When you have made the decision to install new kitchen cabinets, changing your storage scheme, or if you are remodeling your entire kitchen, you may be focused on the finish and style of your cabinets. While this is understandable, after all, there’s a lot of options, there is something else you need to think about.

For many, the hardware is an afterthought. This includes the hinges, hooks, pulls, knobs, and more. However, selecting just any hardware may be a huge mistake and it may result in a decline in your home’s aesthetic appeal. In fact, the wrong hardware may actually damage the look of all the work you have one.

If you are thinking about remodeling your kitchen or having new cabinets installed in the near future, be sure to keep the information here in mind.

Coordination is Key

Similar to the actual cabinets, there are two main parts of your kitchen hardware:

1. The Color: Usually determined by the metal type used, but not always.
2. The Finish: Popular options include oil-rubbed, polished, matte, or chrome.

It is important to consider how the finish and the color of the hardware used on your cabinets will look with the actual cabinets and drawers, but also how they will coordinate with the flooring, the color on your walls, and the backsplashes. You even need to consider the color of your appliances.

If you have cabinets or walls that are armer (i.e. a combination of dark mahogany and beige) it may be smart to avoid silver, which is a cooler tone.

It’s Okay to Mix and Match Kitchen Hardware

Even though it is important to remain in a similar finish and color family, there are some stylish ways you can mix finishes and tones that can help ensure your kitchen really “pops.” For example, you can pair a farmhouse sink in burnt bronze and a faucet with brushed gold knobs, along with drawer pulls that have a rustic, warm touch.

Consider the Wear-and-Tear of Day-to-Day Use

If you cook often or if you have a large family that uses the kitchen regularly, the last thing you want to have to deal with is smudge-prone or delicate hardware. Durability and delicacy are more of a function of installation quality, rather than the hardware choice – unless you have selected low-quality hardware.

On the other hand, smudge-prone hardware is simple to avoid if you know what to look for. For example, chrome hardware is very likely to show up fingerprints and polished and brushed finishes are much better for hiding potential smudges.

Test the Kitchen Hardware Before Buying

A regret that many homeowners have after a cabinet or kitchen remodel is not actually seeing the hardware in person before they order it. That’s because pulls, knobs, and other types of hardware may look very different in person than it does online or in a catalog.

As you can see, choosing the right hardware for your cabinets is essential. Working with professionals can help ensure this is possible. Contact Custom Cabinets by Lawrence today.