How to Choose Cabinet Hardware That Complements Your Kitchen: A Complete Guide to 2025 Trends
When transforming your kitchen, cabinet hardware is often the final touch that brings the entire space together. Whether doing a full remodel or just refreshing your cabinets, choosing the best cabinet hardware can make a surprising difference in style and functionality. With so many finishes, shapes, and styles available, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through how to pick hardware that not only complements your cabinets but elevates your entire kitchen design.
Let’s walk through everything from trending finishes like brushed gold cabinet hardware to ergonomic pulls and timeless knobs. You’ll also get tips on mixing hardware, matching finishes, and even understanding where to place them.
Understand Your Kitchen Style Before Choosing Hardware
To find the best hardware for cabinets, you first need to understand your kitchen’s overall design style. Hardware isn’t one-size-fits-all—it should complement, not clash.
- Modern kitchen cabinet hardware: Go for clean lines, minimal designs, and finishes like matte black, brushed nickel, or brass.
- Traditional kitchens: Classic round knobs, oil-rubbed bronze, or antique cabinet hardware add warmth and elegance.
- Farmhouse kitchens: Consider white cabinets with black hardware or distressed bronze cup pulls.
- Contemporary spaces: Think sleek modern cabinet hardware pulls, often longer in size, with polished or satin finishes.
Match Cabinet Hardware Finishes to Appliances and Fixtures
Mixing too many metals can make your kitchen feel chaotic. A good rule is to match your cabinet hardware to either your faucet, appliances, or lighting fixtures for a consistent and intentional look.
Popular hardware finishes trending in 2025:
- Brushed gold cabinet hardware – Warm, stylish, and versatile.
- Matte black – Sleek and bold, great with light-colored cabinets.
- Chrome – Bright and clean, often found in modern designs.
- Antique brass or bronze – Adds a vintage touch.
If your kitchen has stainless steel appliances, pair them with brushed nickel or chrome for cohesion. For all-white kitchens, gold cabinet hardware adds warmth and luxury.
Coordinate Hardware with Cabinet Color and Material
Your cabinet color plays a huge role in what hardware works best. The right contrast can make your cabinets pop, while the wrong one can make them fade into the background.
Suggestions based on cabinet color:
- White cabinets: Best with black, gold, or brass cabinet hardware.
- Navy or dark green cabinets: Beautiful with brushed gold cabinet hardware pulls.
- Wood-tone cabinets: Matte black or antique brass pairs well with natural finishes.
- Grey cabinets: Chrome or black hardware gives a modern edge.
Consider Functionality: Knobs vs Pulls and Sizing Tips
Not only should your hardware look good, it should feel good too. Think about the way you use your cabinets daily.
- Pulls are best for drawers because they’re easier to grip.
- Knobs work well for cabinet doors, especially smaller ones.
- Cabinet knob backplates add extra design detail and protect the cabinet surface.
Use the 1/3 rule for cabinet hardware: pulls should be about one-third the width of the drawer front.
Ergonomic tip:
Test sample knobs and pulls—your fingers should fit comfortably, and you shouldn’t need to tug hard to open a drawer.
Explore Different Shapes and Unique Materials
Hardware has come a long way from basic round knobs. Today’s options let you express your design style in subtle but meaningful ways.
Trending hardware styles:
- Bar pulls: Common in modern cabinet hardware pulls.
- Cup pulls: Ideal for farmhouse or cottage kitchens.
- Glass cabinet knobs: Add vintage elegance.
- Wood cabinet knobs: Bring natural texture into your kitchen.
- Cabinet backplate with knob: Vintage charm meets function.
Try Before You Buy: Order Samples First
Always test how your chosen hardware looks in your actual space. Finishes can look dramatically different under warm vs. cool lighting.
- Tape samples to your cabinets to see the color contrast.
- Open and close drawers to test comfort.
- Take photos in daylight and artificial light to be sure.
Mixing Cabinet Hardware Styles? Yes, You Can
A growing kitchen hardware trend in 2025 is mixing knobs and pulls for visual interest.
Tips for mixing styles:
- Use pulls on drawers and knobs on doors.
- Keep finishes consistent (e.g., all brushed brass).
- Keep the shapes complementary (e.g., round knobs with curved pulls).
This is also a great way to blend modern and classic touches for a more personal kitchen look.
Bonus: Cabinet Hardware Templates and Placement Tips
A cabinet hardware template is a small tool that helps you install your hardware with even spacing and alignment.
Also consider:
- Knob placement: usually 2.5–3 inches from the corner.
- Pulls: centered on drawer fronts or slightly higher for deep drawers.
- Use a level to align horizontally when placing multiple pulls.
FAQs About Cabinet Hardware
What cabinet hardware is trending now?
Brushed gold, matte black, and mixed materials like wood and leather pulls.
What is the 1/3 rule for cabinet hardware?
Pulls should be approximately one-third the length of the drawer front for proportion.
What is the most timeless cabinet hardware?
Simple round knobs in finishes like brushed nickel or brass remain timeless.
What is the most popular finish for cabinet hardware?
Brushed gold and matte black are currently the most sought-after finishes.
Can I mix knobs and pulls in the same kitchen?
Yes! It’s a popular trend to mix styles—as long as the finish and shape harmonize.
