How to Choose Cabinet Hardware: My 5 Top Tips

Who would’ve thought that choosing cabinet hardware could be so tricky? The good news is that if you ever change your mind down the line, swapping it out is a pretty easy process! But why go through the hassle sooner than you have to? (Unless, of course, you DIY for a living like I do. 😉) That’s why I’m sharing five tips on how to choose cabinet hardware you truly love! Let’s get into it.

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Tip #1: Know Where to Match and Balance

Matching Hardware

Your hardware should complement the metal already in the room—think the light fixtures, appliances, door knobs, etc. In the kids’ bathroom update, I matched the drawer pulls to the faucets, backsplash, and floating shelf hardware.

Kids bathroom with black hexagonal tile backsplash, floating shelves, and gray cabinets

Of course, you can mix metals, but if you do, be sure to choose one that’s more prominent, and let the other metal be the “accent”. An 80/20 split keeps things cohesive without clashing!

Balancing Hardware

Hardware can also be a great way to balance out other elements in the room. We have stainless steel appliances in our kitchen, which can feel a little cold. I added these wooden cabinet pulls to soften the modern aspects of our kitchen, and to play off the decor nearby, like our dining table and cutting boards (similar).

How to choose cabinet hardware example with white cabinets and modern wood handles, plus white counters and white and gray backsplash

The reverse also works! Our primary bathroom vanity is light oak, which has a natural, organic feel, so I went with black metal pulls to add some contrast. Sometimes the hardware is what ties the whole room together!

How to choose cabinet hardware example with dark green wall tile, an arched black mirror, white countertops, and light oak cabinets with modern black handles

Tip #2: Scale Hardware to the Cabinet Size

Matching the hardware’s size to your cabinets and drawers makes everything look intentional rather than thrown together. A good rule of thumb: larger drawers call for longer pulls (at least 1/3 the drawer width), while smaller doors tend to need knobs or shorter pulls.

That said, there are exceptions! On a vertical set of drawers, stick with the same pull length throughout, even on the shorter ones. It might seem counterintuitive, but the consistency will look much more polished.

How to Choose Cabinet Hardware Tip #3: Consider Functionality and Aesthetics

We’re going for both beauty and usability here! Our pantry is a great example of this. After renovating the space, I added these pulls to both the drawers and the broom closet. Yes, they’re sleek and pretty, but they’re also super easy for kids to open. And since I wanted the pantry to be functional for the older and younger kids, they’re a great fit.

Pantry with open shelving and dark purple cabinets, with black modern drawer pulls

Another functionality tip: consider how far the pulls stick out. In tight spaces and high-traffic areas, oversized cabinet handles can be a bruise waiting to happen. 😅

Tip #4: Give Hardware a Test Run

Before committing to hardware, it’s always helpful to see it in the actual area it will be installed in. So if you can, I’d highly suggest ordering a sample or a single piece and checking it out in the space’s lighting.

Another way to help you visualize is to tape paper in the hardware’s dimensions to the cabinet. Even better if you can cut it out in a similar shape! Spending 10 minutes now can prevent future regrets.

How to Choose Cabinet Hardware Tip #5: Pick What You Like

This is a rule I live by across all my DIY projects. Yes, I want the finishes I choose to have longevity and stand the test of time, but I also know what works best for our space and our needs. And if that means swapping out the hardware by 2028 because I’ve found something I love even more, so be it. Going trendy with hardware is so much lower stakes than committing to a popular-for-now countertop or flooring. There’s definitely a balance to strike between longevity and trends, but don’t let the fear of changing your mind someday keep you from choosing what genuinely speaks to you!

My Favorite Hardware

I’m including some of my favorite picks that I’ve used throughout my home below (or I’ve linked similar options if they were out of stock). You really can’t go wrong with any of these. Tap the images to shop!