Choosing the right cabinet hardware can make or break the look of your kitchen. When designing a kitchen with white cabinets, the cabinet pulls become an integral decorative element that deserves careful consideration. The material, shape, size and finish of the pulls should all coordinate with the overall kitchen design while providing functionality. Here are some tips on selecting the best metal cabinet pulls to use with white kitchen cabinets.
Matching Metal Finishes
When selecting metal cabinet pulls for white cabinets, opt for finishes that coordinate well. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Brushed Nickel – This soft, brushed finish has a warm silvery tone that pairs beautifully with white. Brushed nickel pulls add a touch of contemporary style.
- Matte Black – The rich but understated look of matte black hardware can provide bold contrast against white cabinets. Matte black is both modern and timeless.
- Polished Chrome – For a more retro, vintage feel, polished chrome is a perfect match for white. The shiny finish lends cabinets a diner-inspired look.
- Oil-Rubbed Bronze – The deep, brownish bronze finish gives hardware an antiqued, lived-in quality. Oil-rubbed bronze offers a unique, rustic twist on traditional white kitchens.
- Satin Brass – With a muted glow, satin brass strikes a balance between sleek and ornate. Satin brass pulls bring a hint of luxury to white kitchen cabinets.
Pull Styles and Shapes
Cabinet pull style and shape also deserve deliberation. Consider the overall kitchen aesthetic when selecting hardware.
- Bar Pulls – Sleek metal bars make a very minimalist contemporary statement. Highly modern and streamlined.
- Bow Pulls – These pretty bow-shaped pulls evoke cottage, farmhouse and other rustic kitchen designs.
- Knob Pulls – Pulls shaped like knobs or handles provide a classic, timeless look. Traditional styling.
- Cup Pulls – Drawer pulls and handles shaped like cups or grips lend kitchen cabinets an industrial vibe.
- Hoop Pulls – Circular hoop-shaped pulls offer decorative flair. A touch of retro design suits contemporary kitchens.
Pull Size
Cabinet pull size should suit the scale and proportions of your cabinetry and kitchen. Standard guidelines:
- Pulls 3-4 inches work well on regular cabinet drawers.
- For larger drawers, 8-12 inch pulls are appropriately scaled.
- Use dainty 2-3 inch pulls on skinny cabinet doors and drawers.
- Larger pulls make a bolder style statement.
- Pulls should align comfortably with your hand to provide good grip.
What Kind Metal Pairs Best With White?
While finish makes the most impact, the type of metal also contributes to the look of cabinet hardware.
- Stainless Steel – Brushed stainless pulls give white kitchens a clean, contemporary edge.
- Iron – Wrought iron pulls provide an elegant, ornate accent full of artisan appeal.
- Brass – Few metals pair as beautifully with white as brass. Warm, polished brass imparts sophistication.
- Bronze – With its brownish metallic sheen, bronze adds antique flair to white cabinetry.
- Nickel – Beyond brushed nickel, polished and satin nickel finishes add silvery appeal to white kitchens.
- Chrome – From polished to satin, chrome pulls lend any white kitchen a splash of retro diner character.
No matter your kitchen’s style, one of these metal finishes and materials is sure to perfectly complement your white cabinets. Let the hardware be an expression of your personal taste. The right pulls will give your white kitchen cabinets that essential finishing touch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabinet Pulls for White Kitchens
Should cabinet pulls match across the entire white kitchen?
Consistency looks best, so matching metal finishes across all visible hardware is ideal. However, mixing and matching can work in some kitchens, depending on the overall design.
Should style be consistent too or can I mix and match pull shapes?
Mixing pull shapes risks looking chaotic. For a seamless look, stick to one style of cup pull, bar pull or bow pull throughout the kitchen.
That said, using different pulls on upper and lower cabinets can help delineate the two distinct sections. Just keep the finish consistent.
What finish stands up best to fingerprints and smudges?
Brushed finishes like brushed nickel and oil-rubbed bronze do a great job hiding fingerprints. Polished finishes show smudges the most.
How do I clean metal cabinet hardware?
Use a microfiber cloth and mild soap and water to gently clean pulls as needed. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive cloths that could scratch the finish.
Should I match the metal colour to appliances too?
It’s not mandatory, but coordinating finishes creates a cohesive look. For black stainless appliances, matte black hardware makes sense. With chrome or stainless appliances, brushed nickel pulls complement nicely.
How much should I budget for new pulls?
Expect to spend $2-$10 per pull/handle, depending on the material and style. So for a kitchen with 20 drawers and doors, total costs could range from $40-$200. Quality is worth the investment.
Should I install the pulls myself or hire a handyman?
If you’re moderately handy, installing pulls is a very DIY-friendly project. But for large kitchens or tricky cabinetry, hiring a pro can ensure it’s done right.
Conclusion
The style of metal cabinet hardware you choose for a white kitchen can take the design in many decorative directions. Matte black pulls create a bold, contemporary look. Polished brass exudes traditional refinement. Oil-rubbed bronze pulls lend vintage rustic charm. Or keep it minimal with simple brushed nickel bars.
Whichever finish and style you love, select pulls that align with the scale of your cabinetry. Allow the hardware to put that perfect finishing touch on your beautiful white kitchen’s overall aesthetic. With so many quality metal options available, the opportunity to express personal flair through your cabinet pulls is endless.