Tina FuHow to choose right hardware handles, pulls and knobs for your home?
Hardware should be carefully considered and planned when you decorate a new home or revamp your home, as it highlights the details that can upscale your home. Hardware handles, pulls and knobs are commonly used on cabinets, drawers and doors.
The common hardware selection includes stainless steel, nickel, copper, brass, bronze, chrome, silver and pewter.
Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
There are tips on how to choose right hardware pulls and knobs for your kitchen cabinet:
1) Types
Consider to use all pulls, knobs or the combination of both.
Knobs are smaller and less expensive than pulls. Pulls have the linear shape that can make a statement. They both come in different sizes and finishes.
2) Styles
The selection of cabinet hardware should match your interior style.
Hardware with curved silhouettes, rough touch and textured details suits traditional and classical styles, whereas hardware with clean line and sleek surface works well with modern and contemporary styles. The shape, appearance and texture of pulls and knobs will decide their styles. Cabinet hardware selection should be compatible with the existing fixtures and appliances in styles and finishes.
3) Finishes
The commonly used hardware finishes are polished, satin, matte and brushed.
Polished nickel has a silver tone and smooth surface, working well in a contemporary kitchen. It elevates the space with its glamorous appeal.
Matte black draws attention and makes a striking statement, matching well with a contemporary setting.
Brushed brass has a warm tone that is elegant and sophisticated,
Unlacquered brass shows wear and has a warm tone, working well with traditional and vintage decor.
4) Colours
Hardware with warmer tones fits well with a traditional, classical, vintage, modern and industrial setting, whereas hardware with cold tones works well with a modern, contemporary setting.
Warm tones: brass, antique brass and copper
Cold tones: stainless steel, chrome, silver, pewter and nickel.
5) Sizes
As a general thumb of rule, 1:3 pull-to-draw works best.
Door Hardware
Internal doors are an essential and functional feature within any home. They tie different rooms together. The hardware for doors need to be considered carefully to be fit with long-lasting purpose for caring out function day-to-day.
There are tips on how to choose right hardware handles and knobs for your doors:
1) Types
You can choose knobs or lever handles for your doors.
2) Styles and Finishes
Consider the overall design scheme, and then the door style when you choose hardware for doors.
Door knobs are a popular choice for period homes, but they also work well with modern and contemporary homes
Door lever handles are more modern than door knobs. They come in different designs and finishes.
A large ornate brass handle will fit in a period home, whereas a chrome, black handles will work well in an urban flat.
3) Door Styles and Finishes
The style and finish of the internal door act as an important role when opting for door handles and knobs.
Panelled doors are commonly used in period homes, creating a traditional feeling.
Boarded doors look great in traditional and contemporary homes.
Veneered doors give a wood appearance.
Painted doors are a great option for contemporary homes.
4) Hanhapes
The commonly used door handles are in shapes of oval, round and angular. Different shapes of handles will fit with either classic or contemporary styles.
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In terms of hardware finishes, we should also consider their pros and cons.
1 Stainless Steel
Pros:
highly durable
Scratches and corrosion resistance
Budget friendly
Long lasting
Cons:
smudges can show
2 Chrome
Pros:
A highly polished and reflective finish
Corrosion resistance
Cons:
Dull over time
It shows fingerprints and water spots.
3 Brass
Polished brass
Pros:
Shiny and golden surface
Sealed with a lacquer coating, so it will not age or tarnish.
Cons:
It shows fingerprints
The lacquer can dull over time.
Antique brass
Pros:
It is aged with chemicals and sealed with a low lustrous finish.
A worn, antique look will never change or need polishing.
Cons:
The colour is not as warm as unlacquered brass.
Unlacquered brass
Pros:
The raw brass has a warm colour.
It shows wear over time.
Cons:
It can look dirty in an edgy, contemporary kitchen
It takes more maintenance.
4. Copper
Pros:
Easy to clean
It works well in a rustic setting
A great way to stand out
Cons:
A soft material that is easy to scratch
Patina over time
Difficult installation
Not sustainable
5. Bronze
Pros:
Corrosion resistant
Many finishes and colours
Cons:
More porous than brass.
Hardware are details that elevate your home and highlight your taste. It is vital to choose the right type, style and finish of hardware for cabinets, doors and drawers to fit with the overall interior style.
