Top 10 Tips To Know Before Choosing Cabinet Hardware

Have you read my Ultimate Guide To Cabinet Hardware and want more tips? I got you and have compiled the 10 things I wish I knew before I went on my cabinet hardware search journey. I hope they save you time and reduce the stress of making a decision.

Disclosure: I only endorse things that I’ve personally used and love. There are product links in this post and for some of them, I make a small commission, at no additional charge to you. Thank you for your support.

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#1: For symmetry – If you’re doing pulls and knobs – Match the length of the pulls with the length between the knobs

#2: If you’re starting from scratch, buy samples from Amazon to get a sense of how different hardware looks and feels. I love my Prime membership!

#3: Polished/Shiny hardware gets visibly dirtier faster. Brushed hardware hides spots and is easier to clean. If you’re kitchen gets a lot of direct sunlight, the polished hardware can be glaringly bright

#4: If you’re getting pulls, don’t get the ones where your clothes will accidentally latch/snag on them when you walk by.

#5: If you’re buying hardware from different places, it’s easier to match silver colors like nickel, chrome and stainless steel. It’s very hard to match gold/brass – just too many variations, but it can be done! You just have to be diligent.

#6: Hardware doesn’t have to be expensive. The most simple hardware is beautiful and can be quite affordable. See my satin brass knobs ~$2/each. Generally, knobs are more affordable than pulls.

#7: If you’re buying custom hardware make sure to get extra in case you need replacements due to damage. The worst is if you can’t replace your broken hardware because they don’t make it anymore!

#8: Silvers can be warm too! Stainless steel, brushed / satin nickel lean more warm and they can look very similar! Don’t be afraid to mix metals in your kitchen. And you’re probably already going to mix metals if you decide on brass hardware since your fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher are probably stainless steel.

#9: Brushed and Satin are interchangeable – just know that it means not shiny. Brushed is when you can visibly see the ‘brush’ marks and Satin is smoothly matte. BUT when you actually see the hardware in person it really varies. For example, I can see the brush marks on my ‘satin’ knobs – and I like that!

#10: Narrow down your options to only 3 choices and then just STOP. This may be hard for someone with perfection tendencies but it’s so important. Don’t listen to the voice inside your head that says ‘but there could be something better if I keep looking.’ That’s how you spiral back into analysis paralysis.

Hope you found these tips helpful! If you’re interested in reading about our entire kitchen remodel experience, please start at the beginning…When we participated in the Fall ’21 One Room Challenge by Better Homes & Garden. We transformed our kitchen in 10 weeks and I want to share all the learnings with you.

Or just want to read about cabinet hardware? Then visit – My Ultimate Guide to Selecting Cabinet Hardware

Cabinet hardware is a place I think you can save money in your kitchen. And I needed 77 pieces of hardware in my kitchen! But there are other places in the kitchen where I think it’s better to splurge!

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