Kitchen Cabinet Pulls

Kitchen cabinet pull

Satin nickel kitchen cabinet pull

What are kitchen cabinet pulls? They are the handles on drawers and knobs on cabinet doors. They can be added to all types of kitchen cabinets because they protect the wood from water and stains. They also make it easier to open and close drawers and cabinets.

Kitchen cabinet pulls are made of almost any kind of material one can name. The material and the design – shape, color – make some more appropriate in some kitchens than others. Some people even keep scraps and broken pieces of tile and use the pieces to make matching kitchen cabinet pulls.

Among the most popular materials for pulls are:

  • Chrome
  • Wood
  • Pewter
  • Nickel
  • Brushed nickel
  • Brass
  • Bronze
  • Porcelain
  • Ceramic
Kitchen cabinet pull

Bright copper kitchen cabinet pull

When choosing kitchen cabinet pulls, it is important to consider how the material will hold up amid the steam of cooking and doing dishes. Some materials cannot be considered because they would rust or calcify. Because they are used heavily, kitchen cabinet handles and knobs must be durable, as well.

Many people select kitchen cabinet pulls to match something else in the kitchen. For example, if they have stainless steel appliances, they might choose nickel, brushed nickel, pewter or chrome. If they want handles and knobs for utility, but want them to be less visible, many people choose wood.

Kitchen cabinet pull

Rubbed bronze kitchen cabinet pull

Often, people who prefer the look of gold, choose brass. Similarly, people who install dark wood cabinets (cherry, mahogany) frequently choose bronze because it is less obvious. Porcelain and ceramic kitchen cabinet pulls can be a good choice if one wants to match sinks or white appliances.

Most knobs are simple round items that screw into the cabinet door. There are styles that include a pendant to make them more elaborate. Knobs range from a simple round metallic piece with a flat end that attaches to the wood, to intricately carved and shaped styles.

Drawer handles are usually wide enough for at least three fingers to go through. They can also be wider. The appropriate size depends on the size of the drawers.

Kitchen cabinet pulls

Weathered brass kitchen cabinet pull

The choice of handle shape will be determined to some extent by the style of your kitchen. For example, a contemporary kitchen with smooth, flat surfaces and simple lines needs simple kitchen cabinet pulls. Similarly, in a traditional kitchen, one would probably use more elaborate shapes and designs.

Kitchen cabinet pulls go in the lower corner of the cabinet door (on the edge that opens). Drawer pulls belong in the center of the drawer face. If your cabinet doors attach to the cabinet box in a way that leaves them visible from the outside, it will be important to match the kitchen cabinet pulls to the hardware.

Instead of being overwhelmed by the vast array of kitchen cabinet pulls, one should be thrilled that so many options are available to meet one’s needs. Even the mix-and-match style of a country kitchen, with its unmatched cabinets and cupboards, can be fitted out with the perfect porcelain or ceramic handles and knobs.

 

Door Styles

 

Glazed Maple Kitchen Cabinet Door<  MAPLE

The maple door has a ginger colored finish giving it a warm, relaxed appearance, which is due in part to the antiqued patina of the dark brown glaze. This glaze has been applied over a base stain on hard maple wood to provide a soft, aged look while highlighting the trim details. With its mitered doors and drawer heads, square raised panel, and full overlay construction, the maple door is a traditional yet transitional style having a wide range of compatibility to dark or light colored kitchen schemes.

 

Glazed Cherry Kitchen Cabinet DoorGLAZED CHERRY >

The formal appeal of this door is provided by the rich, aged effect of the finish. Made to resemble cherry wood, the door style is actually constructed of hard maple, with which the eye-catching stain and subtle dark brown glaze have been applied. Mortise and tenon doors and drawer heads, applied molding, square raised panels, and full overlay construction.

Shaker Natural Kitchen Cabinet Door

< SHAKER NATURAL

The soft transitional styling of the Shaker door is what provides its wide range of appeal for contemporary, arts and crafts, or shaker tastes. The Shaker door is constructed of hard maple and has a natural finish. The door has a recessed center panel. Its mortise and tenon doors and drawers, and full overlay construction are what give the Shaker door style its transitional appeal, as well as the ability to span many different design styles.

Shaker Espresso Kitchen Cabinet DoorSHAKER ESPRESSO >

The Shaker expresso door is a transitional style for those who prefer a simplistic door with a dark, rich stain. This style will suit those seeking a contemporary to Zen feeling space. The full overlay door is constructed of hard maple with a recessed center panel. The door uses the mortise and tenon construction.

Glazed White Kitchen Cabinet Door

< GLAZED WHITE

The Glazed White door is a square raised panel, mitered, full overlay door with a matching drawer head. It is painted a creamy white with a hand applied caramel glaze, highlighting all of the door details. This style appeals to the classic and French country seeking clientele.

Glazed Walnut Kitchen Cabinet Door

GLAZED WALNUT >

You will find that the walnut is an identical match to the maple in style. What sets the two apart is a deep, rich, warm walnut stain on hard maple wood. Walnut is the perfect door style for those seeking a true furniture feel to their cabinetry.

White Kitchen Cabinet Door

< WHITE

The crisp, tailored, full overlay styling of the white door is what makes it cross over so many lines of style. This door style will be the perfect choice for homes ranging from cottage to classic. The white door’s mortise and tenon door and drawer are constructed of hard maple and finished in a durable white paint. The door and drawer both have a gentle profile surrounding a recessed center panel. The outer edge also carries a handsome profile to soften the overall look.

Caramel Oak Kitchen Cabinet DoorCARAMEL OAK >

The oak door is a terrific value in an all wood cabinet when compared to similarly priced particle board constructed cabinets found in big box stores. The doors and cabinet face frame are made from solid oak which provides the grainy oak appeal in addition to the durability and hardness that oak has to offer. The doors have square raised center panels with rails that are joined using mortise and tenon construction. All cabinet doors come equipped with finger routed pulls which make door knobs and handles optional.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Door Knobs

 

KITCHEN CABINET DOOR KNOBS

How to make the proper selection…

Kitchen cabinet knobs and handles are the whipped cream on top of your dessert. They are the finishing touch on the most visible part of your kitchen – the cabinets. Considering that 40 – 50% of the cost for kitchen remodeling or renovation is in your cabinetry, the choice of kitchen cabinet knobs is very important in putting that dollop of whipped cream on the pie.

The sheer number of options available to you when choosing kitchen cabinet knobs can be overwhelming. But the choices can be quickly narrowed down if you approach the task systematically.

Here is a selection process you might wish to use:

1. Decide if you want the most popular choice of the moment or if you want to use kitchen cabinet knobs to personalize your kitchen.

2. Consider the design and style of your new kitchen. If you have a traditional or a country kitchen, you can rule out the sleek modern designs. If you have a contemporary style kitchen, rule out the ornate styles.

3. Decide what materials you want to consider. Do you want metal, porcelain, glass, wood, tile or stone?

4. Do you want knobs or handles?

5. Do you want stationary handles or handles that lift?

6. If you choose metal, which metal and finish do you want? You can consider:

  • Copper
  • Polished copper
  • Brass
  • Polished brass
  • Chrome
  • Brushed chrome
  • Gold-tone
  • Nickel
  • Brushed nickel
  • Bronze

7. Installation must also be considered. Think about what you will store in drawers and the stress that will be exerted on drawer pulls with use. Then consider whether you should look at single screw installation or installation that used two screws.

8. Can you match other hardware to the kitchen cabinet knobs you are considering – visible hinges, appliances, etc.

9. Finally, check the price. Which of your options is the best fit for your budget and the design of your kitchen?

This process should lead you to a choice of the most appropriate kitchen cabinet knobs and handles. If you consider all of the options and match everything carefully, your kitchen cabinet knobs will accentuate the beauty of your new cabinetry.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Maple Kitchen Cabinets with Glazed Cherry FinishKitchen cabinet hardware includes hinges, glides for drawers and inserts, racks, and, especially, knobs, drawer pulls and handles. Someone once called kitchen cabinet hardware the “jewelry of kitchen design.” Indeed, the hardware adds the finishing touch to beautiful cabinetry and kitchen design.

Hinges on cabinet doors may or may not be visible from the outside when the cabinet doors are closed. If hinges are visible, you will want to look for durability, strength and beauty. Visible hinges should match the knobs and handles whenever possible. In some designs decorative hinges are part of the style of the kitchen. In these cases, choose the finish and shape that is most appropriate for the style and design of the room. Look for high quality hinges that are heavy enough to bear up under frequent use and finished to prevent rust from steam and other moisture in the kitchen.

Much kitchen cabinet hardware today includes a variety of specialized glides for drawers, cabinet inserts, and cabinet or drawer accessories. These must be sturdy enough to support the weight of any items stored within them when fully extended. You will want high-quality hardware. It will be worth any extra cost now to avoid the need to replace it later. In most cases, drawers and pull-outs should be able to support at least 75 pounds when extended, they should glide smoothly, and they should be made of a rust-resistant material.

Kitchen cabinet hardware today also includes a wide variety of racks, compartments and dividers for shelves, cabinets, drawers, and other specialty items. Look for racks made of metal and finished with a vinyl, plastic or chrome coating for durability and rust-resistance. Racks should be solidly installed and carefully positioned so they do not result in lost space or very difficult access to other items in the cabinet or drawer.

Knobs, drawer pulls and handles are truly the decorative kitchen cabinet hardware items. These should be selected first for match with the design and décor of the kitchen, next to be functional and sturdy, and finally, to be made of a material that is both appropriate and attractive in your renovated kitchen. Kitchen cabinet hardware is available in a wide range of metals and finishes, porcelain, glass, plastic, and even tile. You might choose a glossy finish or a softer matte or brushed metal finish for your kitchen cabinet hardware.

As you choose kitchen cabinet hardware, consider any metals used for lighting fixtures, decorative items, etc. and try to match the metals or other items as closely as possible. Some homeowners used extra tile from a backsplash or from the floor or counter tops to fashion unique knobs and pulls for their kitchen cabinets. This can tie everything together and create a nice “finished” appearance.

If you can think of kitchen cabinet hardware as the jewelry for your kitchen, you will be able to keep in mind all three considerations for the hardware as you make selections: strength, rust-free finish, and beauty.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Glazed Cherry Kitchen Cabinet DoorKitchen cabinet doors are the most visible part of cabinets. They should, therefore, be chosen with care. In fact, your kitchen cabinet doors will define the style and design of your remodeled kitchen. The cabinet door style will be duplicated in the design of drawer fronts as well. It is also possible to embellish and modify some of these styles to make your kitchen design more unique.

The eight primary styles of kitchen cabinet doors are:

  1. Reveal-overlay panel – Created by adding an overlay on the front of the door to create the appearance of a recessed panel while retaining the strength of a flat panel door.
  2. Flat panel – A flat, un-embellished door typically used in more contemporary style kitchens.
  3. Frame and panel – A plain center panel surrounded by a frame.
  4. Beaded frame and panel – The overlay panel has a beaded edge.
  5. Square raised panel – The center panel of these kitchen cabinet doors is raised slightly more than the edges of the door.
  6. Bead board panel – The panel uses a vertically grooved center panel for a more distinctive appearance.
  7. Curved raised panel – The same as a raised panel door, except that the top of the panel is slightly arched or curved.
  8. Cathedral panel – Another variation on the raised panel door, with a panel that has at the top the distinctive curves of a cathedral window.

Any of these styles can be further embellished by adding additional layers of framing or overlay, except the flat panel and the beadboard panel styles. The panels can also be carved with various designs. All of these styles of kitchen cabinet doors can be used in natural or stained wood or can be painted.

Caramel Oak Kitchen Cabinet DoorFor variation and to add interest to the room, the kitchen cabinet doors can also be treated in other ways to make them unique. For example, door panels can be replaced with glass, or some of the kitchen cabinet doors can be removed completely for open shelving for cookbooks or other items. Several types of glass can be used either to create a different effect or to make the items in the cabinets less apparent while maintaining the feel of openness. For example, colored or stained glass can be used very effectively in cathedral panel styles. Even leaded or etched glass can be used in this uniquely shaped opening. Etching the glass opens hundreds of possibilities for a unique kitchen design that highlights a special family interest (horses, flowers, music).

Other glass options include frosted glass, textured glass or barnstead glass. The latter is a clear liner-ribbed patterned glass with embedded wire to make the glass somewhat opaque. Colored glass can be very effective in a few of the cabinet doors (for variation). Yet another possibility for a truly distinctive look in kitchen cabinet doors would use layered glass. This glass is produced by combining tempered glass with another material. Often these materials are very exotic, such as rice paper or a metallic film. The special material is placed between glass layers to create a very unique effect.

The most commonly used styles of kitchen cabinet doors are flat panel for more contemporary kitchens and raised panel doors for other styles. Overlays and bead board panel doors are less common. Consider all available options before making a selection for your kitchen cabinet doors. With a little imagination and a good cabinetmaker, you can create a beautiful, functional and unique kitchen design.

 

Kitchen Cabinet Accessories

Custom Kitchen Cabinets

Kitchen Cabinet Value can customize kitchen cabinets to your specifications.

KITCHEN CABINET ACCESSORIES

If you are remodeling, enlarging, renovating or just sprucing up your kitchen, you will be delighted to discover that kitchen cabinet accessories abound! What is more, new devices, gadgets and cabinet modifications seem to become available regularly. No matter what you would love to have in your new kitchen cabinet, accessories are available or can be made to accommodate your wishes.

To begin with the basics, manufacturers of stock and semi-custom cabinets offer a number of designs that include some now basic kitchen cabinet accessories:

  • Cutlery dividers for drawers – in a one-tier or two-tier choice
  • Drawer divided to hold knives
  • Spice drawer insert
  • Food-preparation drawer with a pull-out cutting board
  • Spice drawer cabinet – a narrow vertical drawer fitted for spice jars
  • Inverted frame option can put the drawer at the bottom (great for put lids)
  • Drawer divided to put pots and pans in the bottom and lids in a top section
  • Drawer divided for cooking utensils or gadgets
  • Wastebasket cabinet
  • Recycling cabinet
  • Roll-out tiered shelving in a base cabinet for pots and pans
  • Base microwave cabinet
  • Base tray dividers that pull out
  • Base cabinets that pull out for condiments or for tall bottles
  • Tray divider shelf
  • Roll-out tray divider base cabinet
  • Sink base with tilt out tray in the front of the sink (sponges, steel wool)
  • Plastic bag dispenser door storage unit
  • Door storage units
  • Pantry door shelf and swing out sections
  • Base cabinet with deep roll-out trays
  • Appliance garage
  • Base wine rack cabinet
  • Base wine storage cube
  • Under cabinet stem glass holder
  • China display
  • Plate racks
  • Base corner with Lazy Susan

Many other options are also available, including:

Oak Kitchen Cabinets

Oak kitchen cabinets provide timeless beauty.

  • Drawers to cover refrigerated units
  • Bins with glass fronts to hold dry goods (pasta, beans)
  • Glass front/door cabinets
  • Architectural design finish items
  • Vent covers
  • Island cabinets
  • Wall Bookshelves
  • Pull-out storage units for vegetables
  • Specialty glass in cabinet doors (frosted, opaque, color)
  • Crown moldings for the tops of cabinets
  • Specialized cabinets for base specialty refrigerators
  • TV and computer compartments
  • Covers for Refrigerator doors
  • Doors for wine chilling compartments
  • Matching door and window frames
  • Nooks for small appliances
  • Specialized storage spaces for various work areas
Cherry Kitchen Cabinet

Beautiful cherry kitchen cabinets

If you are willing to go the route of the custom or customized kitchen cabinet, accessories can be found or created for virtually any organizational or accessibility need. Customized accessories can also be used to create a unique kitchen that reflects your style, cooking needs and personal taste.

Talk to us about your needs and desires for kitchen cabinet accessories. What you need might be readily available for instant installation. If not, we can customize your cabinets to provide the kitchen cabinet accessories you desire.

 

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