would be good for a single statement piece on a stand-alone cabinet.
Styles they work with: Vintage, antique, colonial, eclectic, country
Oversized Pulls
What they are: Art objects as much as pulls, these knobs draw attention. Placed in the center, they draw your eye to the detailing of the worn wood here. Search salvage yards for antique ones and don’t be afraid to spring for the few knobs you’ll need. If you can’t find this sort of door detailing, you can create a similar effect by placing a medallion behind each knob in the center of your doors. Look for antitwist pins to keep the knob from spinning (in fact, do this with any round knob).
Pros: They put your personal stamp on your decor and add an element of surprise and panache.
Cons: This look can be overdone easily. The pulls can also be tricky for youngsters to use.
They’re good for you if: You have doors that can open easily with a center-mounted pull
Styles they work with: Eclectic, country, Mediterranean, Tuscan, contemporary, vintage
More: Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
What they are: Art objects as much as pulls, these knobs draw attention. Placed in the center, they draw your eye to the detailing of the worn wood here. Search salvage yards for antique ones and don’t be afraid to spring for the few knobs you’ll need. If you can’t find this sort of door detailing, you can create a similar effect by placing a medallion behind each knob in the center of your doors. Look for antitwist pins to keep the knob from spinning (in fact, do this with any round knob).
Pros: They put your personal stamp on your decor and add an element of surprise and panache.
Cons: This look can be overdone easily. The pulls can also be tricky for youngsters to use.
They’re good for you if: You have doors that can open easily with a center-mounted pull
Styles they work with: Eclectic, country, Mediterranean, Tuscan, contemporary, vintage
More: Your Guide to Choosing Kitchen Cabinets
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Great article! We would like to share a pull that has real grip & grit. The RR Spike makes a stylish finger friendly pull.
Our big issue with knobs has been the fingernail scratches around them which with a catalyzed finish. Also trying to clean the grease around them by a cleaning service did not help. I thought of adding a backplate to hide the scratches but they were not wide enough and I think cumbersome looking in general. I will have these maple cabinets that were high end 27 years ago painted and I will change the hardware (no hinges as inset doors) but I am not sure which kind are the best for avoiding fingernails touching the wood. Any suggestions welcomed as we can fill in the original holes before painting. see pics
Not sure how to edit my posts here but the end of the first sentence should be "which with a catalyzed finish are not easy to get rid of"