When selecting hardware for white kitchen cabinets, the options may seem endless. However, by considering the style of your kitchen, the overall color scheme, and the look you’re trying to achieve, you can narrow down your choices to find the perfect hardware to complement your white cabinets.
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Factors to Consider When Choosing Hardware for White Cabinets
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when selecting hardware for white kitchen cabinets:
- Finish – Polished nickel, brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, chrome, and matte black are popular finishes that pair well with white cabinets.
- Style – Modern and contemporary kitchens tend to use cooler metal finishes like brushed nickel or chrome, while traditional kitchens gravitate towards warmer finishes like antique brass or oil-rubbed bronze.
- Color Scheme – If your kitchen has pops of black, silver, or stainless steel, choose hardware in a similar tone. For kitchens with neutral colors, metallics add contrast.
- Texture – Smooth metals like nickel or chrome complement sleek cabinetry, while hammered or textured hardware adds visual interest.
- Budget – Hardware can get expensive, so set a realistic budget. Prioritize splurges on handles used frequently, like on doors and drawers.
Keep these factors in mind as you explore different hardware options for your white kitchen cabinets.
Best Colors for Hardware
Here are some of the most popular and recommended hardware colors for white kitchen cabinets:
Chrome
Polished chrome has a clean, sleek, modern look. The high shine of chrome reflects light beautifully and pairs nicely with crisp white cabinets. Chrome has an eye-catching look that works great in contemporary kitchens. One downside is that chrome shows fingerprints and needs to be cleaned frequently.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel has a soft, brushed texture that is less shiny than chrome but still modern. It is versatile enough to fit with many kitchen styles from traditional to farmhouse. The muted metallic tone works well with white cabinets without being too overpowering.
Matte Black
Matte black hardware has a sophisticated monochromatic look. The rich black tone contrasts beautifully against bright white cabinets. Matte black is trendy for modern and contemporary kitchens. Be aware that black hardware shows fingerprints, grease, and scratches more easily.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
With a deep, brownish-black finish, oil-rubbed bronze has an antique Old World feel. The dark color pops against white while the rubbed finish adds dimension. Oil-rubbed bronze works great for traditional, Tuscan, and farmhouse style kitchens.
Antique Brass
Like oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass hardware has a warm, golden-brown color that feels traditional and old fashioned. The muted, hammered brass finish pairs nicely with white cabinets. Use antique brass to give a cottage or farmhouse kitchen vintage character.
Polished Nickel
Polished nickel has a lighter silver-gray look compared to chrome. The smooth, shiny finish gives it a sophisticated yet understated appearance. Polished nickel works with modern and traditional kitchens and matches well with stainless steel appliances.
Brushed Gold
For a glamorous look, brushed gold hardware makes a statement against white cabinets. The soft brushed finish tempers the shine, while the warm gold tone provides a luxurious vibe. Use brushed gold in elegant, transitional kitchens.
Hardware Placement Tips
Where you place hardware on your white cabinets can impact the overall look as much as choosing the right color. Follow these tips:
- Drawer and door pulls should be placed in identical positions on each cabinet for visual consistency.
- A general guideline is to position pulls 3-4 inches from the top of a drawer and 4-5 inches below the bottom of an upper cabinet door.
- For a sleek look on frameless cabinets, opt for long handles instead of individual pulls on drawers and doors.
- If your cabinets have intricate frames, position hardware to avoid covering decorative details.
- For glass fronted cabinets, place pulls slightly lower than on solid doors so they align with contents behind the glass.
Recommended Hardware Styles
In addition to considering color, the style of your hardware plays a key role in the overall look. Here are recommended options:
Bar Pulls
Perfect for contemporary and modern kitchens, bar pulls have a streamlined, minimalist look. Bar pulls come in a range of sizes from 3-12 inches.
Bow Pulls
For a traditional touch, bow pulls feature a rounded shape reminiscent of ribbon bows. They work great on Shaker style cabinetry.
Knobs
Classic round knobs work on almost any kitchen style from modern to traditional to cottage. Use knobs alone or paired with pulls.
Cup Pulls
Cup pulls have an everyday classic look, like traditional drawer cup handles. They work well in transitional kitchens.
T-Pulls
T-pulls have a simple, understated shape. They give a clean look on contemporary, minimalist kitchen cabinets.
Cutout Pulls
Featuring a curved handle with a straight bar across, cutout pulls have an architectural look. They pair nicely with contemporary cabinets.
Finish Options
Beyond color, the finish you choose for hardware makes a big impact. Here are some top options:
- Polished – Very shiny and reflective like chrome, nickel, and brass.
- Brushed – A smooth satin texture is created by brushing metal during finishing.
- Matte – Has a non-reflective, silky smooth finish that resists fingerprints.
- Satin – Less shine than polished but more luster than brushed metal finishes.
- Oil-Rubbed – Darkened metal with a natural antique look from being hand rubbed with oil.
Consider the level of shine you want before selecting a finish for hardware. Busy households may prefer matte or brushed that hide fingerprints over polished or satin.
Metal Types
cabinet hardware comes in several metal types. Here’s an overview:
- Stainless Steel – Affordable, strong, and corrosion resistant but prone to showing fingerprints. Has a neutral gray metallic tone.
- Aluminum – Budget-friendly and lightweight. Prone to scratches. Has a silvery tone like nickel.
- Brass – Prized for its golden color but requires frequent polishing. Can be expensive.
- Bronze – Provides a dark, aged look. More expensive but naturally hides fingerprints and scratches.
- Nickel – Durable, scratch resistant metal with a grayish silver sheen. Very affordable.
Nickel and stainless steel tend to be budget-friendly options. Opt for brass or bronze if you want a more high-end, unique look.
Mixing Metals
While matching hardware provides a uniform look, incorporating two metals can really make your kitchen shine.
Here are guidelines for mixing metals successfully:
- Choose one metal for handles and another for fixtures like lighting or faucets.
- Incorporate secondary metals through decor accents and appliances rather than cabinet hardware.
- Opt for contrasting finishes like satin nickel and polished brass rather than mixing unrelated metals.
- Limit mixing to two metal colors to avoid an overly busy look.
Done right, mixing metals gives your kitchen just the right amount of contrast for visual interest.
Popular Hardware Combinations for White Cabinets
Here are some of the most stylish and commonly used hardware combinations for white kitchen cabinets:
| Hardware Color | Secondary Colors | Style Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Polished Chrome | Stainless appliances | Modern, sleek |
| Matte Black | Gold accents | Contemporary, elegant |
| Brushed Nickel | Gray and white color scheme | Transitional, versatile |
| Oil-Rubbed Bronze | Brown granite counters | Tuscan, traditional |
| Antique Brass | Neutral backsplash | Farmhouse, vintage |
As shown in the table, the style of your kitchen can help determine the best color combinations for hardware and accents.
Budget-Friendly Hardware Options
Hardware costs can range from just a couple dollars per handle to over $100. Here are money-saving tips:
- Opt for satin nickel rather than polished nickel – it has a similar look for less cost.
- Purchase hardware online rather than at showrooms or home improvement stores.
- Check sites like eBay or Etsy for vintage and antique hardware at affordable prices.
- Buy in bulk – handles purchased individually can be very expensive.
- Find quality hardware brands made overseas rather than U.S. made.
- Choose knobs or pulls with interchangeable faces – you can swap out just the front piece when updating.
- Reuse existing hardware if possible – spray paint or refinish to match new cabinets.
With some savvy shopping and creative reuse, you can find hardware that complements your white kitchen without blowing your budget.
Conclusion
The best color hardware for white kitchen cabinets depends on the overall style you want to achieve. Polished chrome, brushed nickel, and matte black work great for modern kitchens, while oil-rubbed bronze, antique brass, and brushed gold create a traditional vintage look. Focus on the style, color scheme, and finishes you are drawn to for your kitchen. Then select cabinet hardware in coordinating metallic tones and textures to create a cohesive, stylish look you’ll love. With so many options for beautiful hardware, you’re sure to find the perfect accessories to add just the right finishing touch to your gorgeous white cabinets.