When remodeling or building a new kitchen, choosing the right cabinet hardware is an important decision that can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of the space. From handles and knobs to hinges and pulls, cabinet hardware comes in a wide variety of styles, materials and finishes to match any design aesthetic. But with so many options to pick from, how do you know what’s most popular amongst homeowners and interior designers today?
In this article, we’ll break down the top trends for today’s most sought-after kitchen cabinet hardware to help guide you in choosing pieces that are on-point for contemporary kitchens. We’ll look at the leading styles and finishes making a splash in kitchens across different budget levels. We’ll also overview the most popular materials for knobs, pulls, handles and more.
Read on to discover the kitchen cabinet hardware styles that are hottest in 2023!
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What are the Most Popular Styles of Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?
Kitchen cabinet styles have moved in a more streamlined, minimalist direction over the past decade. Clean lines, simple forms and understated elegance are hallmarks of contemporary kitchen hardware styles. Here are some of the most popular modern kitchen cabinet hardware trends:
Flat Bar Handles
Flat bar pulls are a very minimalist style of cabinet hardware that are among today’s top trends. They consist of a slim, straight metal bar attached horizontally to cabinets and drawers in varying lengths. Flat bar handles contribute subtle sophistication and contemporary appeal. Stainless steel is a top finish choice for this simple style.
Architectural Pulls
For a touch of modern flair, architectural pulls are a go-to choice. These statement-making hardware pieces feature geometric or angular designs that instantly add visual interest. Many architectural pulls have an asymmetric shape and look as if they were fashioned out of metal rods. Brass and black metal finishes give these eye-catching pulls a bold, contemporary look.
Herringbone and Chevron Knobs
For a touch of texture, herringbone and chevron patterned knobs are trending. Their zig-zag or arrow designs and faceted surfaces provide depth and dimension. Matte black and oil rubbed bronze are pleasing finish options. Choose this style to add warmth and handcrafted appeal to modern kitchens.
Most Popular Finishes
The finish chosen for kitchen cabinet hardware can make as much of an impact as the style itself. Here are some of today’s most popular finishes for that Insta-worthy contemporary kitchen look:
Matte Black
Few finishes feel more modern than matte black. The rich, velvety finish is having a major moment in kitchens today. Matte black hardware pops against both light and dark cabinet colors and contributes upscale elegance. Try this deep, dark finish with flat bar pulls and architectural hardware.
Brushed Brass
Brass finishes are dominating the kitchen hardware scene, especially brushed and matte brass looks. The soft glow and understated shine of brushed brass provides just enough polish without veering too glitzy. Match brushed brass with round bar pulls and knobs for a sophisticated take on contemporary styling.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
With a handsome, weathered appearance, oil rubbed bronze finishes continue to trend. The dark charcoal grey-brown finish has warmth that pairs well with a range of cabinet colors from crisp white to espresso. Try oil rubbed bronze with twisted bar pulls and hammered knobs.
Most Popular Materials
In addition to the finish, the material used to construct kitchen cabinet hardware is integral to the overall look. Here are the most popular materials homeowners and designers are loving:
Stainless Steel
A top choice for its durability and sleek appearance, stainless steel hardware remains highly popular. Brushed stainless knobs, pulls and handles provide good affordability and easy matching with professional-grade kitchen appliances. Stainless suits transitional to ultra-modern designs.
Wrought Iron
For added texture, wrought iron and other forged metal hardware is on-trend. Wrought iron pulls and handles have artisanal, hand-crafted appeal. Their darkened, hammered metal surface helps convey a modern-rustic or industrial vibe.
Wood
Though less common than metal hardware, wood cabinet pulls are having a revival. Rich wood adds organic warmth and contrast to sleek cabinets. Modern designs like smooth round or square wood knobs update this material in a contemporary direction. Walnut and oak suit both traditional farmhouse and modern spaces.
Most Popular Brands
When investing in new cabinet hardware, it pays to stick with highly-rated, well-known brands that manufacture high-quality products that will stand the test of time. Here are some of today’s most trusted and popular kitchen cabinet hardware brands:
Emtek
Founded in 1981, Emtek is a California-based company dedicated to designing timeless, sophisticated cabinet hardware. Their products feature cutting-edge designs and excellent craftsmanship.
Top Knobs
With an emphasis on quality and selection, Top Knobs offers thousands of cabinet hardware options at competitive prices. From modern to traditional, they have pulls, knobs and handles to suit any style.
Restoration Hardware
Known for furniture and home wares, Restoration Hardware’s premium cabinet hardware line offers trend-driven styles from vintage inspired to ultra-modern. Materials from leather to glass give their selection visual interest.
Liberty Hardware
Liberty specializes in high-end decorative and functional hardware, supplying products to builders, designers and homeowners. They offer unique hardware pieces like ring pulls in trending finishes.
Most Affordable Options
While premium hardware can have a high price tag, there are also plenty of affordable options that don’t sacrifice style. Here are some of the best places to shop for budget-friendly kitchen cabinet hardware that still looks great:
Big box home improvement retailers
Stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a terrific selection of mid-priced hardware in trendy finishes and styles under $10 a piece. Great for stocking up on matching pulls and knobs.
Amazon
Search Amazon for deals on small batch and generic hardware. Sort by rating and reviews to find inexpensive knobs and handles that customers love. Great source for bulk hardware orders.
IKEA
IKEA’s cabinet hardware mixes affordable pricing with Scandinavian minimalist design. Shop in store or online for modern metal and glass knobs under $4 each.
Etsy
Check Etsy for unique, handmade hardware at reasonable prices. Support small artists and businesses while scoring one-of-a-kind handles and pulls.
Most Popular Hardware for Specific Cabinet Styles
Certain cabinet finishes and styles pair best with coordinated hardware choices. Here are popular pairings to help inspire your kitchen design:
Shaker Cabinets
– Round solid metal knobs
– Thin straight bar pulls
– Brushed nickel or oil rubbed bronze finishes
White Cabinets
– Contrasting black hardware
– Stainless steel bar handles
– Brushed brass or chrome knobs
Dark Wood Cabinets
– Matte black hardware
– Aged bronze pulls and handles
– Distressed metal knobs
Two-Tone Cabinets
– Match hardware to lighter cabinet color
– Minimalist flat bar pulls
– Hammered metal knobs
Most Popular Sizes
For proper fit and visual balance, choose kitchen hardware sized appropriately for your cabinets. Here are some of the most commonly used sizes:
Knobs
– 1 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches: Standard size for smaller drawers and cabinets
– 2 to 2 1⁄2 inches: Larger knobs suited for bigger drawers and doors
– 1 to 3 inches: Typical for more decorative, statement knobs
Handles & Pulls
– 3 to 4 inches: Common for single pulls on drawers and small doors
– 5 to 6 inches: Usual size for one pull on standard sized lower cabinets
– 8 to 12 inches: Normal for a single handle spanning larger doors, islands and sinks
– 96 to 192 mm: Standard intervals for multiple pulls across wide drawers or doors
Stick within these general size ranges to help find properly scaled hardware for your specific cabinets.
Conclusion
When it comes to today’s most popular kitchen cabinet hardware, clean lines and minimal forms lead the modern trends. Sleek metal handles and knobs in polished finishes like matte black, brushed brass and brushed nickel suit contemporary kitchens. While his selections offer lots of choice, keeping hardware simple and streamlined suits current styles. Match hardware finish to your cabinets and appliances for a cohesive up-to-date look. With so many beautiful options for elevating your kitchen’s functionality and visual appeal, you’re sure to find pieces that suit your personal taste and kitchen design vision.