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Products :
Hardware
Pulls and knobs, also known as decorative hardware, come in tens of
thousands of options. (Door hinges and drawer slides or glides
also fall into the hardware category, but most often they are
functional rather than decorative—and certainly not optional.)
Start by considering which of the four main types of
cabinet hardware you like most: knobs, pulls, cup pulls or drop pulls. Knobs can be any shape, but attach to the cabinet with one
screw. Pulls use two.
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KNOBS
Knobs tend to be circular in shape, often with faceted edges. Offering a
more concentrated surface area, knobs tend to feature slightly more
decorative accents than pulls, such as handpainting. Because the center is
anchored with a screw, more fragile materials, such as glass, may be used.
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PULLS
Installed with two screws, a pull can actually be any
length. Just be sure to measure the distance between the centers of the
screws when drilling holes for installation. Typical screw patterns
include 3”, 2 ¾”, 2 ½”, 4”, 64mm and 96”. Available in a variety of
materials such as metals and leather, pulls require a fairly durable
material, making natural products like glass and some stones more rare.
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CUP OR BIN PULLS
Through they use the same screw pattern as pulls, cup pulls feature a
semi-enclosed curving shape. With a more traditional look, cup pulls are
good choices for country and farmhouse kitchens.
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DROP PULLS
Ideal for cabinets where projection is a problem, drop pulls’ handle
portions pivot up and down. The often curved, elegant shape makes them
ideal for furniture or dining room pieces.
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There’s no secret formula for deciding which to use. Many kitchens
use both knobs and pulls -- one type for the doors and another for the
drawers. Just be sure to choose knobs and pulls from the same
collection or with complementary stylings to maintain continuity.
Knobs offer a few benefits: With a pull, oils and digging fingernails
are more likely to affect the cabinet finish. Also, if you decide to
change your cabinet hardware, a knob's one-point suspension is easier to replace.
Pulls vary in length, so you have to consider distance between the two
holes.
If you’d rather go minimalist and avoid hardware, you can. Select a
touch-and-release style or doors that hang slightly below the cabinet so
you just pull on the lower edge to open them.
Here are a few more considerations when making your
decision: Backplates
Backplates lie between the door and the hardware and can be used with both
knobs and pulls. In addition to protecting the cabinet surface, backplates
draw the eye to the hardware and cover existing screw holes in cabinets.
Ease of Use
Make sure that your choice doesn’t pinch your finger, attaches firmly to
the cabinet and is easy to grasp, especially if located above the
refrigerator or vent hood. Knobs and pulls protect your cabinets from food
or lotion on your hands. Being comfortable with the way the hardware feels
means you won’t be tempted to open cabinets another way. Test how
complicated the hardware is by trying to operate it with your pinkie.
Finish
Make sure your decorative hardware’s finish doesn’t clash with any
exposed functional hardware such as hinges. Also consider the other
finishes in your room. Stainless steel pulls in a kitchen with a bronze
faucet or appliances with a carbon finish may not blend well.
Placement
Comfort and accessibility come first; after that, it’s your aesthetic
choice.
Projection
The distance that the pull extends from the cabinet is known as the
projection. Make sure your projection allows for adequate drawer and door
clearance. Larger projections can benefit those looking to employ
universal design.
Screws
Be sure to get the proper length screw. If your cabinet has predrilled
holes for pulls, be sure to purchase hardware that fits the length from
the center of each screw to screw. If you’re having trouble finding the
right size, you could also drill new holes and cover the existing ones
with a backplate.
Size
Look for hardware in proportion to the size of the cabinet doors.
Long pulls are very popular in contemporary looks.
Universal Design
For a universal design-inspired, user-friendly kitchen, choose cabinet
and drawer pulls large enough to grip with the entire hand.
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