Cabinet Hardware FAQ + A Roundup of Our Favorites

So much of our best blog content has directly resulted from the questions we receive in our DM inbox. We love interacting with our online community, and it’s always a fun opportunity to share some of our design knowledge in a tangible way. Lately, our work has included quite a few homes featuring custom cabinetry, so now feels like the perfect time to discuss the nuances of hardware.

We’re often asked about selecting cabinet hardware, whether to mix finishes (the short answer: yes), and opinions on hardware placement. And today, we’re answering all of the above, Q&A style. We really believe hardware is the finishing touch on cabinetry, and it’s important to get it just right. While there are no hard and fast rules, per se, this is how we approach hardware selection to make cabinetry feel polished, balanced, and consistent.

*Project Broadway Court, Photography by* *Amanda Birnie*

*Project Alisal Ave, Photography by* *SEN Creative*

Q: What are the rules for mixing hardware finishes?

A: We joke that hardware selection can feel a bit like the wild west. Everyone has a slightly different philosophy on this topic, but generally, we’re pro mixing finishes within a single room. In fact, we’ve found that incorporating several complementary finishes is what achieves a more custom look. Our one rule of thumb is to keep all the plumbing fixtures in a consistent finish, which helps provide a visual anchor. From there, we often bring in a different finish with the lighting, which doesn’t need to match the cabinet hardware or plumbing.

More to Read: 5 Design Rules to Break

Q: Any protocol for cabinet hardware placement?

A: Here’s our hot design tip of the day: hardware placement is just as important as the hardware itself. It can really make or break both the form and function of the cabinets, so always make sure to consider this detail before committing. The biggest key in cabinet hardware placement is consistency. When in doubt, measure it out.

Q: What types of hardware do I need in a kitchen?

A: Kitchen cabinetry often requires two to four different types and sizes of hardware. You’ll need to consider appliance pulls, knobs for cabinet doors, knobs or pulls for drawers, and likely some miscellaneous hardware pieces. These different scaled pieces could include pulls for the trash drawer, spice rack, and more.

More to Read: How to Add Character to Your Home

Q: Tips for shopping cabinet hardware online?

A: If we could offer one piece of advice on sourcing, it's to think about scale. Whether we're referencing something as large as furniture or as small as cabinet hardware, we pay attention to scale first and foremost. It can be really difficult to gauge size when shopping online, so once again, always be sure to measure.

Another tip is to consider investing in quality, well-made items as you're considering cabinet hardware. These are pieces you touch every single day, and we want them to serve your home for the long haul.

*Project River Road, Photography by* *Amanda Birnie*

Q: Favorite places to source hardware?

A: We’ve got you covered. No surprise, we’re going to recommend starting your search on Etsy for some one-of-a-kind hardware, but it doesn’t stop there. We also love Rejuvenation for their top-notch style and selection. If you’re curious to browse our current favorites, we’ve linked them all below.

For more inspiration, follow us over on Instagram to get a look at daily life in the studio. If you would like to connect with us for your design project, we would love to hear from you. You can connect directly by filling out our contact form.

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