Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cabinet Handles and Knobs (and the ones I choose for the Master Closet)

Choosing the right cabinet handles and knobs can transform the look and feel of any room. I like to think of them as the jewelry for my cabinets! The right hardware can elevate your cabinets from ordinary to extraordinary, and most importantly be a reflection of your own style. Whether you are updating your kitchen, bathroom, or storage spaces, selecting the perfect handles and knobs requires a balance of your style, comfort, and durability.

Understand Your Style and Space

Before shopping for cabinet hardware, consider the overall style of your room. Handles and knobs come in many designs, from sleek modern to classic vintage. Matching the hardware to your room’s aesthetic creates a cohesive look.

• Modern spaces benefit from minimalist handles with clean lines, such as brushed nickel or matte black pulls.

• Traditional kitchens often look best with ornate knobs or handles in warm finishes like oil-rubbed bronze or antique brass.

  
  

Also, think about the size and scale of your cabinets. Large cabinets can handle bigger, more substantial hardware, while smaller cabinets might look better with delicate knobs. When deciding on a maximum handle size, I like to follow the rule of thirds and never go too much over 2/3 of the cabinet/drawer size for the handle.

Choose the Right Material and Finish

Cabinet handles and knobs come in various materials, each with its own advantages. My personal favorites metal and glass finishes.

• Metal is the most common choice, offering durability and a wide range of finishes.

• Ceramic or glass knobs add a decorative touch and work well in vintage or eclectic designs.

• Wooden handles can blend seamlessly with wooden cabinets for a natural look.

  
  

The finish affects both style and maintenance. For example, polished chrome looks sleek but shows fingerprints easily, while brushed finishes hide smudges better. Consider how much use the cabinets will get and choose a finish that stays looking good with minimal upkeep.

Prioritize Comfort and Functionality

Handles and knobs should feel comfortable in your hand and make opening cabinets easy. Test different shapes and sizes if possible:

• Bar pulls offer a good grip and are easy to use, especially on larger drawers.

• Round knobs are classic but might be harder to grip if your hands are wet or greasy.

• Cup pulls provide a secure hold and add a vintage touch.

  
  

Think about the placement of your cabinets too. For example, knobs might work better on upper cabinets where you only need to pull lightly, while handles are better for heavy drawers.

Consider Installation and Compatibility

Before buying, check the existing holes in your cabinets. Many cabinets have pre-drilled holes, and replacing hardware that fits those holes saves time and effort. If you want to change the size or style drastically, be prepared to fill old holes and drill new ones.

I almost never choose handles that won't fit into holes that are already present. I know I'm not able to hide the hole completely and it will personally drive me nuts! To figure out what handle size to use, measure the distance between screw holes (center-to-center measurement) to ensure new handles or knobs will fit.

Mix and Match with Care

While it’s common to use the same style of handles and knobs throughout a room, mixing styles can add interest if done thoughtfully. While I don't feel that there are specific rules in mixing and matching handles and knobs, I like to keep finishes within the same room consistent. In our home, all our handles and knobs are either a matte gold or satin nickel.

Budget and Quality

Hardware prices vary widely. While it’s tempting to choose the cheapest option, investing in quality handles and knobs pays off in durability and appearance. Cheap hardware may tarnish quickly or break under frequent use.

The bands I use most often are:

• Amerock Hardware: for high traffic areas like the kitchen and washrooms.

• Anthropologie: For kid rooms to add a little bit of whimsy.

Master Closet Knobs

All that being said, these are knobs I choose for our Master Closet. Before choosing I knew I wanted something a little more on the traditional side with a warmer tone to match the wood. Because the closet is open with a lot of items, I didn't want the cabiner hardware to overwhelm the space.

I started with the Appoint line from Amerock. The handle came in a good size which covered about 2/3 of the drawer it was going on. I think the design is simple, with just enough details to lean towards traditional.

The Appoint Cup pulls are going into the dresser area of our closet. The area is open with white cabinets and currenly have modern looking satin nickel handles. I wanted them to match in color to what was going into the master closet.

A side note here, is that I am also using the two above handles in our ensuite which I've decided will also get a tiny facelift. There is no door between the area where the built-in dresser is and the ensuite so I consider it as one room and would like there to be consistency.

Finally, for the cabinets way up top I choose these glass knobs, also my Amerock. It came in the same finish as the handles but I feel the glass adds something a little extra without overwhleming the space.

I'd be happy to hear how you choose your knobs and any recommendations you have for bands and styles!

Until next time,