Source: Rejuvenation
Bad pun aside, I am talking about cabinet hardware today. New hardware is a great way to update your kitchen, bathroom or even an old dresser. It is amazing how much this small, relatively inexpensive update can make to modernize a space. Just check out how different this cabinet looks!
Switching out your cabinet hardware only takes minutes for each cabinet and all you need is a measuring tape, standard screwdriver, and your new hardware. If you are drilling the holes yourself (definitely an advanced move as you could ruin the cabinet) you will want a cabinet hardware jig which has pre-measured holes and ensures correct placement for your cabinet hardware. Pulls should be placed horizontally on drawers and centered in both directions.
A few tips before you get shopping my favorites below.
- Pulls or Knobs? The general rule is knobs on doors and pulls on drawers, but you can certainly break the rules. My kitchen has pulls on both cabinets and drawers which is a more modern look. Another common configuration is knobs on uppers and pulls on lowers. Check out your current knob, pull configuration as getting replacements in the same size and configuration is much easier since it means no filling and drilling for new holes.
- Style. Sleek and modern knobs and pulls look good in traditional, transitional, and modern spaces. Oversized pull handles almost always achieve a more modern look by using handles that are 2/3 the length of the drawer width or greater. Another modern look is to go with minimal pulls so that they almost disappear.
Source: puresaltinteriors
Source: ginerachelledesign
- Finish. Hardware looks best when it adds contrast to the room. In general, warmer toned spaces look good with brass colors (check out my post Brass if Back) and cooler tones look good with chrome while all look great with matte black. Also, do not be afraid to mix metals with my favorite being brass and black which we will be doing in the new bathroom part of Office 2.0 with gold mirrors, black faucets, mixed metal lights and I am not sure yet on the pulls but probably brass.
Source: Andrea West Designs
- Drawer Pull Placement. The height of drawer fronts may vary but you should usually place your hardware in the center of the drawer unless the drawer is taller than 12” in which case the hardware should be near the to make it easier to open. Also, for drawers that are 24” or wider you may want to double up on knobs or pulls. Check out this the True Positions Tools Site for some great images and references for placement on shaker cabinets which are the most common type.
- Knob Placement. Knobs are generally placed anywhere from 1” to 3” from the corner on the opposite side of the hinge. Top cabinets would have the pull in the lower corner and bottom cabinets would have it in the top corner.
Here are some of my favorite knobs and pulls in all budget ranges. Note that most of them come in various finishes and most knobs have a complimentary pull and vice versa so look through both and see what catches your eye.
Knobs
Pulls