Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Just like a prized sculpture or a treasured piece of jewelry, the right kitchen cabinet hardware can make an impressive statement. Of course, function needs to be the main consideration, but with so many styles available from quality manufacturers, there should be no shortage of durable handles, knobs, hinges, drawer pulls and other hardware.

Let your home's architectural style be your guide, and consider the material that fits with the period of your home. Handles, pulls and other kitchen cabinet hardware come in a wide variety of choices, including glass or porcelain, ceramic and plastic, wood, solid brass, copper, iron, pewter and nickel - even sculptural metal hardware. If you prefer, the beauty of the cabinet can go unaltered - cabinet doors can easily opened with a spring-loaded hinge that pops the door open.

Think about the practical considerations of day-to-day usage. Kitchen cabinet handles protect finish from wear and tear, and those with backplates add additional protection.

Hinges are generally made of solid brass or nickel, and can be visible or hidden from sight for a sleeker appearance. Concealed hinges are typically recessed and self-closing. Barrel hinges give the user a wide opening, but knife hinges can go a full 180 degrees. Keep in mind that hinges are generally selected by the manufacturer to best match a specific cabinet style/specification. However, you may want to ask your professional about high-quality hinges featuring a lifetime warranty.

Have fun! For a unique look, you may consider mixing different hardware for various areas of your kitchen.