How to Choose between Knobs or Pulls on Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinet hardware selection is the final course of action during the planning  stage of a kitchen remodel. Homeowners are typically faced with the question  of whether to select knobs or pulls or a combination of both for their kitchen  cabinet doors and drawer fronts. In kitchen design, it always comes back to  aesthetics and functionality. Considering what you have in mind for both in  terms of your kitchen remodel will help you to decide which cabinet hardware  to select. To assist you in making your final decision, here are some pointers on  how to choose and mount cabinet hardware.  

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Difference between Knobs and Pulls  

The function of kitchen cabinet hardware is to open cabinet doors and drawers.  Knobs and pulls also prevent the transference of grease from oily fingers onto  the face of the kitchen cabinet. Knobs, however, differ from pulls in terms of  their opening mechanism as they require the utilization of the thumb in addition  to one or two fingers; whereas pulls necessitate that three to four fingers are  made use of. For this reason, pulls are generally considered to be easier to grasp  than knobs, although the consensus is that upper cabinets can be opened with  less difficulty by using knobs.  

All Knobs or All Pulls  

If you would like your kitchen cabinet hardware to look homogenous then you  should place all pulls or all knobs on your cabinet doors and drawers. According  to kitchen design experts, knobs are a mainstay of vintage or traditional designs  due to their classical appearance, whereas pulls are best suited to more  contemporary kitchens. More specifically, it is bar pulls that are sought after in  modern designs, whereas vintage-style cup pulls are favored in farmhouse  kitchens, or you can combine the use of both types of pulls in the same finish  for a transitional style.  

Kitchen cabinet hardware should further be congruent with the cabinet’s curved  or square lines. For cabinets that have square lines, such as flat panel or shake  style cabinets, all pull hardware that has a square shape or contour will  complement their modern aesthetic. Conversely, all knob hardware with  rounded edges goes pairs well with cabinets that have curved lines (raised  panel, beaded insert, recessed panel with ogee interior edges, and pillow-top  doors) for a more traditional look. 

Combination of Knobs and Pulls  

There is no one stopping you from selecting a combination of pulls and knobs  for your kitchen cabinet hardware. Homeowners often choose to put knobs on  their doors and pulls on their drawers, so that they can be opened more easily.  Always remember to stick to one finish – this is the golden rule for combining  different types of cabinet hardware. There is also no need for your cabinet hardware finish to match the finish of your sink faucet. 

However, it is essential that all your kitchen hardware finishes coordinate with  each other. For instance, a chrome faucet goes well with dark bronze, gloss  black, clear glass and gloss white cabinet hardware. Alternatively, a brushed  nickel faucet goes together with matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, and antique  pewter kitchen cabinet hardware.  

Correct Cabinet Knobs and Pulls Placement  

Now that you have decided between kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls (or both),  it’s time to consider their placement. Knobs are generally placed opposite the  cabinet door hinges. For base cabinets, the knobs should be fitted 2-1/2” to 3” in  a diagonal direction from the cabinet door’s upper corner. The knobs for wall  cabinets should, however, be fixed 2-1/2” to 3” diagonally from the cabinet  door’s bottom corner. Finally, drawer knobs must be placed on either the center  or the upper third of the cabinet drawer front.  

For a more contemporary look, arrange the knob so that it is in line with the rail  on the cabinet door’s face frame. On a base cabinet, this is where the upper edge  of the cabinet door frame and the panel converge; whereas on an upper cabinet, this is where the lower edge of the door frame and the panel intersect. Mount the knob on the center of the stile.  

A basic rule of thumb for mounting pulls is a vertical mount for doors and a  horizontal mount for drawers. The pulls must be vertically centered on the  cabinet doors 2 1/2” to 3” from the bottom of the door face and horizontally centered on the cabinet drawer fronts.  

Whatever type of cabinet hardware you decide on; as long as you adhere to the selection and placement guidelines your kitchen will turn out just fine. Coming to think of it, behind every knob or pull is a solid cabinet door or drawer. Drop a line to Nelson Cabinetry at 832-998-6598 to find out more about our premium all wood constructed kitchen cabinets that will make your cabinet hardware  look smarter and work better.  

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Nelson Cabinetry

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