Selecting the Best Cabinet Hardware
Shopping for cabinet hardware is a lot of fun because it involves putting the finishing touches on a brand new kitchen. Even if you decided to save some money and replace just the cabinet doors and cabinet hardware, it is still as if you are getting all new kitchen cabinets because the look of your kitchen will change drastically. The type of cabinet hardware you select says a lot about your personality, so it is very important to choose carefully. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you go about choosing new cabinet hardware.
Style and Material
The two most important things to think about when you first start looking for cabinet hardware are style and material. Brushed nickel is currently one of the most popular materials, although there are also many others to choose from. Other options include copper, pewter, and stainless steel. Just think about the color of the hardware and what would look good with the type of wood you chose. In addition to color, also think about the style of the cabinets and the overall feel of your kitchen. Is it simple or fancy? Elegant or country? Modern or classic?
It is also important to take your appliances into consideration. If you intend to have stainless steel appliances, then you will probably want cabinet hardware that shares the same silver tone. Some pieces even have two toned looks to them, so it is certainly possible to get that silver look in the hardware you choose, while still paying homage to another metal-colored tone that is in your kitchen.
Pulls or Knobs
Another important question when it comes to cabinet hardware is whether you prefer knobs or cabinet pulls. Knobs tend to be a little bit more simplistic in their styling because they are often just one solid color with very little decoration. Cabinet pulls, on the other hand, are a full handle that can be used to open the cabinet. They have much more room to be fancy, so it is not unusual for those with a fancier kitchen to choose cabinet pulls instead of simple knobs for their hardware.
Ease of Use and Cleaning
One thing many people do not take into consideration when shopping for hardware is how easy the pieces are to use and clean. For example, some hardware has very intricate designs, but these intricate designs will be very difficult to keep clean. Also hardware pieces that come in some shapes are very difficult to use for people with arthritis or other problems with their hands. Keep both of these in mind as you shop for the right pieces for your kitchen.
Saving Money
One thing many people do not know about hardware for cabinets is the fact that it is so easy to save money on the pieces. Purchasing from a retailer is like asking to pay more for the same pieces. Most retailers or cabinet companies will sell these hardware pieces for three times what they are actually worth on a retail level. However, many companies that make hardware sell the same pieces wholesale over the internet. Purchasing hardware online is a great way to save a lot of money on hardware. However, always be sure to purchase just one piece of hardware to start. This will allow you to test the quality of the hardware and make sure that it really is comparable to what is marked up three times the price in the retail store. Heavier hardware pieces are of higher quality, so keep this in mind as you compare the feel of the pieces.