The 1% that’s Not really the 1%
On Knobs.co, you’ll find over 50,000 unique cabinet knobs and pulls.
Overkill?
Perhaps. Especially when you consider that they all perform the same, very basic function. They just open cabinet doors. Go to your local cabinet maker and you’ll find they offer 10, may 20 different types of cabinet doors. So why should cabinet hardware come in 1000 times more varieties? Easy!
If you have white kitchen cabinets, there are literally millions of other homes across the US that have cabinets almost identical to yours. Yet, it’s your choice of accents, like cabinet knobs and pulls, that make your house distinct from those others, that make it feel like your home.
At Knobs.co, we’ve made it our mission to match our clients with their ideal hardware. HOW? By changing the way you shop for hardware.
In this guide, we’ll give you a quick overview of everything you need to know about hardware, plus teach you how to best use the industry leading tools and services we’ve created to make your shopping experience a pleasure.
With that, let’s dig in!
contents
- 04 Master the Tools to Find the Right Hardware
- 11Choosing the Right Type of Hardware
- 12Factors that will Guide your Choice
- 17A Few Basic Definitions
- 18Tips on Positioning and Installing Hardware
- 24Know Your Knob Shapes
- 25Know Your Pull Shapes
- 26Looking at Different Design Styles
- 29Finding the Right Brand
- 30Cabinet Hardware Base Materials
- 33Cabinet Hardware Finishes
- 34The Most Popular Finish Treatments
- 35A Little More About Bronze Finish Treatments
- 36The Rest of Our Offering
Master the tools to find the ideal
Hardware for your Kitchen
Before we get into the extensive cabinet hardware options, we’re first going to give you an overview of the tools we’ve built at Knobs.co.
Why? Because our custom-built tools are the key to making our giant catalog a breeze for you to navigate.
Here is a brief overview of the primary tools and services we’ve created to match you to your ideal hardware.
Master tools
Faceted Search
The key to searching a gigantic catalog is to be able to drill down from a huge number of results to a handful in as few clicks as possible.
We’ve custom designed our faceted search to allow you to sort your results via all of our main categories, including the type of hardware, the finish, size, brand, style, and more.
The more information you can give us about what it is that you’re looking for, the more accurate we can find that ideal item.
Master tools
Search by Image or Pin
Great as our text based search is, if you’re trying to match something you’ve seen in person, in a magazine, or online, text is not the easiest place to start.
Knobs.co won an innovation award for our image based search. Just upload any image and click search!
Master tools
Samples, Samples, Samples!
Want to see your items in person before you buy? Great idea! Our samples program is set up to help you do just that. Order several samples at their normal price, and after you place your final order, we’ll refund you the cost of the items you didn’t choose. This way, you’ve lost nothing by trying out multiple items.
There are specific terms and conditions that apply to this program, so make sure that you read and understand our samples policy.
Get full details and learn about qualifying orders on our Samples page.
Master tools
Free Design Consultations
Of course, technology will only get you so far. Fortunately, our team of interior designers is ready to close the gap.
Our designers have been trained to find the best possible solution to even the most challenging kitchen problem, so whether you are struggling with the right finish or don’t know which style to choose, they are there to guide you towards your ideal kitchen.
To work one on one with an in-house interior designer, Sign up for a Free Design Consultation here.
Master tools
Visualizer App
Want to preview how a knob will look against your cabinets? 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.
Master tools
Trade Professionals Program
As a member of our Trade Professionals Program, you will be assigned a dedicated account manager, and enjoy preferential pricing, service, and rewards.
Click here to apply now!
Choosing the right
Type of Hardware
It always comes down to Knobs vs Pulls. It’s a question we get asked quite often and sometimes the answer is obvious.
For heavy drawers or appliances, you’ll want to go with pulls, ideally appliance grade.
But for standard cabinets, there are far more options, with a lot of it coming down to personal preference.
We did a poll with our interior design clients, asking them if they prefer, knobs, pulls, or a combination of the two. A combination of knobs and pulls emerged as the overwhelming choice.
Knobs are installed with a single screw from the back of the cabinet or drawer front, while a pull usually has 2 screws. Unless you are very confident that you can drill these holes yourself, it is best to get a professional to drill the holes for you. Give them clear instructions and samples of your chosen hardware in order to avoid costly mistakes.
Remember to use our VISUALIZER APP to help you see what the end result will look like!
Factors that will guide your choices:
Style
The style of your existing or new kitchen will in large part have an influence on the type of knobs or pulls your choose.
Whether your kitchen is traditional, modern, country or eclectic, we will have a style to complement. Take your cue from the lines in the kitchen: if countertops and cabinet doors have simple, clean lines, then choose the same for your hardware. If however your cabinetry has detailed panelling and the countertops are rounded, you can choose hardware with softer, more ornate lines.
When searching for knobs or pulls, use the style filter in the left side bar to help you find the perfect fit. And remember to have a look through our style
Factors that will guide your choices:
Finish
While not everything in your kitchen has to be the same finish, you will achieve a more cohesive look in the room if your handles tie in with another fixture like a light fitting, faucet, or appliance.
The number of finishes available is almost as vast as the number of styles, so take your time to choose the finish that will work best. Remember that you can always call on one of our designers for help, or order a selection of samples to help with your decision. Once you are confident that you have found the finish you’re after, you can match that finish to your chosen style to determine the ultimate hardware for your kitchen.
Refer to our finishes section in this guide for an overview of what is available on Knobs.co.
Factors that will guide your choices:
Pre-Drilled Holes
If you are replacing only the cabinet pulls or are refurbishing existing doors, then the holes made by the removed hardware will determine the size of the pulls you can install. Define your search by the width of the drill holes for accuracy of suitable options.
Factors that will guide your choices:
Practical Considerations
Consider your lifestyle and family setup: should little hands also have access to cabinets or do you purposefully want to keep them out? Do some family members struggle with delicate hardware?
You should also consider that protruding handles could potentially be a hazard in a very small kitchen or in an area like a busy walkway where space is limited.
Factors that will guide your choices:
Budget
As with any renovation project, the budget will have an influence on the products that you choose.
Typically, mass-produced hardware are much more affordable than custom made pieces. Custom pieces are mostly made by hand, adding to their price tag. These pieces may also be finished in precious metals like silver or gold plate, and are adorned with crystals and other semi-precious stones.
Rest assured, however, that with our vast range, you are sure to find cabinet hardware that will suite both your kitchen and your pocket.
A few basic
Definitions
Before we get into the detail, let’s first look at a few basic definitions.
Tips on
Positioning & Installing Cabinet Hardware
Installing your cabinet hardware can be a pretty simple task that you can do yourself. Here will be helpful tips on how to plan and measure your cabinets and drawers to install your hardware like an expert
Drawers:
Positioning your hardware on drawers is quite simple. Typically knobs and pulls are centered on the face of the drawer. Drawers longer than 24” require a bit of extra hardware. These large drawers carry heavier loads. To prevent wear and tear on your drawer slides you can do one of the following:- Use two knobs or two smaller pulls
- Use longer pulls 8-15”
- Use an appliance pull.
For drawers that require multiple pieces of hardware:
It is important for the knobs to be equally spaced, so that both pieces are carrying the same load, preventing wear on one of the pieces.
Also, make sure the marks are centered vertically on the drawer
Know your
Knob Shapes
Knobs come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most popular ones.
ROUND
The most popular kind, this shape can be used for both cabinet doors and drawers. They can vary from very plain to highly decorative
SQUARE
The slightly less traditional version of the round knob, square knobs add a contemporary finish to your kitchen cabinets.
OVAL / FOOTBALL
Suitable to both traditional and more contemporary kitchen, oval knobs are very easy to use and work well on both doors and drawers.
PULL KNOB / T-KNOB
Another style that works very well for people who struggle with gripping a knob, the pull knob makes opening drawers and doors simple.
NOVELTY
Add a little something unique to your kitchen cabinets with hardware in anything from a nautical to an equestrian theme.
ORNATE
Pretty little knobs that really show your attention to detail.
Know your
Pull Shapes
Pulls come in all shapes and sizes. Here are some of the most popular ones.
CURVED
Delicately curved pulls are great for kitchens where softer, curved lines form part of the design.
STRAIGHT
These pulls come in a large variety of styles and are suitable for both traditional and contemporary kitchens.
CONCAVE
Suited to traditional and industrial kitchen, cup or bin pull make a feature of your drawers.
DROP
Perfect for more traditional kitchens, drop pulls come in a variety of sizes and finishes.
NOVELTY
Created to resemble animals, plant life and a large variety of other themes, these handles will make a statement in your kitchen
ORNATE
Added details to create unique pieces, these pulls will liven up an otherwise plain kitchen.
Looking at
Different Design Styles
MODERN
Based upon mid-century modern design, its an American adaptation of a mid-century European movement. It simple, clean lined style and the integration of natural materials.
CONTEMPORY
This design style refers to a modern turn of the century movement. This style is made up of metallics, clean lines, and bold statements.
TRANSITIONAL
The marriage of traditional and contemporary styles, resulting in a timeless aesthetic. It’s also referred to as classic contemporary, making use of the classic shapes of traditional hardware with less ornate detailing.
TRADITIONAL
Incorporating design from a variety of eras, creating a style that is both comfortable and elegant, It features warm, rich and inviting colors. This style may have curves and delicate details but it is not very ornate.
ART DECO
Inspired by the movement of the same name in the 1920's and 1930’s, Art Deco consists of bold geometric forms, sleek appearance, and linear detailing.
ARTISAN INSPIRED
Pieces that are inspired by the people who design it. Ranging from hand crafted and hand finished items to pieces inspired by the design eras of masonry and carving.
FRENCH COUNTRY
An extremely popular design style that has been influenced by traditional French design with a rustic touch. This European style is elegant as well as comfortable and welcoming.
WHIMSICAL
This design style is for unique, quirky and one-of-a-kind items. They can abstract or based on a variety of non-conventional themes. This is a good category to look into for clients who are looking for a statement piece.
TIMELESS CHARM
This category is for classic, timeless pieces - those that withstand the change in styles.
CLASSIC CHARM
This category is for pieces with a simplistic, classic beauty that will go with just about anything.
COUNTRY
This style is influenced by the simplicity of materials and style of rural areas.
EUROPEAN
This category is for items with a European flavor. This ranges from Victorian, ornate to more modern and clean pieces.
RUSTIC
This style is unpolished or aged. Typically simple in design and it can have a hand made, masonry or hammered appearance. Not everything with an antiqued appearance will be rustic however; this style is simple and possess little detail.
ORNAMENTAL
Also known as embellished or decorated, this style is highly detailed and decorative with patterns, depictions of nature, or human figures. There is also a tendency for mixing materials like metal and stone or jewels.
ARTS & CRAFTS / CRAFTSMEN STYLE
Traditional craftsmanship using simple forms, and often medieval, romantic, or folk styles decoration. It’s a mix of ornamental and transitional. While the overall shape of the item is simplistic, it has decorative details or patterns.
EXPRESSIONS
Hardware for clients that want to make a statement. Containing modern pieces that are unique with abstract shapes and incorporating crystal knobs, hand crafted items and even some transitional items with flare
UPTOWN ALLURE
This is a style for the urban uptown areas, the kind of hardware you would find in uptown studios or condos. It is an elegant mix of modern and contemporary, simple metals, without much detailing. .
VICTORIAN
This design style is based from a design era in Europe primarily in France. This was a design area full of ornate designs, highly detailed. Strong use of gold, but also of various colors used to bring out detail or ornamentation.
INDUSTRIAL
The finishes on industrial pieces can be either rustic/dull/antiqued or polished or brushed. The fittings can either have an iron look reminiscent of an old factory, or polished chrome, stainless steel and nickel like in an industrial kitchen. .
Finding the
Right Brand
Imported Hardware
Almost all cabinet hardware sold in the US is made in China (although even some Chinese companies have started moving their factories to Vietnam for lower labor rates).
PROS: Mass-produced lines are less expensive, and are usually available to be shipped out immediately.
CONS: On the rare occasion when they do go out of stock, there will often be a wait of several months before they’re available again since they’re being sourced from so far away.
Domestic Hardware
Domestic hardware is mostly custom made pieces, designed for a specific project.
PROS: The advantage of these lines is that they tend to be made from higher quality materials, come in a far wider variety of finishes (since no one needs to hold stock), and tend to have more innate charm and personality. Also, there’s never any issue with availability, as they’re custom made for each order.
CONS: they are usually more expensive and have longer lead times to produce.
Cabinet hardware
Base Materials
Cabinet hardware
Finishes
NICKEL
is one of the most common finishes, it is durable and wears well. It is darker than chrome, can have a warmer hue. Nickel hardware will not rust, fade or weather.
CHROME
or chromium plating is a decorative and protective finish over a base metal like brass or zinc. Chrome is generally polished to give it a high luster.
COPPER
is a very unique finish. Unlacquered it is a living finish, meaning it will patina by forming a black-brown layer when it reacts with oxygen and oils from use. When lacquered it maintains the great copper tone throughout the life of the piece.
BLACK NICKEL
is a very clean sophisticated finish. It creates a very modern and regal look. Black nickel is also popular, it is a bright polished finish.
The most popular
Finish Treatments
There are literally thousands of finishes available for metal hardware, but only a few of our major finish treatments that you need to know about.
ANTIQUED, BURNISHED OR DISTRESSED
These finish create a natural aged or patina on the hardware bringing out detailing and imperfections. Materials: Brass, Bronze, Copper, Nickel and Pewter Ideally suited to rustic and industrial styles.
MATTE
A coat applied to protect the metal with no sheen. The most popular matte finish is Matte Black. Materials: Nickel, Copper, Brass, Pewter Works well in contemporary and sophisticated settings.
POLISHED
Polished hardware can be both refined and contemporary. While regular buffing is required to keep the look, the beautiful luster is well worth it. Materials: Brass, Chrome, Nickel, Copper, Bronze Works very well in both a traditional and contemporary setting.
ANTIQUED
Another finish that brings out the natural character of hardware, this finish makes the item look well-worn after years after continued use. Materials: Iron, Wood, Brass, Bronze, Nickel, Pewter, Copper Another great addition to your rustic, traditional or country kitchen.
A little more about
Bronze Finish Treatments
Oil Rubbed Bronze comes in many different colors. This technique is the application of multiple finishes. A metal is coated in an brown lacquer then brushed off or distressed revealing a metal underneath. It is important to understand that each bronze will vary between brands.
OIL RUBBED BRONZE
A medium bronze overtone, with a copper undertone
VENETIAN BRONZE
Typically a very dark brown overtone, with a brass undertone.
GERMAN BRONZE
Similar to Venetian bronze, however a medium brown lacquer with heavy distressing revealing a prominent brass tone.
CHOCOLATE BRONZE
A solid medium brown lacquer with almost little to no distressing
The rest of our
Offering
At Knobs.co, we don’t only stock knobs and pulls. You can get a multitude of products right here on our site.
CABINET HINGES
When it’s time to purchase your hinges, find the ones that will complement your cabinets the best. From strap and H-style hinges on bead board and country-style doors, to concealed, clip-on hinges in contemporary kitchens, your new cabinet hinges should fit seamlessly into the rest of the design
BATHROOM HARDWARE
Our extensive range of bathroom accessories include towel rails, vanities, toilet accessories and cabinets. Available in a vast range of finishes and designs, you are sure to find the perfect accessory for your bathroom sanctuary.
DOOR HARDWARE
Catches, latches , locks and handles – we stock everything you need to make your doors function perfectly. Browse through our door hardware section to find the right style for your home.
CABINET ORGANIZERS
An organized cabinet is a functional cabinet. Make your storage spaces work optimally by adding cabinet organizers. Click here for the full range.
