To help you choose the perfect kitchen hardware for every project, our guide looks at the three key elements of style, size and finish.
Why quality matters
Hard-working kitchens need high-performance hardware. From drawer pulls to appliance handles, each piece must complement the design scheme, wear well and feel pleasing to the touch – day after day. Our quality hardware from leading global brands is designed to last the test of time, enhancing your project visually while functioning perfectly. ‘To avoid delays and potential mistakes, it’s really worth choosing all your hardware – from the most eye-catching of pieces right down to hinges – as soon as possible, so that the selection process is holistic with the entire scheme,’ says Stewart Kent, co-founder of Courtyard.
Consider the architectural context
Start by reading the overall design cues: the building’s age and character, as well as the kitchen’s layout, colours, finishes and specific cabinetry. ‘In a heritage kitchen with Shaker-style or raised-panel doors, consider classic cup handles and ball, bun or mushroom knobs, perhaps adding backplates for that country-house charm,’ says Stewart. ‘For a contemporary scheme, edge pulls provide a subtle, practical solution that emphasises the clean lines of the joinery. Long, slender pull bars achieve a similarly restrained, architectural look. In some schemes, pared-back cabinetry may be the perfect backdrop for soft, organic hardware forms, or for a confident, retro style.’
When style meets practicality
When deciding on kitchen hardware, it’s always a question of carefully balancing function with form. ‘For the best grip and leverage, go for T-bar, cup and pull handles, especially on heavy drawers and integrated appliances,’ says Stewart. ‘On wide drawers, you’ll need either a long bar handle or two pulls or knobs. To save space when a deep projection is not ideal, or to create a minimal look, shallow edge pulls are a great choice. Many schemes opt for one carefully chosen hardware design that suits every application, but it is possible to mix and match according to what works best in different positions, provided you maintain visual cohesion.’
Is there a right size for kitchen hardware
From a practical point of view, a good guide when choosing the best size for kitchen handles is the ‘one-third’ rule, where handle length is roughly one third of the drawer width or the door height. As for selecting knobs, a diameter of 30-35mm is comfortable to use and suits most cabinetry, with smaller pieces best for very small drawers or cupboards, and larger pieces making a strong visual statement. It is just as important to get the visual effect right, advises Stewart. ‘Too much oversized hardware can be confusing and eye-catching in the wrong way, while undersized, understated hardware may just end up being underwhelming,’ he says. ‘If in doubt, you can always use a kitchen visualiser app or online tool to get an impression of the finished effect.’
Pick the perfect finish
The final element is choosing a finish. From traditional brass to chic matt black, hardware finish makes an enormous difference to the kitchen’s final impact. The unique designs from our world-leading brands are available in a huge variety of finishes, and your decision will depend both on the design scheme as a whole and whether the aim is for your hardware to blend in or stand out. ‘If you’re looking for a sleek, modern effect, graphite or chrome could be the answer,’ says Stewart. ‘On the other hand, brass and bronze feel beautifully classic, while nickel is highly versatile. We also offer some unusual finishes, such as horn, bone and hardwood. Bear in mind that if you choose an unlacquered metal – what’s known as a ‘living’ finish – it will gradually change in appearance to develop a unique patina that reflects both the passage of time and how it has been handled.’
