A kitchen is a versatile space in any home—it can be a peaceful retreat or your favorite gathering spot. However you use your kitchen, the design choices you make can influence how everyone feels in it. Whether you’re eagerly awaiting your custom cabinets or considering an update for your kitchen drawers, you might be wondering if mixing and matching different styles of hardware is a good idea. Let’s dive into that topic and explore your options!
Should all kitchen hardware be the same?
When renovating your kitchen, you might be tempted to use the same style of cabinet hardware throughout, whether it’s the standard option that came with the cabinets or out of concern that mixing styles could affect the look or value of your space. But just because that’s a common approach doesn’t mean your kitchen has to follow suit. It’s your space, after all, and mixing hardware styles is a great way to showcase your creativity and either tie your kitchen design to the rest of your home or make it stand out as a unique feature.
What are the different types of kitchen hardware?
Kitchen hardware comes in various types, each serving a functional and aesthetic purpose. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of kitchen hardware:
1. Cabinet knobs
- Round Knobs: Classic and widely used, they come in various materials like metal, ceramic, glass, and wood.
- Square Knobs: Offer a more modern look, often used in contemporary or minimalist kitchens.
- Novelty Knobs: Unique shapes or designs, such as animal figures or themed designs, to add personality to the kitchen.
2. Cabinet knobs (handles)
- Bar Pulls: Long, cylindrical handles that provide a sleek, modern appearance.
- Cup Pulls: Semi-circular handles often seen in traditional or farmhouse-style kitchens, also known as bin pulls.
- Finger Pulls: Discreet, low-profile handles that are integrated into the edge of the cabinet door or drawer.
- Drop Handles: A handle that drops down when not in use, giving a vintage or antique look.
3. Hinges
- Exposed Hinges: Visible when the cabinet door is closed, often used in traditional or rustic kitchens.
- Concealed Hinges: Hidden from view when the cabinet door is closed, providing a clean, modern look.
- Soft-Close Hinges: Designed to close slowly and quietly, preventing doors from slamming shut.
4. Drawer slides
- Side-Mount Slides: Installed on the sides of the drawer, allowing for full extension and easy access.
- Undermount Slides: Hidden beneath the drawer, offering a clean look and smooth operation.
- Soft-Close Slides: Similar to soft-close hinges, these ensure the drawer closes gently and quietly.
5. Cabinet latches
- Magnetic Latches: Use magnets to keep doors closed, common in modern kitchens.
- Roller Catches: Use a spring mechanism to hold the door closed, often seen in older or traditional kitchens.
- Turn Latches: A small knob or lever that turns to lock or secure the door, adding a vintage or farmhouse charm.
6. Backplates
Decorative pieces that sit behind knobs or pulls, adding an extra layer of detail and protecting the cabinet surface from wear.
7. Decorative hardware
- Appliance Pulls: Larger handles used on built-in refrigerators or dishwashers, matching the cabinet hardware for a cohesive look.
- Edge Pulls: Sleek, minimalist pulls attached to the edge of cabinet doors or drawers, often used in modern designs.
8. Hooks and racks
- Utility Hooks: Installed inside cabinets or on walls for hanging utensils, towels, or pots and pans.
- Spice Racks: Often mounted inside cabinet doors, providing easy access to spices while keeping the countertop clutter-free.
9. Kick plates and corner protectors
- Kick Plates: Metal or plastic plates installed at the base of cabinets to protect against scuffs.
- Corner Protectors: Installed on the edges of countertops or cabinets to prevent damage and add a decorative touch.
Each type of hardware can be customized in terms of material, finish, and style, allowing you to tailor your kitchen’s look to your personal taste and functional needs.
How do you coordinate kitchen hardware?
A popular trend is to mix different shapes and styles of pulls and knobs. For instance, you might pair long horizontal bars near the top edges of wide drawers with cup pulls centered on smaller drawers, and small round knobs on kitchen cabinet doors. Alternatively, you could use short horizontal bars on all drawers and vertically aligned round handles on the doors.
Another trend is to mix different designs of pulls, knobs, and hinges. If your kitchen features a combination of rustic and contemporary cabinets, you could choose chunky black cast iron hardware for the rustic cabinets, and sleek black, nickel, stainless steel, or brass hardware for the modern cabinets. This approach allows you to blend styles while keeping the overall look cohesive.
Who can I turn to for gorgeous kitchen cabinets?
If you’re unsure whether the mixed hardware styles you love will complement your kitchen’s theme and cabinetry, Kitchen Magic is here to help. Our kitchen specialists can offer expert design advice to guide you. Ready to begin? Give us a call at (855) 573-3223 or schedule a consultation today, and let’s work together to bring your dream kitchen to life! You can even kick things off by downloading the FREE guide below.
