How to Mix and Match Your Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

September 1, 2022

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We’ve been taught for decades that all the cabinet hardware in our kitchen should match because it creates a cohesive look, but what if we completely flipped that thinking? In fact, what if we told you that you can and should mix and match your hardware? Mixing and matching your kitchen cabinet hardware can give you a high-end, custom kitchen look without breaking the bank. Yep, we said it. When done right, mixing cabinet hardware adds texture and character and heightens visual interest in a room.

There are two distinct ways you can mix and match your kitchen cabinet hardware. You can either mix and match the metals or mix and match the styles. Read on for examples of both:

alma-homes-lake-riley-rebuild-kitchen-how-to-mix-and-match-kitchen-cabinet-hardware
We mixed and matched both metal finishes and hardware styles in the #lakerileyrebuild kitchen.

MIXING HARDWARE METALS

  • Always match your hardware finishes! If the cabinet knobs are polished nickel, then the appliance pulls must also be polished.
  • If you want to make a particular area stand out (such as the hutch that holds your fine china), use distinct hardware.
  • Avoid pairing similar materials, such as brass and gold, or chrome and nickel. They are too identical to be interesting.
  • Keep your hardware to two or three colors maximum.
alma-homes-bloomington-build-artisan-home-built-in-hutch-how-to-mix-and-match-kitchen-cabinet-hardware
We used distinct antique brass hardware on the built-in hutch at the #bloomingtonbuild which is complimentary to the honey bronze hardware used in the kitchen.

MIXING HARDWARE STYLES

  • Choose a single finish. It’s much easier and safer to mix different shapes of knobs and pulls in one matching finish. 
  • Think about the number of drawers and doors. It can be easier to make multiple styles of hardware work in a larger kitchen with many doors and drawers.
  • Use one style for upper cabinets and a different style for lower cabinets.
  • Use different styles for each function or door and drawer type.
We mix and matched aged brass hardware at #thelakeloft by using knobs on the lower and ceiling cabinets and pulls on appliances and upper cabinets.

SHOP OUR FAVORITE CABINET PULLS

SHOP OUR FAVORITE CABINET KNOBS

SHOP OUR FAVORITE CUP & BIN PULLS

We hope you found this post informative and helpful! Please let us know if you have any questions about mixing metals in the kitchen by sending us a message on Instagram.

MORE HARDWARE INSPO

Cabinet Hardware 101: Types & Placement

Our Favorite Cabinet Hardware from #thelakeloft

The Best Black Bar Pulls For Your Cabinets

The Best Classic Brass Bar Pulls

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  1. Elina Brooks says:

    I found your idea interesting when you mentioned matching our hardware finishes, such as pairing polished nickel cabinet knobs with appliance pulls that are also polished. I’m getting my kitchen renovated next month, and I’ve decided to include my kitchen cabinets in the makeover to give the room a fresher look. I’ll be sure to keep this tip in mind while I get custom cabinet design services to work on them soon.

  2. Sam Andrews says:

    G’day, mate! So, here’s a thing: my aunt plans to add a new set of cabinets to her kitchen pretty soon. I think this article could serve as guidance to help her get the right supplies eventually. Why? Because you said that combining cabinet hardware gives an area more dimension and personality, making it appear more visually appealing.

  3. Sam Andrews says:

    Great! I appreciate your advice on how we should keep our hardware not too colorful to maintain a sense of class to our living space. My wife is considering adding new finishing to our kitchen this summer. Maybe I should recommend this option to her so she can get the right supplies.

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