How to select the right cabinet hardware

You have made all the selections for your new kitchen, the perfect layout, the just-right shade of white cabinets, a tile backsplash…

Your choice of kitchen handles can have a huge impact on the overall appearance of your new kitchen and can be an important detail that is often overlooked sometimes leading to a last minute decision you end up not completely loving!

Here are a few tips when considering hardware:

1.   Start with your design aesthetics
What look are we trying to achieve? – Clean lines, monochromatic & bold, pull-handles etc. Do you want them to blend in with the joinery or make a statement.

2.   Consider the Size & Colour
 Again do you want your handles small, and in proportion to each door or drawer size. Do you want them to blend in with the colour scheme or large enough to make a statement.

3.   Consider the functionality of the space.
Are drawers more appropriate then cupboards, drawers can be easy to keep organised and operate.

4.   Are the handles practical for your family and their needs?
Some handles may not be suitable for small children as they are small & sharp, or push-to-open may provide them with access to everything in your cupboards.

5.   You also don't need to have kitchen door handles on all of your cabinetry.  
Upper cabinetry can have no handles at all and be opened by a push mechanism or from underneath by making the door longer than the cabinet. This look is streamlined with just handles on lower drawers and doors.

6.   Try before you buy 
We recommend physically seeing and feeling the product. You want to comfortably grip the handles to ensure they don’t have any nasty sharp edges. If purchasing online, perhaps buy one handle before committing to purchasing the entire lot, this could save you some $$$.

 7. It’s not just about the Aesthetics – Do your research, as you want to choose a good quality hardware that will stand the test of time. This includes your handles and the internal hardware (mechanisms that open and close the doors and drawers). Look for well known brands and talk to your cabinet maker about what products they stock. Good hardware comes with a lifetime warranty. You don’t want hinges falling off or rusting!