If you’ve ever gone shopping for cabinet pulls and knobs, chances are you already know how overwhelming the experience can be. With seemingly endless styles and sizes available, it’s hard to narrow down the options to find something that truly speaks to your aesthetic.
If done properly though, combining both pulls and knobs can add a unique touch of personality to any room. But knowing which type works best with what hardware or style in what configuration is an art form in itself – one we’re here to help you perfect!
Read on for our guide on how to mix cabinet pulls and knobs without compromising design integrity so you have kitchen cabinetry (or bathroom vanities!) that will turn heads.
9 Best Ways on How to Mix Pull and Knobs
1. Choose a Theme
Before mixing and matching knobs and pulls, it’s always best to decide on a theme. This could be anything from modern to farmhouse or something incredibly unique.
Once you’ve identified the general style of your project, you’ll have an easier time choosing hardware that complements it. Choosing a theme also helps ensure that your pulls and knobs don’t clash, which can make any room look disjointed.
2. Consider Material
Once you’ve chosen a theme, it’s time to consider what material the hardware will be made of. For example, if you’re going for a modern aesthetic, choosing stainless steel or glass is ideal.
If you prefer a more classic look, then brass or oil-rubbed bronze may be better options. Make sure to take into account any existing finishes in the room as well, such as appliances and countertops, if applicable.
3. Mix & Match by Function
Once you’ve decided on a material, it’s time to mix and match by function. Pulls, for example, are great for larger doors and drawers as they offer extra grip when opening and closing them. Knobs, on the other hand, are better suited for smaller doors or drawers since they can be easily grasped with one hand.
4. Balance Out Large and Small Hardware
If you decide to use both pulls and knobs, try to balance out their sizes. For instance, if you use a large pull on one drawer, use a small knob for the next one. This will add visual interest to your cabinetry while ensuring that none of the doors or drawers look disproportionate. This is especially important if you’re using different materials for your pulls and knobs.
5. Use the Same Finish
Although mixing and matching materials can be a fun way to add interest to your space, it’s also important to ensure that all of the hardware has the same finish. This means choosing either brushed nickel or polished chrome – not both! Choosing one uniform finish will help ensure that all of your hardware works together harmoniously and looks cohesive when installed.
6. Pulls on Cabinets, Knobs on Drawers
When deciding between pulls and knobs for cabinetry, it’s best to use pulls on cabinets while leaving the choice up to a personal preference for drawers. This is because larger pulls are better suited for large doors since they offer extra grip. However, knobs can be used if desired and still look great.
7. Mix & Match Within the Same Design Family
If you’re feeling bold and want to go for a more eclectic look, it’s important to mix and match hardware within the same design family. For example, if you choose a modern pull for one door, opt for a modern knob for the next. This will ensure that all of the hardware looks cohesive and works together to create an interesting visual effect.
8. Add Visual Balance
When installing pulls and knobs, it’s important to make sure they have visual balance. For example, if you have two large pulls on one side, make sure to install two small knobs on the other. This will add interest and keep your cabinetry looking symmetrical. Make sure to add extra visual interest by mixing and matching finishes too.
9. Install Your Knobs & Pulls in Unexpected Places
Finally, don’t be afraid to install your knobs and pulls in unexpected places. For instance, if a certain knob looks really good on a smaller door, go for it! This will help break up the monotony of all the pulls or knobs looking the same and ensure that each door looks unique.
You can also add extra interest by installing a few knobs in unexpected places, such as above a cabinet or near the baseboard.
By following these tips on how to mix cabinet pulls and knobs, you’ll be able to create a truly unique look for any room in your home. Whether you like modern, traditional, or something in between, the options are endless. So don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild and create a look that truly speaks to your style!
Additional Tips and Tricks to Mix Cabinet Pulls and Knobs
1. Consider the finish of your cabinet pulls and knobs. For a unified look, select hardware that has the same or complementary finishes.
2. Select a cabinet pull for drawers and a knob for doors based on their individual functions. A drawer needs enough length to be able to grasp with multiple fingers, whereas a knob can work better on smaller doors since it requires less space.
3. If you’re worried about the mixed hardware looking mismatched, select different styles that are part of the same collection from one manufacturer. This will ensure that your hardware looks uniform and has a consistent feel to it, while still providing variety for each piece of furniture.
4. Try to keep cabinet pulls and knobs in the same size range. If you use a bigger knob on a door and then smaller pulls on the drawers below, it can create an imbalance in the look of the room. Keep your sizes consistent to ensure everything looks proportional and balanced.
5. If you decide to mix metals throughout your kitchen or bathroom, be sure to choose styles that have similar finishes so they don’t clash. You can also try to opt for a more neutral color palette, such as brushed nickel or chrome, which will help tie everything together.
6. When mixing cabinet pulls and knobs, think about how the hardware relates to other elements in the room. For example, if you have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, select hardware with similar finishes that will coordinate well with the overall look of the room.
7. Have fun with it! Cabinet pulls and knobs are a great way to express your personal style and add some unique touches to any space. Play around with different finishes, styles, and colors until you find something that suits your taste. Just remember to keep everything cohesive so the end result looks harmonious.
8. If you’re still feeling a little overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional designer or consultant to help you select the perfect hardware for your home. They will have access to more resources and can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to selecting mixed cabinet pulls and knobs.
By taking your time to select the best combination of cabinet pulls and knobs, you can create a unique and stylish look for any room in your home. With the right mix of materials, colors, and finishes, you’ll be able to achieve an overall design that is both visually appealing and practical. Happy mixing!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Ideal Sizes for Cabinet Pulls and Knobs?
The ideal size for cabinet pulls and knobs depends on the size of your cabinets. Generally, larger cabinets require longer and wider pulls or knobs while smaller ones can accommodate small to medium-sized hardware. If you are swapping out existing doors, measure their length to determine what size you need.
What Are the Benefits of Using Pulls and Knobs?
Pulls and knobs can help to elevate the overall look of your cabinets while also making them more functional. For instance, installing large pulls on upper kitchen cabinets makes them easier to open than with just a knob. Additionally, pulls are generally easier to grip than knobs, making them more accessible for people with disabilities.
What Materials Are Used to Make Pulls and Knobs?
Cabinet pulls and knobs are typically made of metal, plastic, or wood. Metal is a long-lasting option that can be easily cleaned for sanitation purposes, while plastic is cost-effective yet still strong. Wood knobs and pulls can add an elegant and traditional look to your cabinets.
Is It Possible to Mix Cabinet Pulls and Knobs on the Same Cabinets?
Yes! One of the easiest ways to give your kitchen a modern, sophisticated update is by combining knobs and pulls. Start by installing knobs on smaller cabinet doors or drawers, then switch out the larger ones for pulls.
You can also mix and match different finishes or colors to create an interesting, eclectic look. Just make sure that all of the hardware is the same size, so it looks cohesive and uniform.
Conclusion
Now you know how to mix cabinet pulls and knobs to create a unique look for your kitchen cabinets. Keep in mind the ideal sizes of pulls and knobs, the benefits of using them, and the materials they are commonly made from. With a little bit of creativity, you can easily bring an updated aesthetic to any room in your home!