Choosing the proper cabinet hardware, especially when it comes to knobs vs pulls, is a crucial decision but also a prominent style statement in any interior design and home improvement project. Call it an artist's signature, the icing on the cake, or the jewelry that pulls an outfit together. The finishing touches can take your project from m’eh to magical. Our suggestion! Never take your cabinet hardware decisions lightly.

Whether it’s your kitchen cabinet hardware, bathroom cupboard handles, or walk-in closet hardware, all play an important role in your overall house aesthetics. They set your space apart from the rest and give it a personality all its own.

When choosing cabinet hardware, the tip to keep in mind is that the hardware should seamlessly integrate with the existing decor while serving its functional purpose.

~ Let’s explore all the differences, ifs, and buts of cabinet knobs vs pulls & handles and overall cabinet hardware aesthetics.

What’s the difference between knobs and pulls & handles:

When it comes to cabinet hardware, understanding the difference between various types is essential for making an informed choice. Each type, knobs, pulls, and handles has its unique characteristics, catering to diverse preferences and design styles.

Here are a few fundamental differences between knobs and pulls & handles.

Installation techniques:

• Knobs: Knobs are typically smaller, only require one mounting point, and provide an understated design aesthetic.
• Pulls & Handles: Pulls and handles come in a wide variety of sizes, require two mounting points, and can be positioned either horizontally or vertically. Often, people choose to install them horizontally for drawers and vertically for doors, but the choice is ultimately yours.

Style variations:

• Knobs: Most often thought to be round or square, knobs come in a wide variety of other shapes, such as oval, t-knob, novelty, ornate and decorative options.
• Pulls & Handles: Pulls & handles also come in a wide variety of styles but are different from the knobs, like curved to straight, concave to drop, etc.

Size possibilities:

• Knobs: Knobs generally offer a single-size option in one specific design.
• Pulls & Handles: Pulls & handles are also typically available in an assortment of lengths per style, which can come in handy if you have a wide variety of door and drawer sizes. If your cabinet doors and drawers are long, consider a longer pull & handle and vice versa.

Making the best choice between knobs and pulls & handles: Factors to consider:

Typically, knobs are used for upper cabinets and pulls for lower cabinets, but that is not always the case. Some people prefer to use knobs for all doors and pulls for all drawers. Ultimately, it comes down to design preference, comfort, and usability.

Here are a few handy factors to bear in mind before choosing between the knobs, pulls & handles.

Functionality:

Not only are knobs, pulls & handles aesthetically pleasing, they also serve a purpose.

We open our kitchen cabinets and drawers hundreds of times a day. No one wants to fumble to get to their dinnerware, see fingerprints on their cabinetry, or have their shirt constantly caught on their hardware.

Therefore, functionality is the key factor before deciding on any hardware style.

• Knobs are small in appearance, don’t take up much surface area, easy to install, and are suitable for various cabinet types. However, their limited grip space may be a concern for larger or heavier doors.
• For any large doors or heavy drawers, pulls & handles are your best bet because they take up more surface area for a better grip, which makes them ergonomic.

Aesthetic:

Before getting into the knobs vs pulls & handles debate, it is important to take cues from the lines in your kitchen.

If your countertops and cabinet doors have simple, clean lines, choose the same for your hardware. Say your cabinetry has detailed paneling or your countertops are rounded; opt for the hardware with softer, more ornate lines.

• Knobs are best known for their classic and timeless appeal. You may have noticed that knobs were more prevalent in older kitchens (Hi, Grandma!). Although knobs do have a vintage appeal, at the same time, they look most elegant in any modern or contemporary design.
• Pulls & handles are more overstated. They have a notable presence and can further impact your design. The market offers an array of styles and designs for pulls and handles ranging from traditional and vintage to modern and minimalist styles.

Materials:

Apart from functionality and aesthetics, make sure that your cabinet hardware is the craft of the proper material that complements the cabinet material and finish.

• Cabinet hardware comes in an assortment of materials, each contributing to the overall look and feel of the cabinets.
• Common materials include stainless steel, brass, zinc, and various alloys.

Installation tips:

Knobs:

• Whichever knob you choose, they are typically installed 2 ½ to 3 inches from the corner of a cabinet door.
• As for drawers, one knob can either be centered on the drawer, or you can use two knobs spaced evenly on each end of the drawer.
• For a clean and uniform look, align all knobs at the same height across cabinets.

Pulls & Handles:

• Check if the pull or handle has a specific orientation (vertical or horizontal) for the intended design.
• Measure the distance between the drill holes accurately to ensure a proper fit for the pulls and handles.
• Ensure the pull and handles are level and straight before tightening the screws.

Costs:

Although your hardware only makes up about 2 to 3% of your overall house budget, it is highly recommended that you do the research before making the investment.

Generally, mass-produced hardware is much more affordable than custom-made pieces that are sometimes crafted out of semi-precious metals and stones.

Discuss your options with the professionals, pay attention to your friends and family’s kitchens when visiting, follow design publications, and recognize what hardware you gravitate towards.

Be a Lover, not a Fighter: Mix & Match:

Still can’t decide? Why not choose both? Mixing and matching knobs and pulls or handles are definitely not uncommon. The key is to balance aesthetics and functionality to achieve the desired look.

We did a poll with our interior design clients, asking them if they prefer knobs and handles or pulls, or a combination. A combination of knobs, pulls & handles emerged as the overwhelming choice.

Try before you Buy:

Want to preview how a knob will look against your cabinets?

On our website, on each product page, you can upload a picture of your cabinets, and the knob will show up superimposed on top. Just hit the Visualizer button beneath the product image.

Want to see several knobs, pulls & handles before you buy? Take advantage of our samples program by ordering samples at their regular price. After you place your final order, we’ll refund you the cost of the items that you didn’t choose. This way, you’ve lost nothing by trying out multiple items.

FAQs

Which is better, knobs or pulls for kitchen cabinets?

The choice between knobs vs pulls, & handles for your kitchen cabinets goes beyond mere aesthetics. It's a decision that involves a careful balance between style, functionality, and individual preferences.

Consider ergonomic factors, size, and shape of your kitchen cabinets. The overall area of your kitchen and the walking hazards around the cabinets also play an important role in the selection of kitchen cabinet hardware. Either knobs or pulls, both can enhance the appearance of your kitchen cabinetry if selected carefully.

Are knobs or pulls more modern?

Although knobs tend to fall more towards the vintage charm while pulls & handles toward minimalist modernism, both knobs and pulls can be used in modern interior designs, still the decision may vary based on factors such as cabinet style, functionality, and the desired visual impact.

If linear designs of pulls can bestow a contemporary and streamlined appearance, simple and minimalist knob designs can also contribute to a modern and sleek look.

Can I mix cabinet knobs and pulls?

A mix & match display of knobs and pulls can be a brilliant idea, but prior to investing in your cabinet hardware, discuss the possibility and potential design impact with a design professional.

Whether you opt for the classic appeal of knobs or the modern functionality of pulls and handles or opt to combine both, the decision can significantly impact the overall aesthetics and usability of your kitchen cabinets.