by Katie Tejada
There are many considerations and new information to learn when selecting new kitchen hardware. From design to quality, we have narrowed down five essential considerations you shouldn’t overlook when making the investment to upgrade your kitchen. Kitchen hardware is often referred to as your home’s jewelry, so choosing the right fit is going to make a difference in the appearance and efficiency of your home.
1. Know Your Style
Before heading over to your local hardware store or engaging in an endless online search, you should assess the style of your kitchen cabinet doors first. If your new kitchen cabinets have yet to be installed, make sure you know what style they will be before purchasing kitchen cabinet accessories. Are your cabinet doors rustic, traditional, transitional, or contemporary? Pairing your hardware with the kitchen cabinet door style is key to getting the job done right.
2. Know Your Function
Analyzing how comfortable you feel gripping a handle or pull may not be on the top of your list, but it is a key consideration. Knobs and pulls come in a variety of shapes and sizes. For example, round knobs have some advantages over square knobs: if you’re a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to home decor, you wouldn’t get stressed out over a round knob if it were to rotate. Square knobs, on the other hand, could be an eyesore to a detail-oriented individual if they were to tilt on a slant. Considering the small details can make a world of difference in regards to one’s physical comfort and personal preference in their home’s appearance and functionality.
3. Know Your Finish
The hardware in the surrounding rooms should be consistent with the kitchen hardware. This goes for lighting fixtures, hinges, cabinet hardware, and kitchen sink hardware. The kitchen faucet can be an exception to this point. If the faucet itself isn’t the same finish as your hardware but complements the rest of the hardware finish in the room, then go for it. Some choose to make the kitchen faucet into an accent piece. Consider the popular chrome or brushed nickel finish. You should note, of course, that finishes differ depending on the manufacturer.
4. Know Your Budget
Do not underestimate the value of kitchen hardware by shopping for poor-quality bargain hardware. You don’t want to overpay, naturally, but go local and consult a knowledgeable salesperson who can help you locate exactly what you have in mind at the appropriate price range. Solid stainless steel and bronze tend to be more expensive than other finishes. Also, consider the amount of material that goes into pulls versus knobs. Longer pulls may run into the higher price range because they require more material.
5. Know Your Materials
There’s a lot of hand traffic on those knobs and pulls, exposing your kitchen area to germs. Although the majority of kitchen hardware is made of metal alloys, some are specifically anti-microbial. Brass and bronze both boast anti-microbial properties, whereas glass and ceramic knobs will need to be cleaned to reduce the spread of germs in your kitchen. Opting for anti-microbial hardware is a great kitchen cabinet idea.
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Article written by: Katie Tejada
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