Choosing the Best Hardware for your Cabinets

When designing a kitchen or bathroom, it’s easy to focus on cabinets, countertops, and finishes. However, one of the most impactful design details is often the smallest — cabinet hardware. Knobs and pulls not only serve a practical purpose but also define the overall style of your space. Just like pieces of jewelry when accessorizing, cabinet hardware is the finishing touch that can be simple and demure, or bright and blingy. Whether you’re building, remodeling or simply updating your cabinetry, choosing the right hardware and placing it correctly can elevate the entire room.

Slim shaker custom kitchen cabinets in a true-brown stain showcase natural wood grain and modern brushed brass hardware pulls. This warm, contemporary cabinetry design pairs clean lines with elevated finishes for a timeless and sophisticated kitchen aesthetic.

Design by KSI Kitchen & Bath of Michigan & Ohio.

White painted shaker cabinets feature a designer mix of round cabinet knobs and modern brushed brass pulls for a layered, custom look. Clean cabinetry lines, warm metallic accents, and timeless details create an elegant and inviting kitchen design.

Design by Lindsey Markel at Dillman & Upton of Rochester, Michigan.

Light green painted custom kitchen cabinets with reeded cabinet door panels create rich texture and visual interest. Decorative round cabinet knobs add a classic touch, complementing the trend-forward color and detailed cabinetry design.

Design by Honeycomb Home Design of Arroyo Grande, California. Photo by Lisa Maksoudian.

Choosing Between Knobs and Pulls

This is one that homeowners often struggle with. There isn’t a right or wrong answer — it’s all about functionality and personal preference. Knobs offer a classic appearance and are often more budget-friendly. Pulls provide a comfortable grip and are easier to use, making them ideal for frequently accessed cabinets, larger doors, and for households needing easier accessibility. Mixing both creates visual interest. Many designers will mix it up and use knobs on cabinet doors and pulls on drawers for a balanced and functional look.

Cabinet Knobs

Knobs are typically simple in design and installed with one screw. Placement of a knob should be approximately 2.5 – 3 inches from the lower corner on wall cabinet doors and upper corner of base cabinet doors, opposite the hinge. Knobs add a simplicity to the design and won’t feel overwhelming, and are often used in smaller spaces for this reason. Bathrooms and small pantries are the perfect spaces for all knob hardware. Just be aware of wide drawers; they should have two knobs when over 24″ wide for better accessibility and balance.

Custom bathroom vanity in a trendy light green painted finish features reeded cabinet door panels and drawers accented with polished round cabinet knobs. This furniture-inspired design adds texture, storage, and character while creating a fresh, sophisticated bathroom aesthetic.

Simple chrome knobs were used for this bathroom vanity so as not to take away from the Hudson reeded doors and drawer fronts in Evergreen Fog paint.

Design by Honeycomb Home Design | Arroyo Grande, CA

Photo by Lisa Maksoudian

Two-tone kitchen cabinets pair bright white painted perimeter cabinetry with a dark gray painted kitchen island for timeless contrast. A mix of round cabinet knobs and sleek modern pulls adds designer-inspired detail to this bright, open kitchen.

Simple round knobs are used throughout this light and airy kitchen design that uses our Craftsman Panel door in Dove paint and Gale Force Curated Color Collection paint.

Design by Sage Market + Design | Portsmouth, NH

Photo by Freebird Photography

Light stained wood custom bathroom vanity cabinets pair beautifully with elegant gold cabinet hardware for a warm, sophisticated look. Extensive drawer storage, clean lines, and bright finishes create a luxurious and highly functional bathroom design.

A large primary bath with simple round brushed gold knobs that blend beautifully with the Hudson door in Quarter-Sawn White Oak with Alabaster stain.

Design by Main Cabinet Company | Falmouth, ME

Photo by Structure Media

Built in cabinets create a full wall of storage with tall custom cabinetry, integrated drawers, and overhead compartments for maximum organization. White painted cabinetry and streamlined hardware deliver a timeless, tailored look.

Custom bathroom vanity cabinets in a soft light gray painted finish create a serene, spa-inspired retreat. A long double-sink vanity, abundant drawer storage, and polished chrome cabinet hardware combine timeless style with everyday functionality.

Light stained quarter-sawn white oak bathroom vanity cabinets showcase louvered cabinet door detailing and elegant round cabinet knobs. Natural wood tones, a stone countertop, and furniture-inspired styling bring warmth, texture, and timeless appeal to the bathroom.

Butler's pantry cabinets showcase a rich true-brown stained finish paired with dark countertops and floating wood shelves. Thoughtful storage, vertical wall paneling, and warm wood tones create an inviting space for serving, storage, and entertaining.

Luxurious bathroom vanity showcases soft painted cabinets accented by polished chrome knobs and pulls. Clean lines, generous drawer storage, and a bright quartz countertop create a timeless bathroom design that feels fresh and sophisticated.

Dark and moody bathroom design featuring black bathroom vanity cabinets accented by warm brass cabinet pulls and fixtures. The custom cabinetry, abundant storage, and layered contrasts create a bold yet timeless bathroom aesthetic.

Built in cabinets in a medium brown stained wood finish create a warm, furniture-inspired focal point with open bookshelves and concealed storage below. Gold cabinet hardware adds a refined touch while showcasing books, décor, and everyday essentials.

Mudroom lockers and a boot bench in a dark green painted finish create a stylish, organized entryway. Open cubbies, upper storage cabinets, coat hooks, and black cabinet hardware provide dedicated storage for shoes, outerwear, bags, and everyday essentials.

Custom bathroom vanity in a rich medium brown wood stain showcases a furniture-style design with abundant drawer storage and elegant black cabinet hardware. An oversized oval mirror creates a striking focal point, adding softness and balance to the warm, inviting primary bathroom.

White-on-white custom bathroom vanity creates a bright, airy retreat with a furniture-style design, abundant drawer storage, and polished chrome cabinet hardware. Mirrored walls, layered lighting, and crisp white finishes enhance the timeless elegance of this luxurious bathroom.

Design by Standale Home Studio | Grand Rapids, MI

Design by Carole Industries, Woburn, MA

Design by Cedar Design + Build | Minnetonka, MN

Design by Honeycomb Interiors | Arroyo Grande, CA

Design by Cabinet Style | Coralville, IA

Design by Michels Home Construction | North Oaks, MN

Design by Honeycomb Interiors, Arroyo Grande, CA

Design by Cedar Design + Build | Minnetonka, MN

Design by Honeycomb Interiors | Arroyo Grande,

Design by Michels Home Construction | North Oaks, MN

Cabinet Pulls

Pulls are just as versatile as knobs, but with the added benefit of accessibility. Another benefit is they often come in varying widths, which allows you to have longer pulls for larger doors and wider drawers. A popular length is 3 inches on center and fits most cabinet sizes easily. When it comes to drawer heads, you’ll want to center a single pull up to 27″ wide, with 2 pulls per drawer 30″ or wider, or you can opt for a longer single drawer pull. The overall design aesthetic will determine the style of the pull, as there are hundreds to choose from!

The two projects below were designed by KSI Kitchen and Bath (multiple locations in Michigan and Ohio). Both feature various pull lengths being used throughout, with the left project even using two different finishes between the paint and stained cabinets. That’s a great way to elevate the design!

Three-tone custom kitchen cabinets feature white painted perimeter cabinetry, a dark charcoal island, and warm wood accents with trendy skinny shaker cabinet doors. Modern black cabinet hardware adds bold contrast, creating a clean, contemporary kitchen design.

Reese door in Dove paint and Maple with Cashew stain.

Design by Sandra Daubenmeyer at KSI Kitchen & Bath | McComb, Michigan

Two-tone kitchen cabinets feature crisp white painted slim shaker cabinetry paired with a warm wood-tone kitchen island for a clean, contemporary look. Sleek black cabinet hardware and modern pendant lighting add contrast while enhancing the kitchen's refined design.

Reese door in Quarter-Sawn White Oak with the Cashew stain and Dove paint.

Design by Sandra Daubenmeyer at KSI Kitchen & Bath | McComb, Michigan

The below projects were designed by our friends at Kitchen Design Gallery out of Jacksonville, Florida. They both feature a contemporary door style, and both have simple, sleek pull for the doors and drawer fronts of varying sizes. Simple pulls are often the best bet when designing with contemporary slab door styles as they mimic the clean, straight lines.

Light stained Quarter-Sawn White Oak kitchen and kitchen island cabinets are contrasted with a beautifully white painted modern wood hood. Modern black cabinet pulls and minimalist detailing create a timeless kitchen design with warmth and contemporary appeal.

Camden door in Quarter-Sawn White Oak with Coriander stain.

Design by Christie Stoll at Kitchen Design Gallery of Jacksonville, Florida

Photo by Kim Lindsey Photography

Premium kitchen cabinets in a bright white finish create an airy, open kitchen beneath dramatic vaulted ceilings with exposed wood beams. Sleek modern cabinet hardware, glass-front display cabinets, and a large kitchen island add timeless style and functionality.

Alpine laminate slab door in the White Cypress color.

Design by Bonnie McKesson at Kitchen Design Gallery of Jacksonville, Florida

Photo by Kim Lindsey Photography

The kitchens below are more traditional in design, and both showcase cabinet pulls on all doors and drawers. The hardware for both is in a gold tone which is a finish that is classic and trending.

Two-tone custom kitchen cabinets pair bright white painted perimeter cabinetry with a dark painted kitchen island for timeless contrast. Warm brass cabinet hardware and plumbing fixtures add elegance, while a large island creates a welcoming hub for cooking and gathering.

Kendall Panel door in Dove paint and Rock Bottom Curated Color Collection paint.

Design by Fourth Avenue Design Group with Plain & Posh Distinctive Cabinet Design | Darien, IL

Photo by John Shipka of 3Di Focus

Classic white painted custom kitchen cabinets create a timeless, elegant design with detailed door styling and traditional cabinet hardware. Warm brass-toned pulls and knobs complement the bright cabinetry, while a large kitchen island anchors the welcoming gathering space.

Arcadia Panel door with the White paint finish.

Design by Michelle Verrill of Kitchen & Bath Galleries | Cary, NC

Photo by TCS Rehberg

Mix and Match!

For many designers and homeowners, mixing pulls and knobs together are a great way to elevate the design, and get the style and accessibility needed. Mixing styles also adds visual texture to the cabinets and allows more flexibility when it comes to your hardware options. And don’t forget, you can mix and match the finishes as well when you’re working with two-tone cabinet designs.

Built in cabinets in a light stained wood finish surround the dining room window, creating a beautiful focal point with abundant storage and display space. A built-in boot bench, glass-front cabinets, and warm brass cabinet hardware combine function and timeless style.

The smaller upper doors received the coordinating knob to match the finish on the longer pulls used on the doors of these built ins using our Highland Panel Plus door in Quarter-Sawn White Oak with the Sesame stain.

Design by Jennie Noah of Cyclone Contracting | Ames, IA

Photo by Karen Smidt with K&E Productions

These two-tone custom kitchen cabinets blend warm stained wood cabinetry with bright white painted cabinets for a timeless, inviting design. Elegant brass cabinet hardware adds warmth and sophistication, while the contrasting finishes create depth and visual interest throughout the space.

A beautiful mix of antique bronze knobs and pulls were used in this kitchen design featuring our Carson door with Dove paint and Hickory with Cappuccino stain.

Design by Lindsey Markel of Dillman & Upton | Rochester, MI

Photo by Martin Vecchio Photography

Dark navy blue painted custom kitchen cabinets create a rich, sophisticated focal point in this pantry-style space. Cool satin nickel cabinet knobs and pulls add crisp contrast, while glass-front display cabinets and extensive storage combine beauty with everyday function.

Satin nickel knobs and pulls were used with the moody hues of this walk-in pantry showcasing our Breckenridge Panel door in a Personal Paint Match to “Days End” BM2133-30 by Benjamin Moore.

Design by Michels Homes | North Oaks, MN

Modern shallow shaker custom kitchen cabinets in a light stained wood finish create a warm, contemporary focal point around a dramatic curved black range hood. A mix of sleek cabinet pulls and coordinating knobs adds visual interest while reinforcing the clean, tailored design.

Dura Supreme’s Parker door style in Maple with the Cashew stain.

Design by Carrie Galvez of Advance Design Studio | Gilberts, IL

Off-white painted custom kitchen cabinets create a timeless, elegant backdrop accented by warm gold hardware throughout the space. Three distinct hardware styles, including knobs, cup pulls, and elongated pulls, add layered detail and a thoughtfully curated designer look.

Three different styles of hardware were used on this project and we love it!

Dura Supreme’s Silverton door with the Classic White paint.

Design by Jessica Hamilton of Arc Interiors | Charleston, SC

Photo by Nick Cann Photography

Two-tone custom kitchen cabinets blend rich stained wood base cabinets with bright white painted upper cabinets for a warm, timeless design. A thoughtfully curated mix of brass cabinet knobs, pulls, and latches adds character, while glass-front cabinets provide elegant display storage.

Dura Supreme’s Kendall Panel Plus in Quarter-Sawn White Oak with the Morel stain and Putty paint with Espresso glaze, paint/glaze finish.

Design by Becky Stoltz of Mid Cape Home Centers | Martha’s Vineyard. MA

Photo by Michael Lee

When it comes to choosing hardware for your cabinets remember: there is no right or wrong answer on what to use. You can choose the timeless simplicity of knobs, the sleek and multifunctional look of pulls, or mix them up based on your tastes. As for the finish you choose — well, that’s a whole other topic! Thoughtful hardware selection and consistent placement will help create a kitchen or bathroom that feels polished, functional, and beautifully designed.

Need help getting started with your new kitchen or bathroom? Visit a Dura Supreme Dealer near you today to help you with all the finer details.

Until next time, Be Well!

Choosing the Best Hardware for your Cabinets

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