Hardware is the finishing touch that brings your entire kitchen scheme together. It's a functional element, yes, but it's also a decorative one – so choosing the right style, finish, and design is crucial to your kitchen's success.
There’s a lot to consider – from practical aspects like where to buy your hardware to the shapes, materials, and finishes that will work best with your style and how you use your space. Selecting a finish that will endure, a silhouette that feels cohesive, and styles that create visual interest all need to be taken into account.
To inspire your kitchen hardware choices – whether as part of a full remodel or just a quick refresh – we've gathered all our favorite ideas and spoken to designers to get practical advice you should consider as well.
13 Kitchen Hardware Ideas to Transform Your Cabinetry
If you're wondering how to choose the right hardware, there isn't one solid answer. It's about finding designs that match the style of your kitchen and function well for everyday use. From there, it's really just about what you like, and these designer-approved ideas are a great place to start.
1. Introduce Contrasting Hardware Styles
There's a common misconception that you have to settle on just one style of hardware throughout your kitchen – but mixing fixtures is a kitchen hardware trend for 2026, creating a more interesting and characterful space even in the small details.
In this design, a completely contrasting style of hardware has been introduced on the kitchen island. 'We liked how the contemporary, lean brass edge pulls receded on the range wall – while we played up the beefier brass pulls on the bank of cabinets that housed the workhorses of the kitchen,' says Tami Ramsay of CLOTH & KIND.
There was already a color contrast between the island and perimeter cabinetry – so she played on the theme by bringing in leather pulls, a softer and less expected style. 'We loved how the leather pulls, with their brass studs, played with the texture of the green island and lent an organic nod,' she says.
2. Balance a Colorful Kitchen with Classic Brass Hardware
Colorful kitchens always add joy to a home, but in a scheme that leans a bit more modern, adding balance with a more traditional hardware option makes all the difference. In this green kitchen, brass was the finish of choice.
'I chose this simple antique brass hardware because it feels very classic without tipping into anything too old-fashioned, which was important in a bright, modern kitchen like this. The brass is quite light, so it doesn’t compete with other elements in the room and instead allows the brass detailing on the range to speak more confidently,' says interior designer Octavia Dickinson.
'I’m always drawn to well-designed, timeless ironmongery – pieces that feel considered and elegant but not overly decorative. Good hardware should quietly elevate a space, and these handles do exactly that, adding warmth and refinement without shouting for attention.'
3. Mix Metals for a Dynamic Design
Some people consider it a design faux pas to mix metals, but the reality? When done well, it can create the most interesting and curated kitchen hardware scheme.
And mixing kitchen hardware finishes is simple, low lift for tons of style. In this kitchen, a simple approach of introducing brass handles on the lower cabinets and black pulls on the uppers adds a beautiful contrast.
The key here is to choose hardware designs that feel cohesive in style so it feels like a conscious decision rather than an accidental one. If you're going to mix finishes, just make sure you choose a consistent form.
4. Introduce Contemporary Handles in a Traditional Kitchen
If you want your traditional kitchen to feel a little bit more up to date, a simpler, more contemporary hardware silhouette instantly refreshes the look. Too much of one look (especially in a more traditional space) can easily feel dated if you don't mix styles for a more transitional feel.
'This kitchen project features a pale pink shaker kitchen elevated through carefully chosen hardware. To give the cabinetry a more contemporary edge, we specified the MIX handles by Armac Martin in aged brass,' says Sophie Pringle, interior designer and founder of Pringle & Pringle.
'The subtle industrial feel of the design offsets the softness of the color, ensuring the kitchen feels modern and suited to a London home rather than overly decorative. In the adjoining pantry, we used the same handles but mixed the metal finishes, adding depth and interest while maintaining a cohesive overall scheme.'
5. Add a Tactile Detail with Wood Hardware
Kitchen hardware is frequently touched, so focus on the experience of using it. Oak, as seen in this room, is warm, and it adds attractive detail as well. It's a great way to bring in this organic material if you don't want to install a fully wooden kitchen, too.
‘Kitchens can derive a distinct texture and storytelling from the use of unorthodox materials. Color is important in blending hardware with cabinetry. The kitchen cabinets’ color scheme should either match or create meaningful contrasts, as seen here,’ says interior designer Artem Kropovinsky.
‘Shape and size are more than mere functional requirements,’ he continues. ‘They need to have something in common with the general outlook of the kitchen. This can be slim elongated handles that evoke minimalism at best, and ornate knobs can suggest a classic character.’
6. Keep it Chic With Cool-Toned Metals
Brass isn't the only finish that brings a sense of timelessness to kitchens. If you prefer a cooler-toned metal, silver, chrome, and brushed nickel all have their place, and they are ideal for a more contemporary feel.
In this kitchen, butter yellow cabinetry has been paired with a stainless steel backsplash and cool-tone hardware. The contrast is striking, creating a cool, inviting scheme.
It's more modern in style, but it still feels classic – it proves you don't just have to use brass if you want a hardware design that endures. In a family kitchen, opt for a brushed finish, as you won't get the same finger marks appearing as you will with a shinier finish.
7. Play with Scale
While decorative hardware is a fun way to add impact, you can create just as much (if not more) drama by playing with scale. In this kitchen, oversized drawer knobs instantly catch your eye, and for all the right reasons.
'We used the Latchford cabinet knobs and handles by Armac Martin in antique brass in this kitchen. The slightly oversized knobs make a big impact in what is otherwise a fairly compact space,' says Melissa Hutley, interior designer & co-founder of Hutley & Humm.
'Smaller knobs and handles certainly have their place, but in a bold kitchen with strong green cabinetry and dramatic marble, we felt a larger fitting was needed to hold its own. The scale gives the hardware presence, allowing it to become a feature in its own right rather than an afterthought, and helping to balance the richness of the surrounding materials.'
8. Create a Casual Feel With Miniature Designs
In the same way that an oversized draw knob can be an impactful addition, so can a miniature design. It's the other end of the size spectrum, but it works wonderfully to create a more casual feel, like in this design.
Interior designer Jennifer Miller, who designed the neutral kitchen above, explains: ‘This hardware is a hand-forged, smaller-scale knob that fits the small cream kitchen, which is tucked away at this vacation property in Montecito.'
She continues, ‘It's a simple mushroom knob with a flared base rounded handle in a burnished brass finish, with eased edges that are soft to the touch. The hardware was chosen to connect with the laid-back, comfortable feel with an undertone of timeless elegance.’
9. Add Charm with Vintage Knobs and Handles
One of the easiest and most impactful ways to bring charm and character to your kitchen is vintage hardware. It can usually be found at reasonably priced points, and is a great way to find timeless designs for less.
It can be tricky to find a full set of one single design, so mixing a few styles can be a chic approach. Take inspiration from this kitchen by Marie Flanigan Interiors by installing knobs on the perimeter cabinets and cup pulls on the island.
It's a simple way to bring more character to your kitchen, especially if the hardware in question already has some well-earned patina. It's the first step to creating your dream vintage kitchen.
10. Use New Hardware For a Custom Feel
Not everyone has the budget for a custom kitchen, so if you want to make an affordable kitchen feel a bit more luxurious and elevated, focus on hardware. Investing in beautiful, timeless designs will instantly make your cabinets look far more expensive than they are, as shown in this design.
'In this project, we were working with an inexpensive kitchen and wanted to elevate it through beautiful, characterful hardware, which we sourced from The Foundry Man,' says interior designer Laura Stephens.
'The heavy brass handles have a lovely weight to them, with a pretty ball detail and a shaped profile that makes them feel extra special. Kitchen hardware is something you touch every day, often multiple times a day, so when budgeting, I always encourage clients to invest in the very best they can afford.'
11. Embrace Traditional Cup Handles
There are so many different styles of kitchen hardware, it can be tricky to know what to choose. Cup handles are a classic choice, bringing a really traditional feel to kitchens of every aesthetic.
'At our Wells Cottage project, we kept the existing cabinetry and simply repainted it, then introduced traditional heavy brass pull handles from Armac Martin,' Laura explains.
'Against the rich red cabinetry, the warmth and patina of the brass really sing, proving how transformative the right hardware can be without needing a full kitchen replacement,' she adds.
If you do opt for this cup style of handle, make sure you mix it with something smaller – a kitchen filled with just these can feel bulky and over filled. Take cues from Laura's design and pair your cup handles with smaller knobs.
12. Consider Clear Hardware For an Unexpected Feature
Cabinet hardware doesn't have to be a metallic finish – playing with materials and choosing something a bit less conventional can be a striking choice. In this kitchen, the design opted for clear hardware – unexpected, but a beautiful pairing with wood.
‘For this millwork, we chose a translucent pull that would accent the color of the wood cabinets, while the nickel on the hardware added a pop of shine to the flat panel door,’ explains Gale Sitomer, founder of Gale Sitomer Designs.
The result is sleek and modern. It doesn't interrupt the cabinetry in the same way a solid metal handle would, but it gives more detail than going totally handleless. It's a great way to introduce a new material that feels more unique than metal.
13. Ditch Hardware Altogether
A modern kitchen thrives on seamless design, and in some cases, that means ditching the hardware altogether, replacing it with slab-front doors. There are different ways to make this approach work – subtle grooves along the edge of the cabinet can serve as handles, or small holes cut out can also be impactful.
The former was chosen in this design, where sleek white wall cabinets pair with a wooden island, both free of traditional hardware. It's an approach that also works really well in small kitchens to save space.
Shop The Best Kitchen Hardware
If you like the idea of clear cabinet pulls, this acrylic design is a fun choice. Available with satin gold or polished chrome details, it adds a new material in an understated way.
Bin or cup pulls are a classic kitchen hardware choice for a more traditional look. This design from Rejuvenation comes in four sizes and seven finishes for a more versatile look.
There's a charm to decorative kitchen hardware that instantly feels more elevated. To achieve a timeless look, this fluted wood and brass design is chic, blending materials beautifully.
Hardware doesn't need to be fussy or ornate to look elevated – a classic silhouette in a timeless finish does the job perfectly. This brushed nickel bar pull comes in 6 sizes and finishes.
A classic brass cabinet knob is an essential for a timeless kitchen, and this design fits the bill. The vintage finish gives the appearance of patina, adding a characterful finish to your design.
For something a bit different, these leather drawer pulls are a lovely option. Available with brass or black hardware, it adds a rustic charm you'd expect to find in a ranch or cabin kitchen.
FAQs
What is the Current Trend For Kitchen Hardware?
This year's kitchen hardware trends are all about embracing timeless designs with a unique flair. Brass continues to dominate as a popular finish in kitchens, modern and traditional in style.
In terms of cool-toned kitchen hardware, brushed nickel is emerging as the favorite, bringing a different take on classic hardware. It's cooler, but the brushed finish ensures it's practical and lasts for years to come. It's taking the place of chrome, which, while striking, proves slightly impractical in kitchens.
Decorative kitchen hardware is also enjoying its moment in the spotlight. Vintage-inspired designs with charming engravings and motifs (Anthropologie has some great examples) are proving popular, as are unexpected materials such as marble mixed with brass.
What is the Most Timeless Kitchen Hardware?
Brass really is the most timeless option – when something has remained in style for as long as this warm-toned metal has, its enduring appeal is undeniable. For a more contemporary look, silver and nickel are great choices, especially in a brushed or antique finish.
What is the 1/3 Rule for Cabinet Hardware?
The rule of thirds is a great guide for choosing the right-sized hardware for your kitchen. However, remember this is a guide to understanding scale rather than a must-follow rule. On a cabinet, choose a handle that is no larger than a third of the length of the door, and for drawers, a handle should be no longer than a third of the drawer's width.
This doesn't apply to cabinet knobs – a kitchen usually looks best when there is a mix of hardware sizes and styles, so consider knobs for small drawers, small handles for upper cabinets, and a slightly larger scale for large or heavy doors on integrated appliances.
The easiest way to approach kitchen cabinet hardware is to treat it like adding jewelry to an outfit; it's a seemingly small touch that makes all the difference. It's also an easy element to switch out, so it's the perfect way to change the look and feel of your kitchen without having to do a total overhaul.
