Inset kitchen cabinets bring elegance and charm to any kitchen, with timeless appeal and longevity that make them popular across the U.S.A. Unlike overlay cabinets, inset cabinets fit inside the frame, providing a smooth, seamless look.
Holland’s Custom Cabinets understands that to fully leverage the beauty and functionality of inset kitchen cabinets, selecting the best knobs, pulls, handles, and hinges for them is essential. Let’s explore some of what every homeowner, interior designer, or DIY enthusiast needs to know to choose the right hardware for their kitchen cabinets.
Why Hardware Matters for Inset Kitchen Cabinets
By their very nature, inset kitchen cabinets make a bold design statement. But did you know the hardware you pick can either make or break their overall appeal? The right hardware, whether it’s cabinet knobs or pulls, adds a finishing touch that blends both style and function. Hardware also plays a large role in cabinet longevity and making day-to-day tasks more efficient. With so many options available, choosing the right hardware for your kitchen cabinets requires careful thought.
6 Common Types of Hardware for Inset Kitchen Cabinets
Before we dive into HOW to select the right hardware for your cabinets, let’s first understand what options are available. Here are a few common types of hardware used with inset kitchen cabinets:
- Knobs: Knobs are small, versatile, and often used on cabinet doors. They are available in various shapes, materials, and finishes, making them a popular choice for inset kitchen cabinets. Knobs are easy to install and work well for traditional, modern, or transitional kitchens.
- Pulls: Pulls are larger than knobs and provide a comfortable grip, especially for drawers. They come in a wide range of designs, from sleek bar pulls for contemporary kitchens to ornate styles for vintage-inspired spaces.
- Latches: Latches are a charming choice if you want a truly classic or vintage look. Typically, these cabinet hardware pieces are equipped with a unique locking mechanism, which adds both functionality and an old-world feel to a kitchen.
- Hinges: When it comes to inset cabinets, you can choose from visible or concealed hinges. Visible cabinet hinges are usually decorative, and they can elevate the look and feel of a kitchen. Concealed hinges, on the other hand, offer a cleaner, more minimalist look.
- Edge Pulls: Edge pulls are discreet and modern, designed to fit along the edge of the cabinet door or drawer. These are perfect for inset cabinets if you are going for a minimalist or contemporary kitchen makeover.
- Cup Pulls: Cup pulls are bowl-shaped handles, ideal for drawers in traditional or farmhouse-style kitchens. They provide a comfortable grip and a touch of nostalgia.
10 Factors to Consider When Choosing Cabinet Hardware
In all likelihood, visual appeal is the heart of your kitchen remodel. As such, selecting hardware for inset kitchen cabinets that truly complements your kitchen is an important part of the process.
- Kitchen Style: When selecting cabinet hardware, first think about your kitchen’s overall design. Traditional kitchens often pair well with ornate cabinet knobs and pulls, while modern ones benefit from simple, minimalist designs. If you are planning something in between, look for a mix of styles to achieve a balanced look.
- Finish: The finish of your hardware sets the tone for your cabinets and the rest of the kitchen. Polished finishes, such as chrome or brass, add a touch of sophistication, while matte finishes, such as black or brushed nickel, create a more subdued and modern vibe.
- Material: Cabinet hardware is typically made from brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, and iron. When choosing the material, consider your daily use and the “look” you are trying to achieve. The material should be strong and complement the overall theme of your kitchen. For example, brass offers a more elegant and timeless vibe, while stainless steel has a sleek and modern feel.
- Functionality and Comfort: Choose hardware that’s comfortable and easy to use. Test cabinet knobs and pulls in person to determine if they fit comfortably in your hand. If your kitchen boasts large drawers and heavy doors, pick sturdy cabinet handles or bar pulls.
- Size and Proportion: The size of your hardware should be proportionate to the dimensions of your inset kitchen cabinets. Oversized pulls can overpower small cabinets, while tiny knobs might look out of place on larger ones.
- Style and Design: Inset kitchen cabinets come in various styles, from Shaker and reeded to beaded boards. Always match your hardware to the level of detail on your cabinets. Sleek hardware goes well with clean lines, while intricate designs complement detailed cabinetry.
- Ergonomics: Think about the daily use of your kitchen. If it’s a busy place, consider cup pulls and bar handles because they are easier to grip than small cabinet knobs. Cup pulls and bar handles are also more suitable for older family members and children.
- Compatibility: Due to their unique design, inset kitchen cabinets typically require specific hardware placement or adjustments. For example, these cabinets need hinges to be flush with the frame. So make sure the hardware you choose is compatible with your custom inset cabinets.
- Durability and Maintenance: Always select inset cabinet hardware that can withstand frequent use and exposure to moisture, heat, and grease. Natural shrinking and swelling can be a problem in areas where humidity is high, especially in coastal areas.
- Cost and Budget: Inset kitchen cabinets have a higher price point. Our advice is not to prioritize quality over quantity. We find that homeowners tend to be much happier when they invest in durable, stylish hardware for a reliable long-term solution.
Match the Hardware to Inset Kitchen Cabinets
Whether you choose cabinet knobs and pulls or hinges and latches, the hardware must match your cabinetry and the overall kitchen layout.
1. Balance Cabinet Style and Hardware
Use ornate hardware if you plan to install traditional inset kitchen cabinets featuring raised panels or intricate details. For shaker or flat-panel cabinets, choose simple hardware to maintain a consistent look.
2. Choose the Right Hardware for the Frame
Either match or contrast your hardware finish with the cabinet frame. For example:
- Pair light wood cabinets with warm finishes such as brass or gold.
- Blend dark wood cabinets with cool finishes such as chrome, brushed nickel, or matte black.
- Jazz up painted inset cabinets with either matching or contrasting hardware.
3. Maintain Consistency
Be consistent across the kitchen. Use the same finish and style for all of your inset cabinet hardware. Mixing styles can disrupt the flow of your kitchen design. If you want variety, use knobs for doors and pulls for drawers, but in the same finish.
4 Popular Hardware Styles for Inset Kitchen Cabinets
When shopping for cabinet door hardware, you will discover a few popular styles, including the following:
- Antique and Vintage: To add character to your kitchen, use antique brass or copper cabinet hardware. These styles go beautifully with traditional inset kitchen cabinets and create a feeling of nostalgia.
- Modern Minimalism: For a sleek and contemporary look, opt for matte black or brushed chrome cabinet hardware. Clean lines and simple shapes can work wonders for modern inset cabinets.
- Transitional: Blend old and new cabinet styles when renovating a transitional kitchen. For example, you can combine antique knobs with modern pulls to bridge traditional and contemporary styles.
- Industrial: Raw cabinet hardware materials such as iron or brushed nickel will give an industrial edge to your kitchen. These rugged styles work well with neutral or monochromatic cabinets.
Holland’s Can Help
Choosing the right hardware for your inset kitchen cabinets requires practicality and imagination to weigh style, material, finish, and functionality. The goal is to ensure your inset cabinets are both beautiful and functional. That may sound like a tall order, but rest assured Holland’s Custom Cabinets can help. We are a leading residential and commercial custom cabinet maker, serving California and most of the western United States. Our expert cabinet makers can help you pick the right hardware for your kitchen, so if you need help with your kitchen makeover, give us a call today at 619.443.6081 or visit us online.
