Cabinet hardware is one of those things that can easily be overlooked. Think about your cabinet hardware as the jewelry of your cabinet, you'll see that it can impact your kitchen or bathroom's overall look and feel significantly.

There are so many different styles of cabinet pulls to choose from. And with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start.

That’s where we come in! In this article, we'll give you a crash course on cabinet pulls. We'll cover everything from the different types of pulls to the materials they're made from and more.

We'll also provide some tips on choosing the right cabinet pulls for your space. So, whether you're looking for something modern or traditional, we've got you covered.

What are Cabinet Pulls?

Cabinet pulls are the handles attached to cabinet doors. They are different from knobs because they attach at two points. Pulls are long enough to grasp with most of the fingers on a hand, making them easier to grip. They come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and finishes, so you can choose the perfect option to complement your home's décor. Cabinet pulls can be made from various materials, including metal, glass, wood, and plastic.

Cabinet Pulls vs Knobs

When you install a cabinet, you need to choose whether you want a knob or a cabinet pull. Many homeowners choose to use pulls for drawers and knobs for doors, but there is no set rule. Pulls make opening heavy cabinets and drawers easier and therefore are more practical for larger kitchen cabinetry. For smaller kitchen or bathroom cabinets, we recommend using knobs as they take up less surface space.

Cabinet pulls are a great way to update the look of any room without having to replace the entire cabinetry. You can change cabinet pulls to match the rest of your hardware or use them to create a contrast.

Types of Cabinet Pulls

There are several different types of cabinet pulls to choose from. The most popular options include:

Bar Pulls: These pulls are long and slender, and they're typically made from metal. Bar pulls are a great option for both traditional and contemporary spaces.

Ring Pulls: As the name suggests, these pulls are in the shape of a ring. They're often made from metal or glass, and they are perfect for those looking for a classic look.

Drop Pulls: Drop pulls are similar to bar pulls but shorter and have a drop-shaped handle. They're a great option for traditional spaces.

Recessed Pulls: Recessed pulls are flush with the cabinet door, making them a great option for those who prefer a more minimalist look.

Ornate Pulls: These pulls are more detailed and decorative. They're a great way to add an oomph factor to your space.

Arch Pulls: These have a sleek, curved silhouette. They can add an element of elegance to any kitchen or bathroom.

How to Choose the Right Cabinet Pull

Now that you know a little bit more about cabinet pulls, let's choose the right ones for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Style

Consider the overall style of your kitchen or bathroom. Are you going for a more modern look? Or are you going for a more traditional feel? Your cabinet pulls should keep with the style of your space. For example, if you have selected modern kitchen cabinets, choosing traditional or rustic cabinet pulls will not make sense. To make your shopping easier, we created a filter to allow you to sort our cabinet pulls by style.

Size

When choosing a cabinet pull, you will also need to determine the size you are going for. There are a few factors that can affect this decision such as the size of your cabinets. A large cabinet would look strange with a tiny cabinet pull, and a small drawer will look awkward with a massive pull. As a general rule of thumb, try to go for a cabinet pull that is about ⅓ the size of your cabinet’s width.

You’ll also want to consider the weight of the cabinet or drawer. If the drawer contains pots and pans or other heavy kitchenware, we recommend larger cabinet pulls or even appliance pulls. Smaller cabinet pulls will make it more difficult to open and close heavy cabinets. The size of the cabinet pull is not solely determined by the size of the cabinet, but it is good practice to balance style with practicality.

Finally, the style you are going for may also impact the size of your pull. Modern kitchens tend to have long, slender cabinet pulls while traditional or rustic kitchens tend to be smaller.

Finish

There are a number of different finishes to choose from when purchasing cabinet pulls for your kitchen or bathroom. Here are some of the most popular finishes and some tips on how to choose the right one.

Nickel

Brushed nickel is one of the most commonly used finishes. It provides a clean and shiny look. The main reason homeowners choose nickel hardware is for its durability as it does not corrode easily. Nickel hardware is also fairly neutral, meaning it won’t clash with most kitchens and bathrooms.

Satin nickel and polished nickel are other types of nickel that are commonly found in cabinet pulls. Although at first glance they do not look very different, satin nickel will have a less textured appearance than standard nickel. And polished nickel is a much shinier product. It is worth noting that due to its shine, polished nickel will more easily show scratches, smudges, and fingerprints.

Chrome

Chrome is another popular cabinet pull finish. If you are looking for a more modern aesthetic, chrome is a great option. The metal provides a decorative and shiny look. Chrome also comes in a matte finish, which is more scratch-resistant than the polished type.

Bronze

If you are going for a darker finish to match dark wood cabinets, bronze should be a top choice. There are tons of options style-wise when going for bronze cabinet pulls, and the metal is durable and corrosion-resistant.

Oil-rubbed bronze is another popular option. The metal itself is the same, but oil is rubbed on the bronze to mimic the aging process. This is popular for darker kitchens looking for a rustic look.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is another extremely durable material that will last years in your home. If you have stainless steel appliances, we recommend using stainless steel pulls in your kitchen.

Other finishes

The above are the most common finishes you will find, but there are plenty more options out there, including brass, gold, silver, black, pewter, and iron.

Mix and Match

One trend that has been gaining popularity is mixing and matching different styles of cabinet pulls. It's a great way to experiment with different styles without breaking the bank. You can mix different styles and finishes to create a unique look for your kitchen or bathroom.

These are just a few things to consider when choosing cabinet pulls. But ultimately, the decision is up to you. So, take your time and choose the cabinet pulls that you think will look best for your home.

Installing Cabinet Pulls

When it comes to installing cabinet pulls, the process is relatively simple when you have pre-drilled holes in your cabinets. Just use a screwdriver to attach the pulls to the pre-drilled holes in your cabinets. If your cabinet doors are particularly thick, you may need to use longer screws. But other than that, the installation process is pretty straightforward.

Installation Tips

Installing cabinet pulls on cabinets that do not yet have holes is a somewhat more complex task, but still very much in the range of most DIYers. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself, any experienced handyman can do it for you.

If you are installing it yourself, here are a few tips to make the process go smoothly:

• Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You will need a screwdriver, a drill, and a level.
• The most important thing is to make sure that the pulls are level and evenly spaced. With a drill, make pilot holes in the center of each mark.
• Use a level to check that the pulls are even with each other and level with the door. If they're not, make the necessary adjustments. It is always a good idea to measure twice and drill once. That way, you can ensure your pulls are evenly spaced and level.
• When installing the pulls, use a small amount of wood glue on the back of each one. This will help keep them in place and prevent them from becoming loose over time.
• Once the glue has dried, screw the pulls into the door using the screws that come with them. Be careful not to overtighten the screws, as this can strip the wood or damage the pulls.
• And finally, stand back and admire your handiwork. Your cabinets are now more stylish and easier to use than ever before.

It is easy to update your kitchen or bathroom with cabinet pulls without having to spend a lot of money. By following these simple tips, you can install them by yourself in no time.

Placement Tips

Here are some of our top tips for placement:

Even Placement for Drawers

For starters, always make sure that cabinet pulls are evenly spaced when placed on drawers. This creates a visual balance and makes your space look more symmetrical overall. The most common way to space out cabinet pulls is to measure the width of each drawer and then divide that number by the number of pulls you plan on installing. This will give you an equal measurement to work with on each side.

Make Sure it’s Accessible

When placing the pull on a cabinet, make sure it is conveniently located and reachable. For example, it doesn’t make sense to put a cabinet pull at the top of a cabinet that is above your head, or at the bottom of a cabinet that is closer to the ground.

Away From the Edge

Another important tip is to make sure that cabinet pulls are installed a few inches from the edge of each drawer. This will give you enough space to grip the pull when opening the drawer and help prevent the pulls from becoming loose over time.

Top Brands

Some of our most popular brands for cabinet pulls are Jeffrey Alexander, Rocky Mountain, Top Knobs, and Atlas Homewares. All of these brands offer a variety of pulls in different styles, so you're bound to find something that fits your needs.

Jeffrey Alexander

Jeffrey Alexander is a top-selling cabinet hardware brand with a huge range of products. You’ll find everything from sleek and modern designs with a chrome finish to large square style rustics.

Rocky Mountain

Rocky Mountain handcrafts its designs in the US. All of Rocky Mountain’s hardware is made from recycled bronze and custom-made to order. For a rustic look in your cabinetry, Rocky Mountain is a great choice.

Top Knobs

Top Knobs has a huge amount of options when it comes to cabinet pulls. We stock over 2500 different varieties. Their designs are inspired by different countries, cultures, and eras. You can find everything from modern to antique styles.

Atlas Homewares

The cabinet hardware created by Atlas Homewares is renowned for its unique and fashionable pieces. You won’t find any classic shapes here. If you are looking for a special piece that will catch every person’s eye, look no further!

Other Brands

These are only a few of our top-selling brands. There are many more brands that sell good-quality cabinet pulls as well. Some other notable mentions are Liberty, Belwith, and Berenson.

For more options, check out our online store with a huge selection of cabinet pulls.

Conclusion

Cabinet pulls are a great way to revamp the look of your existing cabinets without spending a lot of money. And since they're so easy to install, there's no excuse not to give them a try. You will love the new look of your kitchen or bathroom with updated cabinet pulls. Not only are they easy to install, but they can also be a budget-friendly update. So what are you waiting for? Start shopping for cabinet pulls today and give your space a whole new look.