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A combo of chic acrylic knobs & pulls compliment the vanity stool perfectly!
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ou know that old saying, “it’s all in the details”? It’s so true when it comes to selecting the hardware for your cabinetry. By hardware, I’m referring to the decorative knobs and pulls you install to open the cabinet doors and drawers. Us designers like to think of these items as jewelry for your furniture. Just as you accessorize yourself with a pair of pretty earrings or a good looking watch to enhance and compliment your attire, the right hardware will do the same for your cabinetry. There are so many fabulous hardware options to choose from these days and they are available in all different price ranges. If you can’t find the perfect ones ready made, there are many companies that will make custom hardware too.
In this post, I discuss various knobs & pulls, show you some of my favorites, and point out appropriate applications for them. You’ll definitely get some great inspiration and ideas for your cabinets! Don’t forget to leave me your feedback in the comments section at the bottom of this page. I’d love to hear from you! Also, I’ve made it super easy for you to snag some of my favorite hardware pieces in my “shop the look” section below.
When it comes to application, there are no set rules for using knobs and pulls. You can use all knobs on both cabinet doors and drawers, or all pulls on both, or a combo of the two. It’s a matter of aesthetics, style, and function that will dictate which to use. The only real rule would be for extra wide drawers, I advise to use either 2 knobs or 2 pulls, or 1 extra long pull. This is because the drawer will not function properly if it’s not pulled out evenly on both tracks.
I chose easy to clean blue glass knobs for this boy's room wall unit I designed
Long, sleek pulls were the perfect finishing touches for my design of this custom unit in a modern home office
If you like a modern style, using simple extra long pulls on all doors and drawers is a great look. This would mean using a pull longer than 7” or so. One of my favorite applications for modern rooms is to install sleek 12” pulls on cabinetry units for all the doors and drawers and it looks terrific. If the unit has a few small drawers, you’ll need to adjust the sizing accordingly. For example, if you have a 10” wide drawer, you’ll need to scale down to a 7” or 8” pull for that particular drawer, but still keep the 12” pulls for the rest of the unit.
For my custom buffet, I echoed the brushed brass octagon theme in the wall sculpture by installing the same shape knobs :-)
If there is a recurring design theme to your room or cabinet, it’s always a good choice to carry it through to your hardware. For example, if there are geometric shapes used in the unit or the room, choose a matching geometrically shaped knob or pull. Also, I recommend keeping finishes consistent…if you have chrome finishes throughout the room, then select chrome hardware. Consider using unique finishes in your hardware choices such as gorgeous leather, glass or crystal, or mother of pearl. I’ve selected some of my favorites for you to check out in my “shop the look” section below!
Taking the time to thoughtfully shop for and select your "jewelry" for your furniture will definitely pay off and elevate the look and feel of your room design. It's also a chance for you to show off some personality while still tying together the finishes and themes in your room.
I hope you enjoyed reading this post on knobs & pulls for your cabinetry and got some good ideas and inspiration! Please let me know your thoughts in the comments section, I’d love to hear from you!
3 Comments
Thanks Lara for the great ideas, will definitely find useful!
I love the featured pictures!!
Wow, the detail in the first picture is amazing! Love all grey!