White kitchen cabinets create a fresh, clean look, but without the right hardware, they can feel sterile or incomplete. The proper cabinet handles, pulls, or knobs can infuse personality into the space, complement other features, and boost functionality. With limitless options for materials, sizes, shapes and finishes, selecting hardware may seem daunting. Read on as we cover the key factors for choosing handles to match your personal style and white kitchen aesthetic.
Determine Your Kitchen Cabinet Style
Before even browsing hardware pieces, note your existing cabinet door style. Are they shaker style with a recessed center panel? Flat slab doors perhaps? Or maybe raised panels create definition? Understanding the current aesthetic helps choose suitable hardware that works cohesively. Taking measurements also comes in handy later for proper sizing.
Likewise, define the overall kitchen motif you wish to achieve through the cabinet hardware selection. Modern and contemporary designs may dictate more streamlined bar pulls in matte finishes. Traditional kitchens tend to feature intricate bail pulls or ring pulls in antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze. Factor your target style into the hardware hunt.
Match Hardware Finish to Kitchen Elements
Aim to cohesively match new hardware to existing kitchen fixtures. For example, stainless steel handles coordinate seamlessly with stainless appliances. Brushed nickel, chrome and other metallics pair nicely with fixtures in the space. Blend tones through cabinet hardware.
Select Cabinet Pulls for White Kitchens
Consider Size and Placement of Pulls
Cabinet pull size ranges typically between 3-6 inches. Measure existing doors and drawers to determine ideal lengths and centers based on single or double configurations. Often pulls sit 2 to 3 inches from door edges horizontally and aligned vertically centered.
Consistent placement also matters, so measure accurately to install pulls lined up neatly from drawer to drawer. Mark lightly in pencil so pulls mount straight at the planned heights.
Compare Different Cabinet Pull Styles
Numerous cabinet pull varieties suit white kitchens. For example, minimalist contemporary spaces benefit from streamlined bar pulls in stainless steel or chrome. Or if aiming for a farmhouse appeal, wrought iron or distressed wood pulls deliver. Sleek wire pulls also work for multiple design motifs.
Handle pulls operate like traditional handles while still having a backplate for added stability and easier installation. They come in updated shapes like rectangular pulls perfect for modern spaces. Pay attention to style and shape along with size.
Choosing Knobs for White Cabinetry
Consider Knob Size and Spacing Standards
Typically cabinet knobs range from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, but some reach 3 inches for a bolder look. Take notes again on your existing cabinet sizes to determine what scales best. In terms of pattern, scatter randomly or keep rows orderly. Just ensure proper clearance exists between knobs for hands and fingers to avoid collisions.
Standard spacing falls around 2 to 3 inches apart horizontally and vertically. Having measurements of the cabinet doors themselves allows you to map out exactly where knobs should install for accessibility and functionality.
Browse Various Cabinet Knob Types
Myriad materials, shapes and finishes await with cabinet knobs. Beyond classic circular, square or oval knobs, explore creative forms like faceted, crystal, or colored glass knobs to add pops of color. Consider unconventional shapes like stars, octagons, or squares for chic modern elements.
Ornate antique glass, ceramic and crystal knobs boost traditional old-world flair. For contemporary spaces, stick with metallics like matte black iron or anodized aluminum knobs. The options prove limitless, so patterns and textures give white cabinets added panache.
Factor Functional Needs into Choices
Ensure Smooth Opening/Closing Motion
During the hardware selection process, grip a few samples to test comfort and leverage. Ensure chosen knobs or pulls open smoothly without sticking or resistance. Consider grip styles as well – a textured finish provides better grip compared to smooth, slippery crystal.
If multiple family members will operate cabinets, keep everyone’s hand size and abilities in mind. Don’t assume based on your grip strength that petite teenagers or grandparents can also manage the hardware.
Consider Long-term Durability
The level of wear resistance factors greatly in hardware decisions. Delicate glass knobs likely won’t withstand aggressive handling. However stainless steel and certain brushed metals hold up well over time. Weigh durability against the ease of replacing pieces down the road.
Using knobs or pulls requires pulling, twisting and grip pressure daily. Finishes like anodized metals, porcelain, nickel and chrome withstand reasonable wear and tear from constant handling.
Tips for Installing Cabinet Hardware
Careful installation preserves your hardware’s finish and ensures proper alignment. First, use painter’s tape to mark screw holes lightly in pencil, then pre-drill the holes to prevent splitting cabinet doors. Anchors often stabilize knobs and pulls even further.
Adjust knobs and pulls gently after attaching the base screws. Verify alignments look straight before fully tightening. Lastly, remove any residual pencil marks or adhesive from tape before standing back to admire the completed project!
Achieve a Unified Look with Hardware
What good is carefully chosen hardware if the pieces themselves clash? Strive for cohesion by limiting the finishes to 1-2 complementary tones. For example, opt for brushed nickel pulls, brushed nickel knobs and brushed nickel lighting fixtures.
Or maybe combine a warm antique brass knob with oil-rubbed bronze pulls as a sophisticated pairing. The hardware pieces should enhance – not fight for attention. Aim for this visual harmony and balance when designing white kitchen cabinets.
White kitchens present a blank canvas for creativity. Take neutral cabinetry up a notch through unexpected hardware choices that still coordinate. We’ve gathered inspiring ideas beyond ordinary knobs and pulls to stir your design imagination.
Textured Cabinet Hardware
Instead of traditional smooth finishes, consider adding texture to your cabinet hardware. This could include matte black hardware with a textured surface, or hardware with a hammered or etched finish. Textured finishes add depth and visual interest to white kitchen cabinets, making them stand out.
LED Strip Lighting
LED strip lighting proves a game-changer in a white kitchen, as it can highlight the beauty of your cabinetry and make it stand out. Consider installing LED strips underneath upper cabinets or around the kitchen perimeter to provide soft, ambient light. This can also help create a modern and contemporary feel.
Two-Toned Cabinetry
If feeling bold, consider adding two different finishes to your kitchen cabinetry. This may include painting some upper cabinets a darker color, while keeping base cabinets white. Alternatively, paint your island cabinets a different color altogether. Two-toned cabinetry adds depth and visual interest to white kitchens, and breaks up monotony.
Glass Cabinet Inserts
Instead of traditional cabinet doors, consider adding glass inserts to your white kitchen cabinetry. This allows you to showcase dishes and glassware, while adding a modern and contemporary touch. Glass cabinet inserts can also help open up small kitchens, making them feel more spacious and airy.
Open Shelving
Instead of traditional cabinet doors, consider adding open shelving to your white kitchen cabinetry. This helps create an open and airy feel, while allowing you to showcase favorite dishes and glassware. Open shelving helps make kitchens feel more personalized and unique, as you choose items reflecting personal style.
Statement Cabinet Handles
Instead of traditional round or square cabinet handles, consider statement handles with your white kitchen cabinetry including handles with unique shapes, circles, squares or decorative details. Statement handles add visual interest to white kitchen cabinetry, and make bold statements in neutral spaces.
Matte Black Accents
In addition to traditional hardware finishes, consider adding matte black accents to white cabinets. Matte black knobs or pulls make a sophisticated style statement. Or install floating shelves in matte black metal against crisp white walls over cabinets. The contrast pops beautifully.
Choosing hardware handles and other accessories for white kitchen cabinets offers immense creative potential. Keep the intended style in mind while browsing the possibilities. Combine finishes cohesively but don’t shy away from making bold statements. Proper proportions and installation preserve functionality. And don’t overlook unexpected touches – from LED lighting to open shelving – to take neutral cabinetry to the next level. The right hardware elicits oohs and aahs.
