Pulls and knobs, also known as decorative hardware, come in a seemingly endless varieties.
Start by considering which of the four main types of cabinet hardware you like most: knobs, pulls, cup pulls or drop pulls. Knobs can be any shape, and attach to the cabinet with one screw.
PULLS
install with two screws. A pull can actually be any length. Available in a variety of metal materials, pulls require a fairly durable material. Additionally, they come in materials like glass and some stones more rare.
KNOBS
offer a few benefits: With a knob, oils and digging fingernails are more likely to affect the cabinet finish. If you decide to change your cabinet hardware, a knob's one-point suspension is easier to replace. Pulls vary in length, so you have to consider distance between the two holes.
There’s no secret formula for deciding which to use. Many kitchens use both knobs and pulls -- one type for the doors and another for the drawers. Just be sure to choose knobs and pulls from the same collection or with complementary stylings to maintain continuity.
CUP OR BIN PULLS
Through they use the same screw pattern as pulls, cup pulls feature a semi-enclosed curving shape. With a more traditional look, cup pulls are good choices for country and farmhouse kitchens.
Ease of Use
- Make sure that your choice doesn’t pinch your finger, attaches firmly to the cabinet and is easy to grasp. Knobs and pulls protect your cabinets from food or lotion on your hands.
Finish
- Make sure your decorative hardware’s finish doesn’t clash with any exposed functional hardware such as hinges. Also consider the other finishes in your room. Stainless steel pulls in a kitchen with a bronze faucet or appliances with a carbon finish may not blend well.
