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The Muscle and Sinew of Cabinetry
November 15, 2023
The use of quality hardware is essential in every kitchen as shoddy hardware can cause functional problems besides reducing the aesthetic appeal of the space
Kitchen hardware must be accorded as much importance as that given to other aspects of kitchen design - traditional, transitional, contemporary or somewhere in between, as it is this that lends a subtle yet definitive influence in determining the final feel to the space. Having a beautifully designed kitchen with great flooring, walls, latest appliances, cabinets etc but inefficient hardware that makes opening and shutting cabinets and drawers a nightmare would ruin the effect completely. Most designers emphasise the importance of ensuring no compromise in this regard.
There are many types of hardware available for kitchens, but basically, they can be categorised into two types: invisible and visible. Knobs, handles, pulls etc are visible hardware and enhance the visual appeal in addition to improving functionality. Hinges, back plates, door catchers, latches, slides with ball bearings and rollers, tracks, spring-loaded sliding pulls etc are invisible hardware or hardware that is not seen from the outside of the cabinets/drawers. These are essential for the smooth functioning of the furniture.
Hardware, visible as well as invisible, adds to both the look and function of the kitchen. Photo Courtesy: Utturkar's Wood Culture
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For a kitchen, the most prominent hardware is the cabinet, drawer handles and knobs. Deciding between knobs or handle pulls is purely a personal choice. Though aesthetically one may look better than the other, either one will function equally well with both cabinets and drawers. However, knobs, pulls and handles have to be chosen with care.
Knobs are generally attached with a single screw and handles with two. These are generally crafted out of wood and metals like brass, copper, stainless steel, pewter, nickel or silver coated, chrome-plated and even expensive crystal and glass.
It is often argued that choosing the right knobs, handles and pulls for one’s kitchen cabinets and drawers is an art. As it is very easy to go wrong when choosing hardware, it is important to take time and choose the right ones that enhance the décor of the kitchen as well as make the furniture extremely functional.
Cabinet knobs present an affordable and fairly quick way to change the look of the kitchen. These are available in a wide variety of materials. Common options include metal knobs like aluminium, brass, bronze, chrome, copper, iron, pewter, silver and stainless steel. Glass knobs that are traditionally seen on bedroom dressers do tend to add a lovely and elegant accent to kitchens as well. These are scratch-resistant, durable and have a finish that does not wear off as easily as wooden or plated knobs. Wooden knobs too are a great option since they blend in with most cabinets and can easily be painted. Plastic knobs are a common and affordable option as well.
Quality hardware uplifts the design of the cabinetry and woodwork, making it more appealing. Photo Courtesy: Hettich India
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Colour Consciousness
Another aspect to take into consideration when choosing knobs for cabinets is the colour. Wooden knobs can easily be painted to achieve the desired colour. As for metal ones, the choices are polished, antiqued or rubbed versions. Brightly-coloured pulls help bring some excitement to a plain kitchen, while a polished and shiny option offers a more modern look that perhaps will be in style for years. Even though knobs may seem like just a small part of the kitchen, they can have a large impact on the aesthetics. Thus it is important to choose a knob that is comfortable, durable and complements the look of the space. For instance, if there are contemporary knobs/handles for cabinets that have a clear-cut traditional design and appearance, it will not gel. Likewise, very small cabinets fitted with oversized handles will stick out like a sore thumb.
Overhead flap fittings make cabinets easy to open. Hinges are extremely important for cabinets – there are various types available. Soft close, overlay and self-closing overlay hinges are some that are extremely functional. Back plates and door catchers for cabinets and concealed runner systems work well.
Drawers should be easy to open and close, and for this proper kitchen hardware is essential. Tracks and ball bearings for slide-out shelves, spring-loaded sliders and channels should be of good quality. Concealed smooth motion runner systems are a boon for drawers. Catchers are essential as these keep the drawers from sliding out inadvertently and falling down, causing physical or material damage.
Colour Consciousness
Another aspect to take into consideration when choosing knobs for cabinets is the colour. Wooden knobs can easily be painted to achieve the desired colour. As for metal ones, the choices are polished, antiqued or rubbed versions. Brightly-coloured pulls help bring some excitement to a plain kitchen, while a polished and shiny option offers a more modern look that perhaps will be in style for years. Even though knobs may seem like just a small part of the kitchen, they can have a large impact on the aesthetics. Thus it is important to choose a knob that is comfortable, durable and complements the look of the space. For instance, if there are contemporary knobs/handles for cabinets that have a clear-cut traditional design and appearance, it will not gel. Likewise, very small cabinets fitted with oversized handles will stick out like a sore thumb.
Overhead flap fittings make cabinets easy to open. Hinges are extremely important for cabinets – there are various types available. Soft close, overlay and self-closing overlay hinges are some that are extremely functional. Back plates and door catchers for cabinets and concealed runner systems work well.
Drawers should be easy to open and close, and for this proper kitchen hardware is essential. Tracks and ball bearings for slide-out shelves, spring-loaded sliders and channels should be of good quality. Concealed smooth motion runner systems are a boon for drawers. Catchers are essential as these keep the drawers from sliding out inadvertently and falling down, causing physical or material damage.
Drawers should be easy to open and close, and for this proper kitchen hardware is essential. Photo Courtesy: Hafele India
Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more. Avenir Light is a clean and stylish font favored by designers. It's easy on the eyes and a great go to font for titles, paragraphs & more.
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Why Quality Hardware?
Quality hardware uplifts the design of the cabinetry and woodwork, making it more appealing. Beautiful cabinetry paired with substandard hardware is a sure-shot aesthetic disaster!
Quality hardware increases the functionality of cabinetry and woodwork. Sturdy handles, knobs and pulls make it easier to open and close cabinets, drawers, doors etc. No matter how fancy-looking a knob is, one that comes off in the hand while attempting to open a cabinet is of no use. Similarly, a drawer that does not move back and forth smoothly would hinder functionality. Poor quality internal hardware is prone to rusting easily and these in turn would malfunction eventually. Substandard hinges would creak and also prevent the doors from shutting properly, causing unsightly gaps.
Quality hardware would cost more upfront; however, in the long run, it is equivalent to saving money as it is bound to last longer. Quality hardware helps in preventing accidents. A pull coming off in the hand could cause one to fall backwards; a drawer with a substandard safety catch might slip out and fall, causing serious injury. Quality hardware along with beautiful cabinetry and woodwork would add to the market value of the home. Quality hardware adds to style and glamour. But the most important aspect is that it saves a lot of time and prevents hassles in the future. Once they are in place there is no cause for worry at all!
Brightly-coloured pulls help bring some excitement to a plain kitchen, while a polished and shiny option offers a more modern look. Photo Courtesy: Hafele India
How to choose hardware for kitchen cabinets
Customising a kitchen is indeed a big undertaking; after planning and designing on a large scale, it might be tempting to put little thought into choosing the cabinet hardware. However, high-traffic rooms deserve detailed attention, right from the selection process to installation. For one, the hardware should complement the kitchen design. Also, the type of hardware to be used -- knobs, pulls, or both, needs requisite attention, with each option having its own benefits.
Knobs are typically less expensive than pulls, and they only require one hole to be drilled into the cabinetry. While usually a cabinet calls for a single knob, using two is also an option, as cabinet drawers are heavier than doors. The minimalistic look of knobs-only cabinetry can be very appealing.
Cabinetry that only features pulls tends to present a more transitional or modern look. Pulls tend to be more functional on heavy drawers and are ideal for ageing hands that have limited strength and flexibility.
It is common to have a mixture of knobs and pulls in the kitchen. Knobs are most commonly placed on doors, and pulls are placed on drawers. Each kitchen and the cabinetry within it is unique, therefore it is best to mix and match. Of course, certain choices enhance the aesthetics of the space like a hardware finish that will add contrast to the cabinetry. It is common for cabinet hardware to match or compliment visible cabinet hinges as well as faucets and fixtures within the design space.
It is common for cabinet hardware to match or compliment visible cabinet hinges as well as faucets and fixtures within the design space. Photo Courtesy: Blum India
The size of the hardware is another pertinent factor to be taken into account. For example, oversized cabinetry such as large drawers for pots and pans or built-in appliances, it is best to consider longer length pulls (such as 6”, 8”, 10” or 12” centre to centre) or oversized knobs with a diameter of 1-1/2” or larger. For standard size cabinetry, the most common pull sizes are 3”, 4”, 96mm and 128mm centre to centre. If the cabinetry is pre-drilled then even the hole-spacing must be measured so as to get the centre-to-centre measurement.
Of course, certain things are a given but deserve mention like single pulls or knobs on drawers should be laterally centred and slightly higher than the vertical centre, door length should be visually divided into four quarters and the knob kept in the middle two quarters, among other things.
Eventually, the choice is governed by factors like design, style, finish, size and budget. Hardware, visible as well as invisible, adds to both the look and function of the kitchen. To ensure that appropriate hardware is selected for use, organisation and planning should be such that it contributes to both the style and functionality of the kitchen.
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