How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Handles and Pulls for Your Existing Kitchen Cabinets

By:  Sherri Pfeifer

Looking to refresh your kitchen without a full remodel?  Start with new cabinet hardware. Swapping out old handles and pulls is one of the easiest (and most affordable) ways to give your kitchen a fresh look.  At HardwareDirect, we carry a wide range of finishes, styles, and sizes that work with any existing cabinet design.

1. Match Hardware to Your Cabinet Style

First, identify the design of your cabinets. Each style has hardware that complements it best.

• Shaker Cabinets – Clean and simple. Try our Matte Black T-Bar Pulls.

• Raised-Panel Cabinets – More traditional?  Go with Brushed Oil Rubbed Bronze Cup Pulls.

• Flat-Panel Cabinets – Minimalist lovers should check out our Brushed Nickel Classic Craftsman handles.  

• Rustic/Distressed Cabinets – Add character with Champagne Gold Knobs.

🛠️ Tip: Detailed cabinets pair best with simpler hardware, while plain cabinets benefit from bolder hardware choices.

2. Choose the Right Finish for Your Space

Coordinate hardware finishes with your kitchen’s existing design elements:

• Brushed Nickel – A safe, timeless choice. View our Brushed Nickel Collection.

• Matte Black – Great for contrast. Browse Matte Black Hardware.

• Champagne Gold – Luxurious and trendy. See our Champagne Gold Options.

• Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Rustic and rich. Shop Oil-Rubbed Bronze Finishes.

🎨 Mixing finishes? Pair warm tones like gold and bronze, or go bold with contrasting black and nickel.

3. Pick the Proper Size and Proportions

Hardware should complement the scale of your cabinets:

• Use 3” pulls for small drawers (3” Brushed Nickel Pull).

• Try 6” to 10” pulls for larger drawers (6-1/4” Matte Black Pull).

• Choose ergonomically shaped hardware for heavy-use drawers or pantry doors.

📏 Pro tip: pulls should be about one-third the width of your drawer front for a balanced appearance.

4. Decide: Knobs, Pulls, or a Mix?

Mixing knobs and pulls is not only functional—it adds visual variety:

• Knobs – Best for upper cabinet doors. Try our Round Knobs.

• Pulls – Ideal for drawers and lower cabinets. See our Modern Pulls.

• Mix & Match – Stay consistent in finish, but vary shape for subtle contrast.

💡 Stick with the same collection for a cohesive look. Try our Matching Knobs & Pulls Sets.

5. Preview Your Picks Before You Buy

Before placing a full order:

• Order a few hardware samples.

• Use painter’s tape to position them on your cabinets.

• View in natural and artificial lighting.

✨ Need help deciding? Contact us for suggestions—we’re here to help.

6. Measure Correctly for a Quick Upgrade

Replacing existing hardware? Measure center-to-center distance (hole spacing).

• Replacing 3” pulls? Shop our 3” Collection.

• Going from knobs to pulls? Fill holes and use a Cabinet Jig Template for drilling new ones.

🧰 All our products include screw sizes and dimensions for easy installation.

Final Thoughts: Small Change, Big Impact

Updating your kitchen cabinet hardware is a simple way to breathe new life into your space. Whether your kitchen leans modern, traditional, or somewhere in between, HardwareDirect has the perfect hardware to match.

👉 Explore our full collection of premium, affordable Cabinet Handles and Pulls today.

Have questions? Need help with sizing or matching finishes? Our team is just a click away.