How to Match Cabinet Hardware to Cabinet Color

TABLE OF CONTENTS: How to Choose Cabinet Hardware in 3 Steps Hardware Types: When to Use Knobs vs. Pulls Sizing and Placement: Mastering the Scale and Position Choosing a Finish and Color for Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Installation: Simplifying the Setup & Avoiding Mistakes Start Your Design: Shop Liberty and Franklin Brass Hardware Collections Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Hardware Think of hardware as the jewelry of the cabinet: the essential accent that adds personality and dictates the mood. For over 75 years, Liberty Hardware has been a leader in style, blending trend-inspired art with pragmatic function. We make it simple to elevate your kitchen with high-quality, reliable upgrades to redefine the heart of your home. How to Choose Cabinet Hardware in 3 Steps Selecting the right kitchen cabinet hardware requires balancing style, function, and scale. Begin by choosing a hardware type (knob, pull, or latch) based on the cabinet element. For example, doors typically use knobs or short pulls, while drawers benefit from pulls for better grip. Next, choose a finish that complements your existing fixtures, like the faucet and lighting. Finally, determine the appropriate size and placement, applying the Rule of Thirds to ensure the pulls are proportional to the drawer width for a cohesive, intentional look. Determine Your Style & Finish: Select a style (e.g., bar pulls for modern, classic knobs for traditional) and a finish (e.g., matte black, brass) that coordinates with your kitchen's aesthetic and other metals. Mix Knobs & Pulls for Function: Use knobs primarily on cabinet doors and pulls on drawers and larger doors to optimize grip and daily function. Size & Place Hardware Correctly: Follow the Rule of Thirds for pull length. Position pulls vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers for consistency.  Hardware Types: When to Use Knobs vs. Pulls The secret to a high-functioning kitchen is matching hardware to the task. Use classic knobs for easy-to-open doors and sturdy horizontal pulls for heavier drawers. By strategically mixing these elements, or maybe adding statement-making long pulls or latches to larger pantry doors, you create a space that feels curated.  Knobs: The Classic and Versatile Choice Knobs remain the definitive hardware choice for a reason: they deliver a clean, balanced aesthetic with maximum ease of installation. Because they only require one hole, installing them is a simple DIY upgrade. Knobs shine in traditional or transitional kitchens, providing an ergonomic grip for cabinet doors and light-duty drawers. Cabinet Doors: Both upper and lower doors are the classic placement for knobs. Smaller or Lighter Drawers: They work well where a heavy pull force isn't required. Traditional and Classic Designs: Shapes like round or ball knobs instantly evoke a timeless feel. Cabinet Pulls: Function and Grip Cabinet pulls are necessary in high-traffic kitchens, providing the superior grip and leverage needed for heavy drawers and large cabinet doors. Beyond their utility, pulls are strongly associated with modern aesthetics, with sleek bar pulls offering a clean, linear look. Whether you choose a minimalist bar pull or bold geometric shape, this kitchen cabinet hardware offers enhanced durability and ease of use for hardworking spaces. For Drawers: Horizontal cabinet pulls are essential for ease of use on drawers and appliance panels. For Modern Design: Sleek bar pulls are foundational to modern, minimalist, and industrial kitchens. For Large Doors: Long, vertical pulls on tall pantry doors or built-in appliance panels make them easy to operate and provide a strong vertical design line. Specialty Hardware: Bin Pulls, Latches, and Edge Pulls Specialty kitchen hardware offers the perfect opportunity to tailor your cabinetry. Bin pulls are popular for traditional style drawers, offering a sturdy grip and rustic charm. For those seeking vintage character, cabinet latches provide a beautiful, old-world feel. Because they are more tedious to open, latches are best suited for doors you don't open daily. If your goal is a contemporary, unobstructed look, edge pulls provide a highly modern solution. These mount discreetly to the edge of the panel, making them the standard for minimalist slab cabinetry.        Bin Pulls or Cup Pulls: Cup and bin pulls both feature a closed, easy‑to‑grab design. Cup pulls come in a semicircle shape, while bin pulls can be semicircular or rectangular with rounded edges. These pulls are made specifically for drawers and bring a timeless, stately touch.     Edge Pulls: These are highly modern and minimalistic. They mount to the top edge of a drawer or door, creating a clean lip with virtually no projection. Perfect for slab cabinets.     Latches: Used on cabinet or pantry doors, latches add a charming, antique element, but they are more complex to operate, so they should be reserved for doors you don't open multiple times a day. Sizing and Placement: Mastering the Scale and Position How do you make cabinet hardware look “right”? For a professional result, hardware must be scaled to the cabinetry. Use the Rule of Thirds: picking pulls that are 1/3 of the drawer width, to prevent a mismatched appearance. Finalize the look with strict placement consistency. Use a mounting template to align hardware perfectly with cabinet frames and drawer centers, removing the common frustration of crooked installation.  The Rule of Thirds: Sizing Your Cabinet Pulls For a perfectly balanced result, aim for a 1:3 ratio between your hardware and your cabinetry. This "Rule of Thirds" creates a clean, intentional layout that works across all design styles. If your drawers are wider than 30 inches, the single-pull rule no longer applies; you should use two centered pulls. This approach prevents the hardware from appearing "lost" on a large surface and ensures the drawer remains easy to operate. Kitchen Knobs and Pulls Placement Guidelines Consistency in hardware placement is essential. On cabinet doors, knobs or pulls should be mounted on the stile opposite the hinges, installed 2 to 4 inches from the bottom or top edge, depending on the cabinet's height. When it comes to drawers, hardware must be centered horizontally to ensure a balanced aesthetic and even distribution of weight when pulled.  Choosing a Finish and Color for Kitchen Cabinet Hardware To choose the perfect cabinet hardware color, you must coordinate the finish with your kitchen's palette, fixtures, and appliances. Whether you opt for the bold depth of matte black or the warm luxury of gold, your hardware acts as "jewelry" that harmonizes the room's design. It’s a simple way to create a cohesive design. Matching Your Kitchen's Aesthetic The finish you choose directly correlates to your kitchen style: Matte Black: Ideal for high-contrast, modern, industrial, or farmhouse designs. Brushed Nickel/Stainless Steel: A timeless, safe choice that works across transitional and classic spaces. Warm Metals (Brass, Gold): Adds luxury, warmth, and a touch of vintage appeal, perfect for traditional or glam looks. Matte Bronze: As a design and innovation leader, Liberty often sets the trend. Our Matte Bronze Finish of the Year offers a rich, smooth hue that complements neutral and earth-toned cabinetry, perfect for a cozy, casual transitional style. The Art of Mixing Metals When homeowners ask, "Should your kitchen hardware match your faucet?" the modern design answer is a resounding no. Coordination, not matching, is the key to a curated look. To mix finishes and make it work, follow the Rule of Repetition: ensure any accent metal appears at least twice in the space (for example, matching your light fixtures to your cabinet pulls) to make the choice feel intentional.  If you are wondering what color cabinet hardware goes with stainless steel appliances, remember that stainless functions as a neutral "cool" base. This allows you to introduce warmer tones like matte brass or black hardware without clashing. Just be sure the appliance finish is balanced by another cool-toned element in the room.  Function and Feel: The Ergonomics of Hardware Never overlook the importance of a grip that feels natural during repetitive daily use. For heavy-duty uses like appliance pulls, the hardware must be robust enough to handle significant tension comfortably. Because digital photos cannot convey texture or weight, it’s good to test physical samples in your space. This allows you to verify that hand clearance and comfort meet your standards before the final installation. Installation: Simplifying the Setup & Avoiding Mistakes The fear of making a permanent mistake – like drilling an off-center hole – is the biggest hurdle in any cabinetry upgrade. Liberty simplifies this process by designing hardware with the installer in mind. Our goal is to provide the tools and design solutions necessary to reduce installation anxiety, allowing you to focus on the beauty of your new space rather than the stress of the setup.  Essential Tools and Prep The most crucial step in installation is preparation. Use a Template: Never "eyeball" the measurements. Purchase or create a precise mounting template to guide your drill holes. This guarantees uniform placement across all cabinets. Check Hole Spacing: If you are replacing hardware, measure the existing distance between the center of the two screw holes, often called "center-to-center" or "c.c." measurement. This will help you select a new pull that fits without drilling new holes. Drill Carefully: Use a small bit first, drilling from the front through to the inside to prevent the wood from splintering. Start Your Design: Shop Liberty™ and Franklin Brass® Hardware Collections Choosing the right cabinet hardware is a powerful way to transform your kitchen, proving that the details truly make a difference. With our award-winning design expertise and commitment to quality honed over more than 75 years, Liberty Hardware is your trusted partner. Explore our cohesive whole-home hardware collections, which include cabinet pieces, wall hooks, and door stops designed to unify the look of your space. Shop today and find the perfect finishing touch. Shop kitchen hardware. Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Hardware What is the 1/3 rule for cabinet pulls? The total length of your cabinet pull should be 1/3 of the total width of your door or drawer face where the pull will be installed. Should your kitchen hardware match your faucet? No, matching is necessary, and it could narrow your options. Instead, focus on coordination. Feature each metal at least twice to ensure the look feels intentional. For example, if your faucet is stainless steel (a “cool” neutral tone), feel free to add warmth with bronze hardware, provided you have balance with other cool-toned elements like stainless steel appliances.  What are the modern rules for cabinet knobs and pulls? For a professional, modern look, follow these standard placements: Cabinet Doors: Mount hardware on the stile opposite the hinges, 2 to 4 inches from the top or bottom corner. Drawers: Always center hardware horizontally to ensure even weight distribution and a symmetrical aesthetic. Is it okay to mix knobs and pulls on cabinets? Yes! A good rule of thumb is to use knobs on shorter/smaller cabinets, and pulls on larger cabinet doors and pantries.  What color cabinet hardware goes with stainless steel appliances? Stainless steel is a cool-neutral tone, and it goes with virtually any color cabinet hardware. Mixing metals is a popular theme to create a stunning contrast to the ‘silver’ tones of stainless steel. Consider using gold or black cabinet hardware if you want to create this look. To bring more warmth to the cool tones of stainless steel, you can use warm tones like oil rubbed bronze, deep bronze, or champagne bronze. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Start Early and Have a PlanDeclutter Before You Decorate Organize Entryway for GuestsMaximize Space with HooksMaintain Organization All Year Long Hosting the holidays shouldn’t feel like a marathon. Are you tired of running around instead of soaking up the joy? If the thought of guests makes you want to hide, or your décor feels flat, it’s time to reclaim the magic. One thing can make all this a little smoother this holiday season. Organization. With a well-organized home, it's easier to host friends and family, whether it's for one day or one week. With less clutter, you can be more inspired by your decor and see how to use your space.Let's explore some holiday home refresh ideas that will help you be more joyful this season. 1. Start Early and Have a Plan Starting early is essential for a stress-free holiday season. A proactive approach reduces last-minute chaos.   Begin by creating a general plan of attack. Ask yourself:  What rooms or areas of the house have the most clutter or are in need of organization?  What about that table that always seems to attract clutter? Or the entryway where things end up on the floor? Think of kitchen counters that lack prep space. Outline what needs organizing and allocate time for each task. Break tasks into manageable parts. This prevents overwhelm and ensures steady progress.  Organization Outline Tips •    Create a holiday calendar with key dates •    List tasks and set realistic deadlines •    Delegate, delegate, delegate •    Prioritize tasks by urgency and importance •    Schedule breaks to enjoy your hard work  Urgency vs. Importance  Confusing urgency with importance is common. This is a major pitfall in keeping up with your to-do list. Urgency means it has a stricter timeline, or it needs to happen before something else does. It has more priority than importance. Importance means it's meaningful to get it done, but it’s not critical.  Installing new coat racks is important, but first, you should declutter. Then, decide on the best room and wall to mount the rack. The urgency is to declutter!Make sure you prioritize urgent tasks and don’t let important tasks get in the way. 2. Declutter Before You Decorate  Decluttering lays the groundwork for an organized holiday home. It creates a clean slate for decorations and eliminates unnecessary chaos.  To start, tackle one area at a time. This method is less overwhelming and ensures thoroughness. Go through each room and decide what to keep or donate. Key Decluttering Tips•    Sort items into keep, donate, or discard piles •    Focus on high-traffic areas like the living room •    Prioritize where your guests will be spending most of their time •    Store away non-seasonal items to free up space  By clearing clutter, your home becomes more inviting. You'll also find decorating more enjoyable when you start with a fresh, open space. 3. Organize Entryway for Guests The entryway is the first impression guests have of your home. You want to organize it, especially for the holidays. This makes it easy to hang coats, take off shoes, and move into the house. The solution? Coat racks! They are a lifesaver when you have extra traffic in the house.  Liberty™ 27" 5 Tri- Hook Coat/Hat Rail Entryway organization is where these coat hook racks shine. They are the holiday hero and year-round darling of home organization. Coat racks come in various styles and finishes. They add elegance and provide storage on your walls with a simple DIY installation. This way, you won't need to rush to collect everyone's jackets and scarves. You can also avoid creating a messy pile later! The length and number of hooks will depend on your wall space. Choosing single hooks or double hooks has advantages. Single hooks will look more subtle and streamlined. Coat racks with single hooks will hold less, so they may be suited for homes in temperate climates where people aren’t wearing many layers.  Franklin Brass® Geometric Post Hook Rail Coat racks with double hooks typically use “coat and hat” style hooks. These have two prongs that stack vertically, allowing you to hang a coat on the bottom and a hat on top. Of course, you can use them to layer any items of different lengths in the same way. Franklin Brass® Pilltop 5 Hooks Hanging Hook Rail 4. Maximize Space with Hooks Efficient use of space is crucial during the holidays. Individual wall hooks are great for creating additional storage in bathrooms, kitchens, and closets.  Franklin Brass® Black and Champagne Bronze Decorative Wall Hook They can hold towels, coats, hats, umbrellas, dog leashes, and other commonly used outdoor items.  You can even use hooks for small space storage because they fit practically anywhere.  Tips for Increasing Storage •    Wall hooks for guest towels •    Expand closet storage with coat and hat hooks for hanging multiple items•    Wall-mounted key racks, so everyone knows right where their keys are!•    Clear up counter space by hanging mugs, cups, or kitchen accessories on hooks or hook racks•    Use the Extend-a-Hook foldable hook to hang many items (can even be used with hangers to maximize coat hanging). Simply fold up and away when you don’t need it! Franklin Brass® Extend-a-Hook Strategically using  wall hooks give you plenty of room for guests’ coats, purses, and bags. This means no piles or stacks on benches or tables.   Clear up counter space by hanging mugs, cups, or kitchen accessories on hooks or hook racks. Keeping your kitchen space more organized will help you keep what you need close at hand. It also gives you more room to prep those cute hors d'oeuvres.  With well-placed hooks, you can creatively organize any room in your home for the holiday rush. Wall hooks come in different sizes, offering versatility for organizing spaces but also adding a bit of decorative flair. Creative Uses of Hooks for Holiday Decor •    Use hooks to hang stockings by the fireplace •    Hang wreaths on doorways with decorative hooks •    Drape Christmas garland over the top of hook racks  Installing and decorating with Franklin Brass® Ruavista Coat Hooks Choosing the Right Hook for Your Style Franklin Brass® Classic Edge Coat And Hat Hook How do you choose hooks that blend with your decor style? The easiest way to coordinate is to choose a finish that matches your current hardware. This could be nearby cabinet handles, knobs, or bathroom fixtures. Popular choices include matte black, nickel, or bronze.   Franklin Brass® Casual Farmhouse Coat and Hat Hook Rack  You can also add a pop of contrast for a fresh style by mixing finishes like black and gold, or champagne bronze and white. Gold finishes will naturally add a more festive, warm, and luxurious feel to your holiday home decor.  Use the holiday season as a launching point to have a better organized home. When things have a place, it’s easier to do routine cleaning, and have more time to relax.   5. Maintain Organization All Year Long Keeping your home organized after the holidays can be easy. It just takes a few tips and a little discipline. Franklin Brass® Voisin Double Towel Hook Regularly tidying up helps maintain order and peace of mind. Quick daily tidy-ups prevent clutter from accumulating. Keep It Tidy Tips •    Allocate 10 minutes daily to clear surfaces •    Rotate roles among family members to share tasks •    Create checklists for accountability A tidy home helps create a relaxed holiday mood. This lets you focus on what really matters: enjoying the season with family and friends. Keeping your home tidy can keep that joy going all year long! Browse Franklin Brass® and Liberty™ wall hooks to inspire your holiday refresh. 

Whether you're staking down holiday inflatables, pitching a tent for a backyard campout, or bracing for hurricane season, one thing’s for sure: you need gear that stays put.