How to Mix Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

Mixing kitchen handles can be a design triumph that effortlessly brings personality and charm into your kitchen. However, if done incorrectly, mixed hardware can leave your kitchen looking cluttered and confused.
To ensure you achieve a stylish and cohesive look, we’re here to help. Our guide covers top tips for mixing kitchen handles by style, colour, material, and size so that you can easily transform your kitchen with thoughtfully mixed hardware.

How to Mix Cabinet Hardware in Your Kitchen

Why Mix Kitchen Cabinet Hardware?

Mixing cabinet hardware used to be a design faux pas, but now it’s one of the top trends in kitchen handles for 2024. This shift is driven by the aesthetic benefits of mixing hardware, from creating a customised look to effortlessly highlighting focal points in your kitchen.

CREATE VISUAL INTEREST

Combining different types of hardware adds layers to your design. You can pair different-sized handles or pulls with knobs to bring different depths to the space. This variety can make your kitchen feel more dynamic and engaging.

BRING IN YOUR PERSONALITY

Mixing hardware allows you to showcase your unique taste. If you love vintage aesthetics, for example, you might mix glass knobs with bronze handles. By selecting hardware that resonates with your style, you ensure your kitchen feels like an extension of your personality.

Highlight Design Elements

Using different hardware styles can help draw attention to specific areas of your kitchen. For example, you might use distinctive handles on your kitchen island to highlight this feature. Choosing contrasting hardware for a pantry cabinet can also help it stand out, making this both a design choice and practical.

Can You Mix Knobs and Handles on Kitchen Cabinets?

You can mix knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets. This combination can be both functional and stylish.

Here are some of our tips for mixing knobs and handles effectively:

Use Knobs on Doors and Pulls on Drawers

The best way to combine these two kitchen handles is to use knobs for cabinet doors and pulls for drawers. This approach helps keep your kitchen cohesive while allowing you and your guests to easily distinguish between your kitchen storage.

Cabinet knobs are ideal for your kitchen cupboard doors because they are easy to grasp and pull open. They also come in various designs, adding a decorative touch to your more noticeable doors. Kitchen pulls typically have a longer design, making them better suited to opening heavy or deep drawers.

Maintain Consistent Placement

You can enhance the look of your kitchen by keeping knobs and pulls in consistent locations. This approach creates a cohesive look and makes it easy to identify different storage areas. For example, if you have cabinets and drawers around your stove on a central wall, you might use knobs for all of them. Alternatively, if you have a wall of cabinetry for your pantry, you can use pulls there and knobs for the rest of your cabinets in your kitchen.

Tips for Mixing Cabinet Handles by Colour

One of the most popular ways to mix cabinet hardware is by metal colour. This mixing approach allows you to create a visually interesting and personalised space. However, it can also be tricky because mismatched colours can easily clash and disrupt the harmony of your kitchen. Follow our tips to get this right in your kitchen:

Choose Complementary Colours

Choosing complementary metal colours ensures that all the hardware pieces, despite being different, look like they belong together. This harmony can make your kitchen feel cohesive and considered. Here are some fail-safe complementary metal pairings for your kitchen handles:

Brass and Silver: Brass brings a warm, rich tone, while silver adds a cool, sleek touch. This combination creates an elegant contrast.
Copper and Matt Black: Copper offers a warm, earthy glow that pairs beautifully with the modern, edgy look of matt black. This pairing creates a striking, high impact look that can make your kitchen stand out.
Gold and Chrome: Gold adds a touch of luxury and warmth, while chrome brings a polished, modern feel. This blend of classic and contemporary styles creates a chic look.

Stick to the Same Finish

When mixing different metal colours, sticking to the same finish can provide a sense of unity. For example, you can mix black and nickel handles if they both have a matte finish. This consistency ensures that the varied elements enhance each other instead of clash.

How To Mix Kitchen Handles by Material

Kitchen cabinet handles come in a wide variety of materials, including metals, wood, leather, glass, and ceramic. Choosing to mix different materials is a subtle yet highly effective way to add depth and texture to your kitchen design.

Here are some practical tips to succeed at this look:

Combine Natural and Industrial Materials

Mixing natural materials like wood or stone with industrial materials like metal can create an intriguing contrast. The natural elements often bring warmth and softness, while industrial materials add a modern edge. This combination can make your kitchen feel balanced.

Use Contrasting Textures

Incorporating materials with different textures can enhance the tactile experience of your kitchen. For example, consider pairing smooth metal knobs with knurled metal handles or cool, faceted glass knobs with supple leather straps. Your unique pairing of textured materials can be an understated way to show off your personality.

How To Mix Cabinet Hardware by Size

Mixing cabinet handles by size is a great way to play with scale and create visual impact. However, it's important to ensure that the handles remain practical and functional.
Keep these two tips in mind when mixing handles by size:

Use Statement Handles for Impact

Large, statement handles can be used on prominent cabinets or drawers to draw attention. These handles can act as a focal point and add a sense of drama to your kitchen design. It’s essential to pair these with simple, smaller handles throughout the rest of your kitchen to achieve a harmonious effect.

Select Proportional Sizes for Balance

When mixing handle sizes, it’s crucial to maintain a sense of balance. Ensure that smaller handles are used on smaller cabinets and larger ones on pantry cupboards or bigger drawers. This proportional approach keeps the design cohesive and functional.

FAQs

Is it okay to mix different cabinet hardware styles in the kitchen?

Yes, it is fine to mix different cabinet hardware styles in the kitchen. Doing so can add character and uniqueness to your space. The key is to ensure that the styles complement each other and fit within the overall design theme of your kitchen.

How can I ensure that mixed cabinet hardware looks cohesive and intentional?

To ensure that mixed cabinet hardware looks cohesive, stick to a common theme, such as colour or finish. Maintaining a consistent placement also helps keep your kitchen look intentional and well-designed.

Is it better to mix hardware styles on upper and lower cabinets or within the same cabinet section?

Mixing hardware styles on upper and lower cabinets can create a balanced and structured look. However, you can also mix within the same cabinet section if done thoughtfully. The key is to maintain some level of consistency, such as a common finish or colour.