Hardware might not be the first thing you think of when designing or remodeling a kitchen, but it’s one of the most important. Not only will hardware keep your cabinets and drawers closed, but it can also be an integral part of your cabinetry’s style statement. Of course, choosing the right hardware isn’t always easy—there are many options to choose from and a seemingly endless list of specifications to consider. To help simplify this process for you, we’ve created this comprehensive buying guide covering everything from materials to finishes, so you can have fun selecting your favorite metal accents for every room in your home!
Step 1: Choose a Finish
The first step to choosing your hardware for your home is deciding which finish you want it to have. Different finishes can be used to create different looks, and the finish can be applied to the hardware (or attached surface), as well as applied directly to the surface it is attached to. Finishes are available in a variety of colors, so there are numerous combinations you can choose from.
- Matte: A matte finish gives off an antique look that’s perfect for cabinets or drawers where you want something timeless and elegant. It comes in many colors including black, gold, and silver—and even white if you’re looking for an alternative color option!
- Satin: If you prefer something more modern with a sleek sheen, satin finishes are great too! This finish produces a mirror-like reflection that adds shine without being gaudy like high gloss options would be (which also tend not last quite as long). Colors include black/white combos along with several shades of red/blue/yellow—perfect if this kind of style fits what’s inside your kitchen or bathroom cabinet better than anything else might.”
Step 2: Select a Style
Next, you need to decide on your style. There are many different styles of hardware available, and it’s important to choose the one that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
- Contemporary: Contemporary hardware is simple and sleek with clean lines, usually made from metal or glass. It works well in modern kitchens or bathrooms where you want a low-key look without clutter.
- Traditional: Traditional styles are more ornate than contemporary styles—they often feature ornamental knobs or handles that enhance the overall appearance of your kitchen or bathroom. A popular choice for period homes (those built before 1950).
- Transitional: The transitional style combines both traditional and contemporary elements so the design blends seamlessly into any room regardless of whether it’s old-fashioned or modernized with an open floor plan (also known as “open concept”).
Step 3: Determine Hardware Length
To determine hardware length, you’ll need to know the size of your door or drawer. Measure from the center of one screw hole to another and add about 1/4 inch (for a loose fit) for every 3/8 inch thickness.
For example, if you have a 36″ x 80″ door with 1/4″ thick veneer plywood sides and bottom, its overall thickness will be 2″. Therefore:
- Hardware length = 3-2 = 1 1/2 (inches)
- Hardware length = 5-3 = 2 inches
Step 4: Pick Your Shapes
When it comes to choosing a shape, you can follow the same rules that apply to your other designs. You’ll want to think about how the hardware will look in your space and if it fits within your budget.
Keep in mind that some shapes are easier to clean than others. For example, there are different shapes and styles of sinks like top-mount, under-mount, stainless steel, workstation sink, and island/bar sink. And stainless steel sinks are easy to clean as compared to others. Another example is spouts with multiple bends might be harder to clean than spouts with fewer bends or no bends at all.
Use these tips as a starting point when you select hardware for your kitchen remodel:
- Keep an open mind! There’s no right or wrong way to approach this part of the project—you just have opinions based on personal preference and what feels right in your home.
Things to Consider When Choosing Hardware
When choosing hardware, there are several things to consider. First and foremost, the hardware should complement the building — it should be in keeping with its style and function. Second, it should be durable and last for a long time. Third, it should be easy to install or replace if necessary. Fourthly, you want your new hardware to be easy to clean — especially if you have young children! Lastly — but certainly not least — look for a brand with quality customer service standards so that when something does go wrong (or just needs fixing), you’re not left hanging out there all alone without help from anyone at all. You can also consider reading some product reviews to get complete details and their pros and cons.
The metal, finish, and shape you choose are just as important as the hardware’s size and style
When choosing your hardware, it’s important to keep a few things in mind. The metal, finish, and shape of your new hardware are just as important as its size and style.
This is because the wrong hardware can make or break the look of your cabinets and drawers. For example, you wouldn’t want to choose a drawer pull that is too big for your kitchen cabinets; it will stick out like a sore thumb and leave an awkward-looking hole on the front of each drawer. On the flip side, if you choose something too small for those same cabinets, then there won’t be enough room for its installation or removal from inside the cabinet doors themselves!
Similarly with knobs: You don’t want any part sticking out so far that it interferes with other items (like wall art) when they hang above them—but neither do you want one so low down on its door frame that people have trouble getting into certain cupboards without first bending over all day long! Picking up something off-center could also cause problems with closing doors properly (and even lead someone else away from purchasing anything else along these lines).
Conclusion
Hardware plays a significant role in the overall design and is often overlooked. For example, the wrong metal can clash with the décor of a room. The right finish can make all the difference, especially for small spaces where color saturation is important. With so many options, it’s easy to find hardware that matches your style and budget.