So, you’re at that point where you’re wondering whether you should go for pulls or knobs on your kitchen cabinets, we’ve all been there – standing in the cabinet hardware aisle, or asking google and feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices. Well, we want to take the guesswork out of this decision for you.
That’s why we’ve cooked up this blog post with five main points to consider that will, we believe, make your decision-making process a breeze. So, whether you’re giving your kitchen a full-on makeover or just jazzing up your cabinets, we’ve got your back.
Stick with us to unravel the mystery of Pulls or Knobs on Kitchen Cabinets and find out what’s truly best for your kitchen. Ready? Let’s do this!
1.) Let Your Kitchen Decide
One of the most effective ways to determine whether cabinet pulls or knobs will be a good fit for your kitchen is to know your overall kitchen style. Paying attention to your kitchen’s design style will go a long way in narrowing down your choices.
Kitchen cabinet hardware isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Different kitchen styles call for different types of handles. By starting with your kitchen style as a first step, you’ll be able to eliminate options that won’t work with your overall vision.
So let’s look at some different kitchen styles so that you can get an idea of how helpful it will be.
Traditional Kitchen
Traditional kitchen design is all about creating a cozy, warm feel. The cabinets are typically more intricate and detailed, with wood being the material of choice. The color palette generally leans towards warm colors, like warm whites, creams, tans, and beiges, all contributing to that snug, homey feel.
And let’s not forget about the furniture – traditional kitchens LOVE their wooden chairs and tables! These pieces often have more elaborate shapes and intricate details, making them a bit more “dressed up” compared to other design styles.
Use Knobs
Modern Kitchen
The modern décor style is all about keeping things simple and uncluttered. It’s a style that focuses on functionality and doing away with the ornate and detailed designs found in more traditional styles.
In modern kitchens, the cabinets are more basic and focused on functionality. A popular choice is shaker cabinets, which are known for their simplicity. They prioritize practicality and clean design over intricate decorations. They’re cabinets that just do their job.
When it comes to colors, modern kitchens often go for basic colors like whites, grays, and greiges (a mix of gray and beige) and also features simplistic furniture often made from various materials beyond just wood. It’s all about creating a sleek and organized space that’s both stylish and functional.
Use Pulls
Pulls are like the MVPs for modern-style kitchen cabinets. They complement the sleek and streamlined look perfectly. Straight line, rectangular pulls are particularly popular in modern kitchens because these types of pulls have clean lines and a straightforward design that looks great with a more contemporary look.
Transitional Kitchen
A transitional décor style is all about blending traditional and modern elements together. It’s like taking the coolest parts from both styles and mixing them up to create something unique. Transitional kitchens usually have a muted color scheme that’s heavy on the neutrals. Think colors like whites, and grays with darker or bolder colors often used as accents, like a vibrant rug or colorful wall art.
The cabinets and kitchen furniture try to balance between classical and modern styles, you’ll see cabinets that may have flat panel doors with straight lines like in modern designs, but could also feature some traditional details like curved lines in raised panel doors with decorative handles. It’s like combining the best of both worlds.
Use Knobs & Pulls
When it comes to transitional styles, you have lots of flexibility in choosing between knobs or pulls for your kitchen cabinets. Since transitional design is a blend of traditional and modern styles, it really comes down to personal taste.
So whether you’re a knob person or a pull person, either can work great in a transitional kitchen.
But who says you have to choose just one? You can also mix and match knobs and pulls. Maybe you want knobs on your cabinet doors and pulls on the drawers. Or vice versa. It’s all about what feels like the right hardware choice for your kitchen and your design goals.
2.) What's Practical for Your Kitchen?
Your kitchen’s hardware needs to be able to handle the demands of your lifestyle. If you have an active family with kids and lots of daily cooking happening you’re going to need cabinet hardware that can stand up to some serious use. You’ll want something sturdy, easy to grab.
On the other hand, if you’re part of a newlywed duo who are always at work and mostly bring home takeout, your kitchen hardware needs are going to be different.
Busy Kitchen
If you’ve got a bustling household with kids running around and daily cooking, pulls might just be the way to go, especially for larger drawers storing heavy items like pots and pans. A Pull can be easier to handle with heavier drawers, making them a practical choice for those hefty drawers.
Also, let’s not forget about comfort. Pulls on kitchen cabinets can be easier on your hands, especially when you’re constantly grabbing, opening, and closing cabinets throughout the day. They offer a larger area to grip, which can make it more comfortable on your hands.
Keep In Mind
It’s important to consider the overall design style of your kitchen. If a pull doesn’t fit well with your kitchen design, don’t worry! There’s still a solution. Larger knobs or square knobs can be a great alternative. They give more surface area to grab onto and are capable of withstanding the demands of daily use.
Lightly Used Kitchen
If your kitchen sees lighter use – maybe you’re often out and about, or ordering takeout is more your style – then choosing your cabinet hardware can be a lot more about personal preference and style.
In a kitchen that doesn’t see a lot of action, your cabinet knobs and pulls don’t have to stand up to heavy daily use. They won’t be constantly grabbed by sticky fingers or the constant hustle and bustle of daily cooking. So, you’ve got the freedom to choose cabinet hardware that fits with your design style without worrying too much about durability and heavy-duty use.
3.) Get a Grip
Test out your knobs and pulls before you make a purchase. It’s all about getting hands-on to get an idea of how they feel in your hand.
When you come across knobs or pulls that catch your eye, go ahead and touch them, feel them, don’t hesitate to stick your hand in it. Does your whole hand fit comfortably? Does it feel nice, or does it feel cramped? Ideally, you should be able to fit four fingers comfortably inside a pull.
And let’s not forget about knobs. When you grab one, does it feel too slick or feel too small for your or your partner’s fingers? Remember, these are pieces of hardware you’re going to be using countless times every day. You definitely don’t want something that becomes annoying to use over time.
4.) You Can Mix Knobs & Pulls
When it comes to choosing knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets, there’s no hard and fast rule that says you have to stick with just one or the other. In fact, mixing and matching cabinet hardware can add a unique touch to your kitchen.
For example, you might decide to use only knobs on your upper cabinets and use pulls on your lower cabinets/base cabinets. Knobs can sometimes be easier to grab on a cabinet door, while pulls can handle the heavier weight of a fully-loaded drawer.
So, don’t be afraid to mix it up and have some fun with your cabinet hardware. Feel free to experiment with combinations of mixing knobs and pulls to find the perfect balance for your kitchen.
5.) What's the Cost
It may be important to factor in the number of drawers and cabinet doors you have in your kitchen. Why? Because the quantity of cabinet hardware you need can significantly impact your budget. The more cabinet hardware you need, the higher the potential cost, so it’s worth considering the financial aspect when making your final decision.
The good news is that there are affordable options available for both knobs and pulls. You can find a wide range of styles, materials, and finishes at different price points.
Keep In Mind
If price becomes an issue you might need to compromise a little on style to find a better price point to save money but this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice all your preferences, you’ll just need to be open to alternative designs or materials that are more budget-friendly.
FAQ
What is the most popular hardware for kitchen cabinets?
Based on current trends we’ve seen, pulls have been the most popular choice for kitchen cabinet hardware.
Which is more modern, knobs or pulls?
For modern kitchen designs, pulls are typically considered to be more complementing than knobs. Knobs are most often used with traditional styles.
Conclusion
Picking between knobs and pulls for your kitchen isn’t like a one-and-done kind of thing. It’s all about balancing what looks good, what works for your day-to-day, and what fits your budget.
Remember, the right kitchen cabinet hardware can not only enhance the beauty of your kitchen but also its functionality and comfort. So take your time, consider your options, and make a choice that will serve you well in the long run.
