How to Choose Kitchen Hardware for Your Cabinets

Oct 28, 2025 CabinetsLike

Introduction: Small Details, Big Impact in Kitchen Design

When remodeling your kitchen, cabinet hardware may seem minor — but it’s often the detail that defines your entire design.

The right kitchen cabinet handles, knobs, and pulls can enhance the style, function, and longevity of your space.

Whether you prefer modern Slim Shaker cabinets or classic White Shaker cabinetry, choosing hardware that complements your RTA kitchen cabinets is key to achieving a cohesive and elegant look.

At Factory Direct Kitchen Cabinets | RTA & Wholesale Deals – Like Cabinets, we combine factory-direct craftsmanship with premium finishes to help homeowners design kitchens that are beautiful, functional, and built to last.

High-gloss white RTA kitchen cabinets with stainless steel bar pulls and modern appliances — an example of minimalist hardware styling.

Match Your Hardware Style with Cabinet Design

The first step in selecting kitchen hardware is matching it to your cabinet style.

● Shaker cabinets pair beautifully with simple, clean-lined pulls or round knobs in brushed nickel or matte black.

● Slim Shaker cabinets — a growing trend for 2025 — look stunning with thin, linear bar pulls that emphasize modern minimalism.

● Raised panel cabinets or traditional framed styles can carry more ornate or curved hardware for a timeless appeal.

Pro Tip: Consistency matters. Choose one hardware finish throughout your kitchen to create a cohesive, designer-inspired space.

Contemporary kitchen with white gloss cabinets, gold handles, and a waterfall marble countertop — combining luxury hardware with functional design.

Choose the Right Finish for Your Aesthetic

Hardware finishes should balance both the color and texture of your cabinetry.

Cabinet Finish	Best Hardware Finishes	Effect
White Shaker Cabinets	Matte black, brushed nickel	Creates modern contrast
Slim Dove Gray Cabinets	Gold, champagne bronze	Adds warmth and elegance
Espresso or Charcoal Cabinets	Satin brass, chrome	Enhances luxury feel
Natural Wood Cabinets	Oil-rubbed bronze	Highlights organic tones

Neutral finishes like brushed nickel or matte black are timeless, while gold or brass hardware gives your kitchen a touch of contemporary glam.

Reference: NKBA notes that mixed metallics are gaining momentum in U.S. kitchen remodels.

Understand Function: Knobs vs. Pulls

Beyond appearance, your choice affects daily convenience.

● Cabinet knobs are great for upper doors and smaller drawers.

● Cabinet pulls provide better grip for larger drawers and base cabinets.

● For a sleek and uniform design, many homeowners mix both — knobs on uppers, pulls on lowers.

L-shaped white high-gloss kitchen with gold bar pulls and marble backsplash — highlighting modern hardware choices for RTA cabinets.

Size and Placement Matter

Choosing the correct size of hardware ensures both comfort and proportion.

● Pulls should be one-third the width of the drawer.

● Knobs should sit comfortably between 1”–1.25” for standard doors.

● For tall pantry cabinets, longer handles (8”–12”) create balance and accessibility.

When in doubt, use painter’s tape to mark potential placement before drilling — a simple way to visualize spacing.

Gray glossy modern kitchen cabinets with brass handles and built-in ovens — elegant hardware accents in contemporary kitchen design.

Coordinate with Appliances and Fixtures

A unified kitchen design extends beyond cabinets.

If your kitchen features stainless steel appliances, opt for chrome or brushed nickel hardware.

For black matte faucets, choose matching cabinet pulls for consistency.

And if you’re designing a mixed-metal kitchen, limit yourself to two complementary finishes for a curated look.

Gray glossy modern kitchen cabinets with brass handles and built-in ovens — elegant hardware accents in contemporary kitchen design.

Don’t Forget Durability and Maintenance

Cabinet hardware is touched thousands of times per year — durability is crucial.

Opt for solid metal handles over hollow alternatives for longer lifespan.

Finishes like brushed nickel and matte black resist fingerprints and wear better than polished chrome.

All Like Cabinets’ RTA cabinetry is KCMA-certified, ensuring long-lasting performance and environmental safety (Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association).

Minimalist white kitchen with long stainless steel handles and glossy cabinet finish — perfect example of functional hardware in modern design.

Mix Style with Comfort

While design leads the way, comfort is equally essential.

Try hardware samples before installation — grips should feel smooth, not sharp.

Slim bar pulls and rounded knobs are ergonomically preferred by both homeowners and contractors for their universal comfort.SEO Keywords: ergonomic cabinet hardware, modern kitchen handles, comfortable cabinet pulls, Like Cabinets RTA.

Budget Smart: Where to Invest

Hardware is a small percentage of your kitchen remodel cost but delivers major visual ROI.

Invest in high-touch areas like drawers and base cabinets first.

Choosing factory-direct cabinetry from Like Cabinets gives you the flexibility to spend more on premium handles without breaking your budget.

Data Insight: A 2024 Remodeling Magazine report shows homeowners see up to 73% ROI on well-executed kitchen upgrades that include hardware replacement.

Conclusion: The Finishing Touch Your Kitchen Deserves

The perfect kitchen design comes down to balance — cabinet craftsmanship, hardware quality, and cohesive finishes.

At Like Cabinets, every RTA kitchen cabinet is designed to complement modern hardware selections, helping homeowners create spaces that feel custom-built without the luxury price tag.