Our Expert Tips for Mixing Knobs and Pulls on Kitchen Cabinets

Dec 27, 2023

You’ve established your kitchen cabinet paint color or stain, collected décor that’s inspired and guided you through a design idea, and crunched numbers for measurements and costs.


Now comes one of the most exciting parts of the process—browsing knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinets!


Shopping for cabinet hardware is fun because knobs and pulls can serve as unique expressions of your aesthetic that you will touch every day.


In 2024, mixed metal finishes are on trend, featuring brushed brass, matte black, and aged bronze.


Unique shapes like arched pulls or faceted crystal knobs can add personality. Smart technology has also entered the cabinet hardware space, with options like auto-opening drawers via motion sensors and more.


Buying cabinet hardware is a low-stakes decision, even if you’re committed to a specific kitchen theme. If you wanted to change hardware in the future as part of a kitchen update, your only major concern would be matching the number of drill holes you used for the old hardware.


However, you’ll need a plan for how you want to mix knobs and pulls on your kitchen cabinets to achieve your design goals and create the functional kitchen you’ll love.

Should You Mix Knobs & Pulls on Kitchen Cabinets?

Modern white kitchen cabinets with mix of knobs and pulls

Yes, mixing knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets will help you use them more easily. You can always choose to purchase only knobs or pulls for all of your cabinet hardware, but we advise homeowners to consider how practical your choice will feel on a daily basis. 


To figure out whether a piece of hardware will work for you, try rehearsing how you plan to use it.


Create a template matching a piece of hardware and attach it to your cabinet. Then, walk from another room and reach for the templated cabinet door.


Can you easily open and close the cabinet? Do they allow a comfortable hand position?

This simple exercise reveals if your chosen hardware works ergonomically. It's quick and gives peace of mind that your selections will feel right on a daily basis. Adjust placements or styles as needed until the motions feel seamless.

Tips for Mixing & Matching Cabinet Hardware

Close up of artsy white kitchen with pulls on drawers and knobs on cabinets

The beauty of choosing cabinet hardware is that there's no shortage of options.


But, we get it. Too many choices can be overwhelming.

Here are some general design and utility tips that will help you as you evaluate your options and mix and match hardware pieces.

Set Your Own Hardware Guidelines 

Deciding on hardware guidelines for your kitchen will help you stay organized and on budget as you finalize your purchase. It will also ensure a uniform look after installation. 


Here are two examples of hardware guidelines you could set:

  • “I’ll use pulls on all drawers and upper cabinets, and knobs on all lower cabinets. The only exception is the lower trash bin drawer which will get a pull.”

  • “I’ll use knobs on all upper and lower cabinets and small drawers, and pulls on the drawers containing pots and pans for easier access.” (Budgeting Tip: Using mostly knobs will help you save money. Generally, knobs are less expensive than pulls.)

Think Ergonomically

Depending on where a cabinet is in your kitchen, a pull or knob will make more sense based on how you most often approach it.

  • Handles or knobs are good choices for upper cabinets because of the way a human hand can naturally right itself vertically as you approach a cabinet at or above eye level.

  • Knobs are a good choice for lower cabinets because a human hand does not always remain vertical when you reach down below eye level.

  • Pulls are a good choice for drawers, especially if they are heavy, because pulls span the width of the drawer which helps you pull them out easier.

Choose a Similar Finish and Texture for All Hardware

While mixing knobs and pulls in your kitchen can help you create a beautiful and functional kitchen, mixing finishes and textures will produce indefinite results.

  • If your kitchen is larger, you’ll have more opportunities to mix finishes successfully.

  • If your kitchen is smaller, like a galley kitchen, it’s best to stick with one finish and texture.

Showcase Your Hardware on Refinished Cabinets

If you’ve found the perfect hardware that matches the style or theme you’re going for, one way to show it off is on refinished cabinets. 


Cabinet refinishing is the most cost-effective method of changing your cabinet paint or stain color while still giving your kitchen cabinets a professional update.


Our team of experts at Oceanside Painting & Refinishing specializes in kitchen cabinet refinishing, serving customers from Monmouth County to Long Beach Island since 1999.


Request a free estimate by calling 732-818-0092 or filling out this quick form.

Get Your Free Estimate Now!

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