How to Mix Knobs and Pulls on Your Kitchen Cabinets

Updating tired kitchen cabinets with new hardware is one of the easiest ways to give your space a fresh facelift. Mixing knobs and pulls adds stylish personality compared to using all the same pulls or knobs. But haphazardly mixing hardware can make your kitchen look disjointed.

Follow these tips when combining knobs and pulls to create a coordinated look that takes your kitchen from drab to fab.

Choose a Cohesive Mix

The key to mixing knobs and pulls is choosing complementary designs that tie together. Opt for pieces sharing some similarities but with subtle variations in size, shape, finish or style. For example:

• Vary just the size of same-style round knobs
• Use square pulls and rectangular pulls
• Mix a traditional backplate knob with a modern bar pull

Some guidelines for cohesive mixes include:

• Selecting knobs/pulls from the same overall design family
• Repeating finishes or base metals like nickel or brass
• Choosing hardware with similar silhouettes and forms

The hardware should feel connected through some common traits without being completely matching. Starting with one dominant style then layering in 1-2 coordinating designs works better than totally random mixes.

Complementary Metals and Finishes

Certain finishes naturally complement each other for easy mixing and matching. Popular pairings include:

• Brushed nickel + polished chrome
• Antique brass + oil-rubbed bronze
• Satin brass + antique brass
• Matte black + brushed stainless steel

Limit yourself to 2-3 finishes for subtle cohesion. Don't overwhelm with too many competing metals.

Thoughtful Use of Accents

For extra personality, small unique accent knobs and pulls are an easy refresh. A few glass crystal knobs can modernize traditional cabinets. Or mix in artsy ceramic pulls to add whimsy.

But restrain accents to just 1-2 per area. Too many eclectic accents looks messy and disjointed. Make sure accent pieces coordinate in finish or color with main hardware for unity.

Avoid Mixing Too Many Styles

It's tempting to get carried away mixing eccentric knob and pull designs. But crowded mixes with too many styles look chaotic.

As a guide, choose no more than 3-4 distinct styles for your entire kitchen. For example:

• Traditional cabinets with bin pulls, bar pulls and drop pulls
• Modern kitchen with cup pulls, arch pulls, flat bar pulls
• Farmhouse style using bow pulls, wire pulls and decorative knobs

Thoughtfully curating just a few styles creates balance. Completely mismatching tons of unique hardware appears sloppy.

Unify Styles with Color

One strategy for blending lots of styles is using the same consistent finish. For example, combine traditional knobs, modern pulls, and sleek handles all in oil-rubbed bronze. Matching metallic finish ties varied styles together.

Or stick to one dominant color like gold, silver, black or bronze rather than clashing metals. Shared color scheme helps unite eclectic styles.

Strategic Hardware Placement

Placement of mixed knobs and pulls impacts cohesion. Use these placement strategies when combining:

• Group similar styles together
• Repeat knobs/pulls across top and bottom cabinets
• Limit hardware mixes per cabinet/drawer
• Alternate knob and pull placement

Avoid randomly scattering completely mismatched hardware everywhere. Purposeful placement promotes continuity.

Use Knobs for Doors, Pulls for Drawers

An easy guideline is using knobs on doors and pulls on drawers based on functionality. Knobs conveniently open doors while pulls are great for pulling heavy drawers.

But for eclectic charm, mixing knobs and pulls together on same cabinets works too. Just coordinate their designs.

Creative Alternating Patterns

Alternating placement of knobs and pulls creates eye-catching appeal. Try using knobs and pulls on every other cabinet or drawer. Or alternate knobs on upper cabinets and pulls on lower cabinets.

The repeating pattern visually unites different styles. But avoid strict alternation on each and every cabinet since it appears too repetitive.

Other Mixing Tips

Keep these extra tips in mind for coordinated mixed hardware:

• Mix equal numbers of knob and pull pairings
• Start with neutral finishes like nickel, black or white
• Reserve bold hardware for accent areas like islands
• Limit yourself to 1-2 of each shape like round knobs with rectangular pulls

Take time thoughtfully planning your combinations for a seamless look. Avoid just randomly grabbing knobs and pulls.

Factors to Consider When Selecting Hardware

Choosing kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls involves evaluating several factors beyond just appearance:

Kitchen Style and Design

Match knobs and pulls to your existing kitchen style. For traditional kitchens, choose vintage-inspired designs like ceramic knobs or bin pulls. Modern and contemporary kitchens suit more streamlined bar pulls or flat rectangular pulls.

Also consider the cabinet door style. Shaker-style cabinets work well with simple round or square knobs. More ornate cabinet doors may call for decorative backplate knobs for accent.

Finish

Metal finish impacts the look and durability. Brushed and satin finishes hide fingerprints and scratches better than polished finishes. Oil-rubbed and antique finishes add vintage character.

Match existing kitchen finishes like faucets and lighting fixtures for harmony. Generally choose lighter finishes for small, dark kitchens to brighten and dark finishes for large, light kitchens.

Size and Spacing

Scale knob and pull sizes appropriately to cabinet and drawer sizes. Oversized hardware on tiny drawers looks awkward. Also make sure pulls have adequate clearance from adjacent cabinets and the counter edge when open.

Proper knob and pull spacing creates balance. As a guideline, place knobs/pulls 3-5 inches from cabinet edges and corner cabinets.

Ease of Use

Evaluate functionality and grip. Opt for easy to grasp shapes like loops versus small knobs. Consider hand health conditions like arthritis or hand size for comfortable use long-term.

Heavy drawers and frequently used lower cabinets call for sturdier hardware. Prioritize ease of use over just stylish looks alone.

Budget

Hardware costs range widely from inexpensive acrylic knobs to high-end custom pulls. Set a realistic budget and stick with durable metals like steel, iron or brass to avoid cheap finishes wearing out quickly.

Well-made hardware lasts for years and offers long-term value. But you can mix a few pricier statement pieces with more affordable basics.

The key to successfully mixing knobs and pulls is choosing complementary finishes, styles and placements for cohesion. Include unique accents thoughtfully without going overboard. Evaluate factors like kitchen style, ease of use and budget when selecting hardware.