Cabinet hardware serves as a visual element, the jewelry for your cabinetry!  The rule was that doors have handles and drawers have knobs, but rules are meant to be broken, so anything goes.  

  • Pulls can be used for both drawers and doors.
  • The hardware should not be the focal point of the kitchen, but compliment the cabinetry.
  • Bar pulls of several sizes to work with the door & drawer sizes are popular in a contemporary kitchen.
  • Tab pulls for both drawers and doors are becoming popular because they are discrete and don’t overwhelm the cabinets.
  • Hardware can match faucet and other metals in the kitchen (chandeliers, hinges, etc) or can be complimentary. Mixing metals is popular.
  • Hardware can define the style on a shaker door – traditional, contemporary, farmhouse.
  • Pulls should be 5″-7″ for traditional, longer for a contemporary look.
  • The width of the pull should be comfortable for the user.  
  • Pulls that extend past the post will catch on pockets.
  • Avoid knobs for users with physical challenges.