Choosing the right hardware for your inset cabinets requires a balance between precision and artistry. Thoughtful hardware choices enhance the beauty of this sleek, modern cabinetry style while also ensuring functionality. This step-by-step guide will explain your hardware options, what works best with inset cabinetry, and how to match your dream aesthetic.
Knobs and Pulls
The functionality of your inset cabinet hinges upon good hardware. Unlike full-overly cabinets, where the doors sit outside the cabinet frame, the door and drawer fronts on an inset cabinet sit flush with the face frame. They must fit perfectly and have sturdy hardware to stay functional.
As such, sturdy hardware and good hinges will make the difference between a stress-free experience and a constant struggle with your cabinetry.
In general, there are two categories for cabinet hardware: knobs and pulls. Knobs have a classic look and generally only need one hole, which makes for easier installation and alignment.
On the flip side, aligning and securing knobs takes a bit more care. Even a few millimeters’ difference between cabinets will be noticeable and diminish the clean appearance of inset cabinetry.
Pulls are often more comfortable to grip, especially for children, who may need a little more help accessing drawers and cabinets. Pulls also have a very modern appearance, completing the seamless look of an inset cabinet. However, careful alignment is also important here, as you will otherwise have lopsided pulls.
Hardware Size and Placement Tips for Inset Cabinets
Precision is essential when mounting hardware for an inset cabinet, as this ensures the deep holes necessary to support the hardware are nicely concealed. It also maintains the flawless art of your clean, modernistic cabinetry while allowing drawers to easily slide free.
To start, decide what size knobs or pulls you want, considering the space on the front of the cabinet and the correct ratio for the appearance you’d like. If you have custom cabinetry, you may also want to order a set of coordinating hardware. Though this may be more expensive, it will add a touch of class to the project and ensure a nice aesthetic.
The hardware box should tell you what size screws you need. Next, use a tape measure to measure straight across the front of the cabinet. For knobs, you will want to mark the very center of the cabinet at the desired height. With pulls, you typically measure from the corners, leaving a space for the length of the pulls.
Once you’re ready, drill the holes, then reach into the cabinet and thread the screws through. Don’t overtighten the screws, as this could cause the cabinet material to crack or split.
A cabinet hardware jig can be an invaluable tool for ensuring accurate measurements when installing cabinet hardware. This works similarly to an inset hinge jig, which is used in inset cabinetry to ensure that the hinges sit flush with the face frame. You simply adjust the jig to the correct size and then pre-drill holes before inserting the screws.
Style
The key to a beautiful inset cabinet is selecting the right hardware for your desired look. Both knobs and pulls can look good on any style, but the specifics will differ.
- Traditional Inset Cabinets: Pretty, ornate knobs, such as those made of porcelain or stamped metal, will nicely complement the decorative flourishes. For pulls, consider curved handles.
- Modern Inset Cabinets: Flat, linear pulls match the clean aesthetic of a modern home. Bulb or plain round knobs can also work well.
- Transitional Inset Cabinets: The transitional style offers a bit more flexibility, as you can choose curved pulls or flat ones. With knobs, keep them unobtrusive and less ornate than for a traditional inset cabinet.
Finish
Your inset cabinet hardware should balance durability with color harmony. Consider the existing fixtures and the tone of your lighting to guide you. These are just some of the many options you have, and what design will best highlight their strengths.
- Brass: Brass is a very versatile and warm choice that comes in numerous finishes, such as antique, satin, or highly polished. It’s a good option for a more traditional look. Think of contrasting it with cool tones like blue.
- Brushed Nickel: This cool-toned option is highly smudge-resistant, great for high-traffic areas.
- Chrome: While chrome is luxurious and showy, any smudges are very noticeable, and it will need regular cleaning.
- Stainless Steel: Though this one has a higher price tag, it looks excellent in highly modern homes that have an industrial feel.
- Aged Pewter: People will sit up and take notice if they walk into a room with aged pewter; it oozes elegance. However, it’s also quite low maintenance and won’t show smudges.
- Matte Black: Perfect for a very modern decor, black will complement almost any cabinet design.
Matching Hardware to Cabinet Colors and Countertops
The right color can bring the whole room together without overshadowing other design elements. Because these are often made of metal, they come in cool colors, like nickel, and warm colors, like bronze and pewter.
Typically, subtler finishes like matte black or brushed nickel will work with any design choice, whether modern or traditional. They can also be used in a warm-toned or cool-toned room. Others, like pewter and bronze, are considered more traditional and might look out of place in a modern room.
A quick rule of thumb is to match your handles to the tones of your countertops, but contrast them with your cabinet finish. For example, a cherry inset cabinet would look quite sharp with brushed nickel and a white marble countertop, but the same combination might seem strange if you have a brown granite countertop.
Functionality vs. Aesthetics: Finding the Right Balance
You likely open your cabinets dozens of times a day to find things or replace cookware in its rightful home. As such, you should consider how comfortable your knob or pull is to hold and how well it resists smudging.
Sharp-edged pulls or square knobs might look nice, but they can get annoying and may even be dangerous for younger family members. Additionally, certain finishes, like chrome, smudge easily and need to be wiped down more often to keep their polish. This could get frustrating for a busy parent who wants to ensure their home looks beautiful but without constant maintenance.
iCabinetry’s inset cabinet hinges are highly functional. They can be opened with a light touch, but overly large handles may pull the doors with too much force, so it’s crucial to consider the cabinet’s size when choosing your options.
Before updating all your cabinets, purchase a sample of the pull or knob you’re considering and temporarily place it on one of your cabinets. See if it is ergonomic and strong enough to pull the drawer open, or if it keeps getting stuck.
The right handle can make a huge difference in how your cabinet looks, but our inset cabinets are designed to look beautiful with almost any option – all without sacrificing utility.
Mixing Hardware
Mixing different options can be a great way to differentiate certain cabinets. For example, you may have knobs on your cabinet doors to swing them open easily and pulls on drawers to make them more comfortable to grip when you have your hands full.
For a nice, uniform look, consider using the same finish for both knobs and pulls, even if you choose different models.
The iCabinetry team is here to help every customer find the perfect fit for their home. Shop our inset kitchen cabinets online for customizable, meticulously crafted cabinets that never sacrifice on style. If you need additional support, contact our helpful experts, who will happily walk you through every element of cabinet design.
FAQs about Inset Cabinet Hardware
Our inset cabinets can look great with either knobs or pulls, as the hinges can easily open at the slightest touch. The choice comes down to your personal style. Traditional styles look good with knobs, while more modern styles may look better with pulls.
While many people choose to have all cabinet hardware match, you can mix knobs and pulls depending on your preferences. However, choosing a similar finish can ensure everything complements.
For knobs, measure and mark the very center of the cabinet, then drill a hole. With pulls, measure the length from the corners and then align it with the center. You can also use a jig, which is easy to adjust to the right length and will ensure a perfect fit.
This is a personal stylistic choice and could add a bit of flair depending on what you choose. For example, you might have matte black for the bottom cabinets and polished nickel for the top, drawing the eyes up. This could be a great option for a low-ceilinged room where you’d like to add the appearance of extra height.
Absolutely. This simple change can completely revitalize the way that your cabinets look at a very affordable price.
