Choosing the right hardware is an important final step when installing natural birch cabinets in your home. The hardware finishes and styles should complement the beautiful light wood tones of birch while meeting your functional needs. Here is an in-depth look at the best metal hardware options to pair with natural birch cabinets.
Introduction
Natural birch is a popular choice for cabinetry due to its attractive grain patterns, flexibility to stain or paint, and durability. Birch has a light tan color that pairs well with metal hardware in brushed nickel, bronze, pewter, chrome, matte black, and more. The key is choosing hardware that provides enough contrast to stand out against the birch without clashing.
When selecting hardware, consider the overall style you want to achieve. Modern and contemporary kitchens tend to use cooler metal finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or matte black knobs and pulls. Traditional kitchens often incorporate warmer metals like bronze, pewter, or antique brass. Satin or brushed finishes help hardware blend in, while polished metals pop against the birch.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel is a versatile metal finish that works with nearly any style of natural birch cabinets. It has a soft, brushed texture that shows smudges and fingerprints less than polished chrome. Brushed nickel has a cool silvery tone that stands out subtly against birch without overwhelming the woodgrain. This finish pairs well with stainless steel appliances.
Brushed nickel knobs and handles provide a clean, modern look. For a more traditional feeling, try brushed nickel pulls with straight bar handles. Mix brushed nickel with other finishes like bronze or chrome for extra visual interest. Brushed nickel is affordable and easy to coordinate with different styles.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
Oil-rubbed bronze has rich, dark overtones that contrast beautifully with natural birch cabinets. This finish is made by rubbing oil into raw bronze metal to darken it. The resulting hardware has dark chocolate brown and black tones with a textured look. Oil-rubbed bronze gives a classic, high-end impression.
Try oil-rubbed bronze with mission or arts and crafts style birch cabinets. Hammered bronze handles and knobs with rivet details complement these cabinet door styles. Or, install recessed oval oil-rubbed bronze cabinet pulls on flat Shaker doors for a pop of contrast. This robust finish is ideal for traditional or rustic kitchens.
Satin Brass
Satin brass strikes an elegant balance between warm and cool tones. It is made from brass metal with a soft satin coating, rather than a highly polished finish. Satin brass avoids the bold look of shiny brass for a more refined appearance. The smooth, muted finish allows the undertones of brass to show through.
Satin brass knobs or bar pulls help create a transitional look when paired with natural birch cabinets. Try coordinating satin brass with painted white birch cabinets for a subtle contrast. Satin brass also works well for a glamorous kitchen style. Use crystal or glass knobs with satin brass bases and backplates to elevate your birch cabinets.
Matte Black
For a bold, high-contrast choice, install matte black hardware on natural birch cabinets. The inky black finish looks striking against the light birch wood. Matte black metal has a flattened finish to avoid looking too harsh. This is an excellent choice for contemporary kitchens.
Matte black knobs and handles make a statement on natural birch cabinets in any style. Try wide black pulls on clean-lined flat panel doors. Or, use round black knobs on Shaker style birch cabinets for visual punch. Matte black’s neutral tone allows it to coordinate well with other metals and finishes if desired.
Pewter
Understated pewter is a gray-toned metal finish that integrates beautifully with natural birch cabinetry. Pewter contains a mix of silver, copper, and tin for a soft gray/brown appearance with subtle metallic shine. The muted tone doesn’t fight with birch’s natural color for a harmonious look.
Antique pewter pulls or knobs bring out the warmth in natural birch without much contrast. Try textured pewter hardware, like hammered or forged pieces, for added dimension. Distressed pewter also coordinates well for a cottage or farmhouse aesthetic. For something more modern, choose sleek pewter bar pulls or handles.
Chrome
Polished chrome is a bold metal choice that plays up the modish side of natural birch cabinets. The highly reflective finish looks especially striking on minimalist style cabinets. Chrome has a clean, mirror-like look that contrasts the matte texture of natural wood.
Try pairing chrome with white Shaker birch cabinets for retro appeal. Or, install chrome knobs or bar pulls on birch cabinets with flat, recessed panels. Chrome’s shiny appearance needs to be balanced with wood’s natural tones. Use it sparingly on cabinet doors and drawers for maximum impact.
Antique Copper
For an earthy, timeworn look, antique copper is the perfect match for natural birch cabinets. This finish mimics the greenish brown patina of aged copper. The variegated roughened texture and verdigris finish provide depth. Antique copper reads as a neutral and integrates into both contemporary and traditional kitchens.
Handled cabinet pulls in antique copper have rustic appeal paired with natural birch. Or, try unique hammered copper knobs for an artisanal style. Simple antique copper cup pulls also have an understated impact. Allow some aging and living to show on the finish rather than keeping it freshly polished.
Conclusion
The best metal hardware options for natural birch cabinets include brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, satin brass, matte black, pewter, chrome, and antique copper. Consider the overall style you want to achieve and choose hardware finishes and designs that balance or contrast with birch’s light wood tones. With the right combination, your cabinet hardware will make a striking final touch. Let the woodwork shine while allowing your metal hardware to contribute contrast, sheen, and visual interest.