Choosing the right cabinet hardware to go with white kitchen cabinets can seem tricky. White cabinets are clean, bright, and open up smaller spaces, making them a popular choice for many homeowners. But with so many options for knobs, pulls, and handles out there, how do you settle on the right metal finishes and styles that will look cohesive?
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting hardware for white cabinets:
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Metal Color
The metal finish you choose for your hardware will dramatically impact the overall look. Bright metals like brass and chrome provide bold contrast against white cabinets. Softer brushed metals like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze blend in more seamlessly.
Style
The style of your hardware also affects the aesthetic. Sleek modern bar pulls or industrial pipe handles make a contemporary statement. Elaborate glass or crystal knobs create a glamorous vibe. Rustic wood knobs evoke farmhouse charm.
Your Kitchen’s Overall Design
Factor in your kitchen’s existing features like backsplashes, countertops, floors, and appliances. Your hardware should coordinate with or complement your kitchen’s current style.
Weighing all these options can feel overwhelming! To simplify the decision process, here is an in-depth look at the best color hardware for common kitchen design motifs:
Best Hardware Finishes for White Cabinets
Brass
Nothing shines against white cabinets quite like brass. From soft champagne to bold orangey-gold, brass knobs and handles make a vibrant style statement. They bring a glamorous, retro touch to contemporary spaces. Brass finishes pair nicely with marble or quartz countertops.
Aged Brass
For a less flashy alternative to shiny brass, aged or antique brass has an old-world, burnished look. The muted finish acts as a subtler accent against bright white cabinets. It works well for formal, elegant designs.
Polished Chrome
Polished chrome has a modern, sleek, high-shine appearance. It looks clean and striking against white cabinets. Use chrome hardware in contemporary kitchens with glossy marble countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Stainless Steel
Like chrome, stainless steel looks smart against white cabinets, but with a cooler tone. It provides an eye-catching industrial edge. Stainless knobs and handles pair nicely with concrete, metal, or black accent features.
Matte Black
For a bold monochromatic statement, choose matte black hardware. The inky black tone offsets crisp white cabinets dramatically. Use for modern kitchens or to create an edgy, urban vibe. Matte black pairs well with gray and white color schemes.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
With its dark brown color and brushed satin finish, oil-rubbed bronze offers a rustic, weathered appearance. The earthy tone nicely complements white cabinets in cozy, farmhouse style kitchens. Pair it with butcher block counters for charm.
Pewter or Iron
Pewter and iron have an aged, distressed gray look. Their muted metallic finish harmonizes with white cabinets for a cottage or industrial feel. The relaxed vibe works great in country kitchens.
Nickel
Brushed nickel provides an elegant, refined sheen against white cabinets. Less bold than stainless steel, its silvery color blends in more softly. Use nickel for a clean, graceful look alongside granite countertops.
Copper
Copper hardware brings warmth and vibrancy to all-white kitchens. The rosy metallic tone pairs well with cream cabinets too. For a more rustic effect, choose a distressed verdigris finish. Use copper to create a chic, vintage style.
Best Types of Hardware for White Kitchen Cabinets
Knobs
Simple round knobs allow the clean lines of white cabinets to shine. They have a traditional charm. Decorative knobs with color or floral motifs make for a cottage-inspired accent. For contemporary designs, opt for faceted or geometric shaped knobs.
Pulls
Horizontal pulls or straight bar handles keep a low profile on white cabinets. They maintain a sleek, uncluttered look. Pulls with cutout designs or angled detailing add visual interest. Long vertical pulls make a modern statement.
Handles
Fashionable cabinet handles provide a noticeable accent. Graceful curved handles like the popular Emtek Bungalow style complement white shaker cabinets. Sturdy oversized handles make an industrial, rustic impact.
Mix and Match
For lots of personality, mix up your hardware by using knobs, pulls, and handles together. Vary textures and finishes too. Just be sure to maintain a sense of cohesiveness in your design.
How to Select Hardware for White Kitchen Cabinets
Choosing hardware for all-white kitchens may feel tricky, but just follow this simple process:
1. Decide on a Style
Is your kitchen traditional, modern, farmhouse? Establish the mood you want before shopping. Browse magazines and Pinterest for inspiration on style combinations.
2. Complement Existing Elements
Look at your kitchen’s current materials like countertops and floors. Choose hardware that works with those finishes to create a cohesive look.
3. Select Metal Finish
Pick a finish that fits your style. Go for an eye-catching metallic like brass for contemporary spaces or a patina like oil-rubbed bronze for rustic rooms.
4. Choose Hardware Type
Consider the styling of your cabinets. Simple Shaker-style cabinets suit simple knobs. Full-overlay cabinets with slab doors can handle bolder hardware like large pulls.
5. Mix Up Shapes and Textures
Incorporate different knobs and pulls for visual variety. Just be sure a clear style theme ties it all together.
6. Order Samples
Order a few sample hardware pieces online before fully committing. Ensure your choices complement each other when installed.
7. Install and Enjoy!
Once you’ve selected the perfect hardware, it’s time to install and then stand back to admire your refreshed kitchen style.
Examples of Hardware for White Kitchen Cabinets
Here are some stunning white kitchens showcasing a variety of hardware finishes and styles:
Warm Brass Hardware
The warm, golden brass knobs and pulls glow against the bright white cabinets and marble counters.
Sleek Chrome Handles
Long chrome bar handles make a modern statement on these flat-front white cabinets. Crisp and contemporary.
Traditional Nickel Pulls
The simple nickel square pulls match the classic Shaker-style white cabinets beautifully. Understated and timeless.
Bold Matte Black Hardware
The matte black oversized pulls stand out sharply against the clean white cabinets for a dramatic look.
Rustic Iron Handles
The textured iron handles have an industrial, vintage vibe that injects the farmhouse kitchen with character.
Conclusion
Choosing hardware for white kitchen cabinets comes down to personal style preferences. But by considering the finish, design, and overall kitchen aesthetic, you can select knobs, pulls, and handles that harmonize beautifully. Go for bold metallic tones like brass and chrome for contemporary spaces, vintage patinas like bronze and iron for rustic rooms, or mix and match for an eclectic vibe. Whichever route you choose, the right hardware will give your white kitchen just the right amount of polish.