Choosing the right metal hardware is an important decision when designing or remodeling a kitchen with wood cabinets. The metal finishes you select for handles, knobs, hinges, and other hardware can dramatically impact the look and feel of your kitchen. Here are some of the most popular metal choices that beautifully complement wood cabinetry.
Brushed Nickel
Brushed nickel is a versatile metal that pairs nicely with most cabinet woods. It has a soft, brushed look that hides fingerprints and is less likely to show water spots than polished chrome. The nickel finish gives off a warm, slightly gray metallic shine that works well with light and dark wood tones. Brushed nickel has an understated elegance that suits traditional, transitional, and contemporary kitchen styles.
Matte Black
Matte black metal hardware is having a major moment right now. The rich, smooth black finish looks striking against both light and dark wood cabinetry. Matte black has a contemporary, ultra-modern feel that spices up plain Shaker-style cabinets. It also punctuates the natural grain patterns of wood in simple, clean-lined designs. Matte black makes a sophisticated statement and is ideal for industrial, modern, or retro-inspired kitchens.
Oil-Rubbed Bronze
For a rustic, antique-inspired look, oil-rubbed bronze is the perfect metal complement to wood cabinets. Often made by hand-rubbing bronze with oil, it develops a one-of-a-kind patina over time. Oil-rubbed bronze has deep undertones that accentuate the natural wood grains. Its artisan, Old-World aesthetic works well with knotty alder, hickory, oak and other rustic woods. Use oil-rubbed bronze hardware to give a farmhouse, cottage, or craftsman kitchen added warmth.
Polished Chrome
Polished chrome has a shiny, mirror-like look that gives any kitchen a clean, contemporary style. It reflects light beautifully off rich wood cabinetry, adding depth and dimension. Chrome can skew utilitarian, so it often works best with very streamlined, modern cabinet fronts. But polished chrome also pops against boldly-grained wood types like walnut and cherry. For a glamorous accent, combine polished chrome with glass-front cabinetry.
Antique Brass
With its golden sunset glow, antique brass hardware brings a touch of vintage flair to wood kitchen cabinets. Unlacquered antique brass develops a soft patina over time that showcases the natural beauty of the metal. The aged look of antique brass pairs wonderfully with genuine antiques and accentuates the richness of wood species like mahogany and teak. For a sophisticated vintage style, use antique brass knobs and handles to add elegance to traditional wood cabinets.
Satin Brass
Satin brass metal offers the warm golden tones of antique brass with a more refined brushed finish. Its soft glow adds an elegant note while still feeling clean and contemporary. Satin brass beautifully complements the caramel hues found in oak, cherry, and other wood species, making it a versatile choice for a range of kitchen cabinet styles. The muted sheen of satin brass gives it a luxurious but understated look.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is ideal if you want metal hardware with a cool, neutral vibe. Brushed stainless has a matte sheen, while polished stainless is ultraglossy like chrome. Both work well with painted cabinets, but brushed stainless also pairs nicely with natural wood grains. The industrial aesthetic of stainless steel looks right at home in a modern kitchen with walnut or teak cabinetry. Stainless steel commands attention against darker woods.
Copper
Copper cabinet hardware immediately livens up a kitchen with its fiery, metallic orange tones. The rich, warm gloss of polished copper looks dazzling paired with darker woods like walnut and mahogany. For more contrast, mix it with light cabinets. Copper develops an intriguing patina as it naturally oxidizes over time. Lean into the vintage vibe by pairing aged copper with reclaimed wood cabinets for an artisanal look.
Bronze
For a bolder metallic statement, try bronze hardware. Its deeper, shinier finish gives it more presence than brass. The orangey-brown tones of bronze bring out the richest dark wood grains. Bronze has an ornate Old-World look that suits decorative raised-panel doors. Pair it with distressed wood finishes and antique accents for a striking, dramatic style. Bronze also pops beautifully against darker stains like ebony and espresso.
Pewter
Understated pewter hardware has an elegant gray sheen that exudes sophistication. Its versatility allows it to coordinate with a diverse spectrum of wood cabinetry, from the lightest maple to the darkest walnut stains. Vary the look by mixing brushed pewter’s soft matte texture with highly polished pewter for subtle contrast. The muted gray metallic tones of pewter keep the focus on gorgeous wood grains and beautiful craftsmanship.
FAQs About Metal Hardware for Wood Cabinets
What are the most popular finishes for metal hardware?
Brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, matte black, and brushed stainless steel rank among today’s most sought-after metal finishes. Their versatile, understated sheens beautifully complement both light and dark wood cabinets.
What metal goes best with white cabinets?
Nickel, chrome, and stainless steel look stunning against bright white cabinets, adding just the right metallic pop without competing. Brushed brass also pairs nicely for a warmer accent.
What finish hardware looks best with maple cabinets?
Maple’s creamy tones look beautiful with oil-rubbed bronze, brushed nickel, antique brass, or satin brass hardware. Darker bronze and black finishes can also create appealing contrast.
What metal finish matches oak best?
Warm metal tones like brushed nickel, antique brass, oil-rubbed bronze, and satin brass draw out the richness of oak cabinets. Matte black hardware adds dramatic contrast.
What color hardware goes with walnut cabinets?
Polished chrome, brushed steel, nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze make walnut’s chocolate hues stand out. Antique brass, copper, and bronze also complement walnut beautifully.
What metal complements cherry cabinets?
The reddish-brown tones of cherry cabinets shine with satin brass, polished chrome, brushed stainless and oil-rubbed bronze. Bronze, copper and antique brass provide an elegant contrast.
Should cabinet hardware match appliances?
It’s recommended to use matching finishes on cabinet hardware, appliances, and fixtures for a coordinated look. But creative mixed metals can work too. Just make sure finishes have a similar shine level.
Conclusion
The metal hardware finish you choose can make or break the look of your kitchen cabinets. Take into account the color and style of your cabinetry along with the overall look you want to achieve. Versatile finishes like brushed nickel, oil-rubbed bronze, and stainless steel are safe bets for complementing various wood species. More dramatic choices like black, copper, and bronze make eye-catching accents. Whatever you select, high-quality metal hardware will accentuate the craftsmanship of your wood cabinets for years to come.