Whether you're refinishing your cabinet doors or planning to build custom cabinets from scratch, at some point you have to choose new knobs and pulls for the doors and drawers you're installing. The hardware you put on the front of your cabinets is arguably the most striking element of the whole design, so it should be chosen carefully. Before you get started, be sure you've chosen fixtures that perfectly express your sense of style and complement you existing kitchen cabinetry.
Plan Ahead
Every minute you spend planning your new kitchen cabinet design eventually pays off in time saved during the building phase. Depending on the size and complexity of your order, cabinet knobs and pulls can take several weeks to arrive. This delay is the reason you should settle on a design for knobs as soon as possible. Ideally, you can place the order at the same time you order the lumber and get your hardware around the time you're ready to install.
Your first big decision is between knobs and pulls. Knobs are usually smaller than pulls, which tend to be several inches wide. If a larger surface area suits your plans, opt for pulls, which usually have simpler designs than ornate knobs. Knobs can be a little more difficult to install than pulls, however, as they're often mounted on backplates, which adds an extra step to the installation process.
Choose a Design
When deciding on the design of your cabinet knobs, consider the visual effect you're trying to achieve in the kitchen. Small knobs are visually appealing and tend to have a simple, minimalistic appearance, while larger knobs can feel sturdier and give you something more solid to hold onto. Round designs are by far the most common type, but squared-off knobs and various other shapes are also popular and can add a quirky, personal touch to your custom kitchen redesign.
Browse Common Materials
The material you choose for your cabinet knobs is every bit as important as the other design elements. Most knobs are made from metal, often a copper alloy such as bronze, but aluminum and ferrous metal are also popular. Stainless steel knobs are a good option, since they're good at resisting tarnishing and corrosion despite repeated handling.
What a knob is made from adds to its visual appeal as well. A bronze cabinet knob, which weathers beautifully and may even come pre-weathered, tends to radiate a warm, old-fashioned charm. Brushed nickel cabinet knobs, on the other hand, strike the opposite chord and project a clean, contemporary appearance. Various synthetics are also available and can simulate large crystals and glass, or they can add a dash of colorful plastic to your cabinetry.
Decide on the Design Elements
Some cabinet knobs are as plain as can be, while others feature engraved or wrought design elements. Generally, it's good to avoid overly complex designs with a lot of nooks and crannies where dirt and finger oil can accumulate. When you're finalizing your designs, choose the simplest surface pattern you find visually appealing. Remember that you have to clean these knobs occasionally, and it's hard to work between artfully spaced open slats.
Install the Hardware
Once the hardware arrives, take stock of what you have on hand. Ensure everything you've ordered is present and matches the hinges and other visible equipment you're using. Measure your cabinets, and carefully mark them with pencil. Then, lay the backplate (if any) over the hole to check alignment before screwing in the knob.
Maintain the Hardware
Once the installation process is complete, give yourself a pat on the back and enjoy the look of your gleaming new cabinet knobs. Just don't forget about maintenance to keep your hardware looking good. Clean and polish your cabinet knobs using the appropriate cleansers. All-purpose cleaning solution is suitable for most knobs, but you can occasionally rub brass polish into bronze knobs to help bring out a dull gleam in the metal.
