In this post, I am sharing links to the cabinet hardware we used in a recent Lower Level Bar project, as well as a few design tips that we keep in mind when looking for hardware. Hardware is an important selection because it's an opportunity to really add to the visual appeal of a room. Knowing this, it takes some time and attention to get it right. As you set out to select hardware for a project, it is important to remember that there is not only one right way to do it. Any advice given here is intended to offer a few additional considerations and also share a glimpse into how we approach hardware selections.
Our first tip is to try to mix things up a little. Consider mixing different types of hardware in a space to add some thoughtful interest and a more custom look. Hardware options include, but are not limited to knobs, bar pulls, cup pulls, T-bar pulls, backplates, latches, etc. If you go this route, make sure your selections both complement the space you are in, and the other hardware you are choosing. If there is a special functional area, or you have a special type of cabinet, you can also consider if it makes sense to add something unique here as well. This said, be aware that the more options you add, the more challenging it will be to pull together. Like everything in design, it only works well if you can find things that comfortably complement each other, and that don't overlap or seem redundant. For example, using two different-style, but same-shape knobs (like two different round knobs, for example) would not accomplish the right look because the hardware would be too similar.
Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Styling: Kristi Hunter
In this bar area, I found round knobs and bar pulls that I loved, and then opted to add a different style of hardware to the glass cabinet doors. After trying a number of options, I found a T-bar pull in the same series as the bar pull so it helped this different format work stylistically in the same space. These are the only glass cabinets in the room, so it worked well to add a new element to these special doors. I love that the length of the T-bar pull gave the appearance of a little more hardware on the taller cabinet door. We also added a backplate to the round knobs to create some added visual interest there too. If you can't find a place to see the hardware in person before purchasing, it's a good idea to order samples to confirm and understand restocking fees (if any).
You might have seen other examples of this in your inspiration searches as well. For example, when designers incorporate latches alongside knobs and pulls, or use different hardware in a coffee bar nook or a special pantry area. It is a beautiful look! Please know, it doesn't always make sense to add multiple hardware types in a space. Some bathrooms and smaller rooms are better off with a single hardware selection. If you chose to use different hardware in the same room, take special care to make sure it all works well together. In this lower-level bar, introducing a third type of hardware added a very nice touch.
Timeless hardware selections should visually add to a space, but not overpower it. While selecting hardware, it's important to find hardware that adds interest but still lets you appreciate the space as a whole. Everyone has a different design style. We think hardware is at its best when it can be a valued accent that enhances the space, versus being an attention-seeking element.
In choosing different hardware for the same space, it's important to ensure you have a perfect match in the finishes across your different hardware styles. Most times, the safest way to accomplish this will be to find hardware options for the same space from the same company. This allows you to use the same exact finish, versus trying to match finishes between brands.
Incorporating consistency in how hardware is installed is something you should always aim to do, but it isn't always that easy! Keep these common exceptions in mind. The idea is, while you are making some things look different, keeping as many other elements the same can help create a cohesive look. Once you have made the hardware selections, it is best at this point to try to keep things as consistent as you can. For example, if you have selected pulls to use on drawers and knobs on doors, keep that choice consistent for all like cabinets. If you choose to use a different type of hardware on a special type of cabinet, keep what you do in that area consistent too. One exclusion for this "rule of thumb" is for paneled appliances. They will usually require sturdy bar pull or appliance pull regardless of what you use elsewhere in the space. In this Bar, we used bar pulls for the appliances, round knobs on all of the under-cabinet drawers and doors, and T pulls for the glass doors. :) While it might look like it came together effortlessly, we looked at a lot of options for this space and it took us some time and thought to figure out what worked best without looking too complicated or overdone.
Also, once you determine what exact location on doors and drawers you want to install the hardware, it is typically installed at the same location for the rest doors and drawers, respectively. However, we want to note that some paneled appliances and cabinets are excluded from this rule. Regardless of where you are putting your knobs or pulls on other cabinets, I think you should always install hardware for appliances or tall pullouts (like an under-counter spice pullout or a full-size pantry pullout ) on the frame (stile/rail) part of a cabinet versus the center panel. While I have seen it done many ways, I think that appliance doors and cabinet pullouts, require some effort to open and close, and the frame area of a cabinet is the strongest for this type of use. Remember, it's okay to make exceptions when choosing an installation location for hardware, especially where it impacts functionality.
Here are a few tips that I use when sizing pulls for cabinets. The size of pulls comes down to personal preference and what works best for your cabinets and space. If you choose to use pulls on drawers or doors, you can either opt to keep the pulls the same size on all cabinets or use different size pulls based on your cabinet size. What do I like to do? If I am using bar pulls, lately I prefer to adjust the pull size to work with the cabinet size. This said, I try to limit the number of different sizes I use in a given space to 2 - 3 different sizes, including any appliance pulls that might be needed. If I am using cup pulls on drawers, I try my hardest to find one size that works for all. Again, it's a personal preference. Also, I think it is easiest to determine the pull size by looking at what works best on the smallest cabinet. That becomes a helpful starting point for figuring out how to handle the rest. One important note: If you choose to use different sizes, you can still incorporate some consistency. For example, if you have 10" pulls on 30" drawers, use the same size on all 30" drawers in the space, and repeat for the other pull size to drawer size combos. I know this might seem obvious, but I wanted to mention it just in case.
Click the links provided below to see the hardware that we used in this Moody Lower Level Bar. These hardware selections are sourced at Build.com so you can see what we chose, and also browse other similar options in the same brand or other brands. This is a great place to search find hardware online. They carry a very large selection of hardware from many brands, I always find most options are in stock (if not they will usually provide backorder dates), and their shipping times are pretty quick!
If we have inspired you, or you found this post helpful, consider coming back to use these commissionable links before you shop! The purchase price is the same either way. In general, we are experimenting a little to see whether it is helpful for us to take the time to share this info and these links. We look forward to getting your feedback. Please note: the finish we used in this room is the Satin Brass finish.
Click these links to see our selections:
Good Luck with your search for your cabinet hardware! I hope this Rosewood•NB Blog Post was helpful.
Nimisha
Photo: Stacy Zarin Goldberg Styling: Kristi Hunter