How to Select Cabinet Hardware

In all the chaos of kitchen and bath remodels, cabinet hardware can become an afterthought. There are so many decisions to be made from kitchen size to budget, door styles, finishes, lighting and more. However, leaving this decision to the very end can cause some challenges and affect your design in a big way. Too little thought about hardware can leave your design feeling lackluster and incomplete.

During the design phase, start thinking about colors and styles. This will allow you plenty of time to create a cabinet hardware budget and start shopping for quality options. Today’s market has much to offer in terms of style and finish. Whether you want something brushed, textured or smooth or even two-tone, you will find it in almost any color.

Start your research on cabinet hardware early so you’re ready to go when it’s time to order. We have put together resources that will help you with just that. Learn how to choose your hardware finish, mix and match metals across the kitchen and view our top 6 door style and hardware pairings below!

• Identify Your Design Style

  One of the best things you can do for your project is discover your interior design style. There are many factors that go into this process, but once you learn what you like, it creates a clear vision for your project moving forward. Finding your style will help you identify more specific colors and finishes you enjoy.

• Choose Your Cabinet Door Style & Finish

  It’s hard to choose cabinet hardware when you don’t know what color the cabinets will be. Start by working with a CliqStudios designer. They will talk to you about your needs, design preferences and help identify the right cabinet line for you. From there it will be much easier to select your ideal door style and finish.

• Select Your Faucet

  Faucets can be a pretty big decision during a kitchen remodel. This fixture can be one of the major focal points of the kitchen. Such a showpiece should be well thought out in style and finish. Most homeowners tend to match their cabinet hardware to the faucet for a cohesive design, however, the choice is up to you.

• Look at Inspiration Photos

  Viewing photos on Pinterest, Houzz or our gallery is a great way to get inspired. Sometimes all it takes is seeing one beautiful photo and you are decided. Scour the internet for kitchens in your preferred style and explore how they play with different colors of hardware to make your final choice.

Mixing and matching metals will give your kitchen a designer look. Although, combining finishes is not as intuitive as you might think. A few things come into play if you’re thinking about going the designer route: Tone, metal finish and consistency.

Coordinating colors is all about contrast. Choosing two similar colors can come across as an accident. Make sure you select colors in opposite tones to differentiate the finish. This could include gold and matte black or bronze with chrome. By doing this, your design will look more purposeful and elevated.

If you have shopped for hardware, it’s easy to see there are many types of finishes available. Another key in mixing metals is using different finishes. This might look like pairing matte black with chrome or brushed nickel with polished brass. During your selection process, choose opposing finishes. Your design will look more coordinated and less like you had difficulty finding matching finishes.

The final step in coordinating the perfect metal finishes is consistency. All you need to know is keep sections and categories in the same finish. Essentially, keep all wall cabinets in chrome and the island in matte black, or use a gold kitchen faucet and oil-rubbed bronze light fixtures. This will prevent your kitchen design from looking ‘hodge-podge’ or like metal finishes were an afterthought.

Overall, choosing multiple finishes will give you a designer aesthetic. Just make sure you follow these simple guidelines whether you’re coordinating hardware with sinks, faucets or light fixtures. If you do this, you will be pleased with the result.

Looking for designer tips for choosing hardware? Check out our top 6 door style and hardware combinations. We explore everything from modern organic to rustic and contemporary styles. View a multitude of colors and styles to inspire your upcoming kitchen design below.

After all the dust has settled from cabinet installation it’s time to install hardware. With all the hardware placement options at your fingertips, it’s important to know there are tools to help. Cabinet hardware templates are a great way to measure and mark your drilling locations. By using a template, you will get consistent drill holes every time without the worry.

We offer two options depending on your needs:

• Richelieu | Drilling Jig for Cabinet & Drawer Handles CON35000

  A universal handle and knob drilling tool in both metric and English measuring scales. This comprehensive template can give you spacing for pulls up to 24-inches long.

• Richelieu | Hardware Knob & Pull Drilling Template Kit RICTEMPVPACK

  For smaller projects, this hardware template offers drilling sizes for pulls up to 3 inches on center. It includes one knob drilling plate, one pull drilling plate and a 3/16 - inch drill bit.

Always explore a few different options for hardware placement before drilling any holes. Mark your locations on each door with pencil and take one final look. Taking extra time to consider your options will benefit you in the long run and ensure a professionally designed look.

Shop Richelieu hardware to complete your dream design now!