Kitchen Cabinet Pulls

Kitchen cabinet pull

Satin nickel kitchen cabinet pull

What are kitchen cabinet pulls? They are the handles on drawers and knobs on cabinet doors. They can be added to all types of kitchen cabinets because they protect the wood from water and stains. They also make it easier to open and close drawers and cabinets.

Kitchen cabinet pulls are made of almost any kind of material one can name. The material and the design – shape, color – make some more appropriate in some kitchens than others. Some people even keep scraps and broken pieces of tile and use the pieces to make matching kitchen cabinet pulls.

Among the most popular materials for pulls are:

  • Chrome
  • Wood
  • Pewter
  • Nickel
  • Brushed nickel
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Porcelain
  • Ceramic
Kitchen cabinet pull

Bright copper kitchen cabinet pull

When choosing kitchen cabinet pulls, it is important to consider how the material will hold up amid the steam of cooking and doing dishes. Some materials cannot be considered because they would rust or calcify. Because they are used heavily, kitchen cabinet handles and knobs must be durable, as well.

Many people select kitchen cabinet pulls to match something else in the kitchen. For example, if they have stainless steel appliances, they might choose nickel, brushed nickel, pewter or chrome. If they want handles and knobs for utility, but want them to be less visible, many people choose wood.

Kitchen cabinet pull

Rubbed bronze kitchen cabinet pull

Often, people who prefer the look of gold, choose brass. Similarly, people who install dark wood cabinets (cherry, mahogany) frequently choose bronze because it is less obvious. Porcelain and ceramic kitchen cabinet pulls can be a good choice if one wants to match sinks or white appliances.

Most knobs are simple round items that screw into the cabinet door. There are styles that include a pendant to make them more elaborate. Knobs range from a simple round metallic piece with a flat end that attaches to the wood, to intricately carved and shaped styles.

Drawer handles are usually wide enough for at least three fingers to go through. They can also be wider. The appropriate size depends on the size of the drawers.

Kitchen cabinet pulls

Weathered brass kitchen cabinet pull

The choice of handle shape will be determined to some extent by the style of your kitchen. For example, a contemporary kitchen with smooth, flat surfaces and simple lines needs simple kitchen cabinet pulls. Similarly, in a traditional kitchen, one would probably use more elaborate shapes and designs.

Kitchen cabinet pulls go in the lower corner of the cabinet door (on the edge that opens). Drawer pulls belong in the center of the drawer face. If your cabinet doors attach to the cabinet box in a way that leaves them visible from the outside, it will be important to match the kitchen cabinet pulls to the hardware.

Instead of being overwhelmed by the vast array of kitchen cabinet pulls, one should be thrilled that so many options are available to meet one’s needs. Even the mix-and-match style of a country kitchen, with its unmatched cabinets and cupboards, can be fitted out with the perfect porcelain or ceramic handles and knobs.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Door Knobs

 

KITCHEN CABINET DOOR KNOBS

How to make the proper selection…

Kitchen cabinet knobs and handles are the whipped cream on top of your dessert. They are the finishing touch on the most visible part of your kitchen – the cabinets. Considering that 40 – 50% of the cost for kitchen remodeling or renovation is in your cabinetry, the choice of kitchen cabinet knobs is very important in putting that dollop of whipped cream on the pie.

The sheer number of options available to you when choosing kitchen cabinet knobs can be overwhelming. But the choices can be quickly narrowed down if you approach the task systematically.

Here is a selection process you might wish to use:

1. Decide if you want the most popular choice of the moment or if you want to use kitchen cabinet knobs to personalize your kitchen.

2. Consider the design and style of your new kitchen. If you have a traditional or a country kitchen, you can rule out the sleek modern designs. If you have a contemporary style kitchen, rule out the ornate styles.

3. Decide what materials you want to consider. Do you want metal, porcelain, glass, wood, tile or stone?

4. Do you want knobs or handles?

5. Do you want stationary handles or handles that lift?

6. If you choose metal, which metal and finish do you want? You can consider:

  • Copper
  • Polished copper
  • Brass
  • Polished brass
  • Chrome
  • Brushed chrome
  • Gold-tone
  • Nickel
  • Brushed nickel
  • Bronze

7. Installation must also be considered. Think about what you will store in drawers and the stress that will be exerted on drawer pulls with use. Then consider whether you should look at single screw installation or installation that used two screws.

8. Can you match other hardware to the kitchen cabinet knobs you are considering – visible hinges, appliances, etc.

9. Finally, check the price. Which of your options is the best fit for your budget and the design of your kitchen?

This process should lead you to a choice of the most appropriate kitchen cabinet knobs and handles. If you consider all of the options and match everything carefully, your kitchen cabinet knobs will accentuate the beauty of your new cabinetry.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Maple Kitchen Cabinets with Glazed Cherry FinishKitchen cabinet hardware includes hinges, glides for drawers and inserts, racks, and, especially, knobs, drawer pulls and handles. Someone once called kitchen cabinet hardware the “jewelry of kitchen design.” Indeed, the hardware adds the finishing touch to beautiful cabinetry and kitchen design.

Hinges on cabinet doors may or may not be visible from the outside when the cabinet doors are closed. If hinges are visible, you will want to look for durability, strength and beauty. Visible hinges should match the knobs and handles whenever possible. In some designs decorative hinges are part of the style of the kitchen. In these cases, choose the finish and shape that is most appropriate for the style and design of the room. Look for high quality hinges that are heavy enough to bear up under frequent use and finished to prevent rust from steam and other moisture in the kitchen.

Much kitchen cabinet hardware today includes a variety of specialized glides for drawers, cabinet inserts, and cabinet or drawer accessories. These must be sturdy enough to support the weight of any items stored within them when fully extended. You will want high-quality hardware. It will be worth any extra cost now to avoid the need to replace it later. In most cases, drawers and pull-outs should be able to support at least 75 pounds when extended, they should glide smoothly, and they should be made of a rust-resistant material.

Kitchen cabinet hardware today also includes a wide variety of racks, compartments and dividers for shelves, cabinets, drawers, and other specialty items. Look for racks made of metal and finished with a vinyl, plastic or chrome coating for durability and rust-resistance. Racks should be solidly installed and carefully positioned so they do not result in lost space or very difficult access to other items in the cabinet or drawer.

Knobs, drawer pulls and handles are truly the decorative kitchen cabinet hardware items. These should be selected first for match with the design and décor of the kitchen, next to be functional and sturdy, and finally, to be made of a material that is both appropriate and attractive in your renovated kitchen. Kitchen cabinet hardware is available in a wide range of metals and finishes, porcelain, glass, plastic, and even tile. You might choose a glossy finish or a softer matte or brushed metal finish for your kitchen cabinet hardware.

As you choose kitchen cabinet hardware, consider any metals used for lighting fixtures, decorative items, etc. and try to match the metals or other items as closely as possible. Some homeowners used extra tile from a backsplash or from the floor or counter tops to fashion unique knobs and pulls for their kitchen cabinets. This can tie everything together and create a nice “finished” appearance.

If you can think of kitchen cabinet hardware as the jewelry for your kitchen, you will be able to keep in mind all three considerations for the hardware as you make selections: strength, rust-free finish, and beauty.

 

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