A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO CABINET HARDWARE

Cabinet hardware is the jewelry to your space. It will complete the look, feel and vibe in any location you place it. And to pull off the perfect touch, you need to take the time to figure out exactly what you want to have in your space. Today we are going to break down all types of cabinet hardware by providing you with a full comprehensive guide to cabinet hardware.

Cabinet hardware plays an important role in the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom. From drawer pulls and door handles to hinges and screws, the right type of cabinet hardware can make a huge difference in transforming a dull, outdated room into something elegant and inviting. In this blog article, we’ll discuss the types of cabinet hardware available on the market today so you can select the perfect pieces for your project.

The Types of Cabinet Hardware

Types of cabinet hardware can be broken down into two categories: pulls and knobs. Pulls and knobs deliver a unique look when paired together or separately. 

Pulls

Pulls are simple…they allow you to pull out the cabinet. There are many different categories of pulls, such as bar pulls, bin pulls and ring pulls. Each pull does the same thing but the different designs create an entirely different look and feel. Pulls tend to be more expensive than knobs as they are larger and require more material to construct, hence making the price tag a bit bigger. 

Pulls are measured from center to center, meaning you find the size of the hardware by measuring from the center of both screw holes. BUT, the size of the entire hardware does not equal the size from center to center. So be sure to keep that in mind when hunting for the perfect hardware.

When it comes to drawer pulls and door handles, sleek modern designs are ideal for contemporary spaces while traditional looks fit better in traditional settings. The most popular types of metal finishes are chrome, stainless steel, nickel, antique brass, pewter, and oil-rubbed bronze. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique look that stands out from the crowd try copper or gunmetal hardware. Wood pulls are also a great choice – especially if you want to match with existing wood elements in other rooms. Keep in mind that drawers come with two different kinds of pull holes – single-holed or double-holed – so take this into consideration when shopping for your new hardware.

Knobs

Knobs are a more basic form of hardware. When thinking about installing hardware of course knobs are easier because you only need one hole! No need to measure from center to center.

The same applies for hinges on cabinets – modern styles usually feature simple lines in polished metal finishes yet vintage ones provide more ornate detailing. Full-overlay cabinets require wrap-around hinges while partial-overlay require decorative surface mount hinge models. Make sure you measure your opening before making any purchases!

Screws

Screws play an essential role but often go unnoticed until they need replacing due to visible rusting or stripped threads. It’s always best to get new screws when installing new cabinet hardware so it is properly secured onto its surface without any problems (or headaches). There are several types available like pan head sheet metal screws (better suited for door frames), round head wood screws (ideal for face frames) and tapping anchors (great for sideways installation).

Types of Hardware Finishes

When looking and deciding on cabinet hardware finishes, expect it to be daunting. We get it.  Gold hardware alone can fall into at least 10 different names. Not to mention each brand has their own unique finish color and name. The best way to find any hardware is to order samples and see it in person. We’ve done our best to categorize all finishes into 3 categories for you to digest: Black, Gold and Silver. From there we broke down how the finish can look different.

Black Cabinet Hardware

Popular names for black cabinet hardware:

• Matte Black
• Flat Black
• Oil Rubbed Bronze
• Black Iron
• Bronze
• Aged Bronze
• Satin Black
• Venetain Bronze

Black hardware can be broken down into two categories. While there will be variation inside each category we do believe it makes it more manageable to look at the finish this way. 

1. Oil-Rubbed Bronze has a warm brown undertone to the hardware.
2. Matte Black is just that, a completely flat black hardware.

Here’s our favorite black cabinet hardware!

Gold Cabinet Hardware

Names black hardware can be called:

• Polished Brass
• Satin Brass
• Brushed Brass
• Brass
• Aged Brass
• Antique brass
• Bright Brass 
• Non-Lacquered Brass
• Bright Brass

Gold hardware can be broken down into 2 categories. Please know there the finish will vary inside each category slightly based on who makes the hardware. We’ve done our best to break down the names to help you wrap your head around the finish you actually want.

1. Polished Brass is extremely reflective and brings lots of warm undertones to the hardware.
2. Satin Brass has a brushed look to it while still providing warm undertones and golden hues to the hardware.

Here’s our favorite gold cabinet hardware!

Silver Cabinet Hardware

Names silver hardware can be called:

• Polished Nickel
• Satin Nickel
• Chrome 

Silver hardware is broken down into 3 categories. Again please keep in mind that there will of course be variation inside each category depending on the make and brand. 

1. Chrome is bright and highly reflective hardware.
2. Satin Nickel has a brushed look to the hardware with cool undertones. 
3. Polished Nickel has a warm undertone allowing it to mix well with other metals.

Here’s our favorite silver cabinet hardware!

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped you understand all of the different types of cabinet hardware available today! With the correct combination of materials and finishes, you will be well on your way to creating a stunning space that looks professional inside and out!