There are as many finishes available for kitchen hardware as there are finishes for the cabinets themselves, in other words, tons. When selecting finishes for kitchen hardware one has to consider both form and function. In today’s blog article, we want to explain this in some further detail.
Form
You will likely want kitchen hardware finishes that go with or are complementary to other hardware in the house or at least in the room, such as door hardware and/or light fixtures. Assuming that “form” is important to you or how things look, if your door knobs are a matte nickel colour then you may want cabinet hardware to look the same.
The point is that you should at least consider what else is in the room. If you have rough wrought iron door handles, then shiny glass knobs on the cabinets may not look right. Also consider what is used for hardware in adjoining rooms, as we should always aim for a cohesive look throughout the house.
Function
Function is the other main consideration. Is the hardware easy to clean? Will it scratch? Smooth shiny surfaces may get scratched over time. Glass typically does not scratch easily, but glass hardware tends to evoke a certain period in design, and not the most contemporary one. Matte surfaces tend to hide smudges and fingerprints. Rough hardware like wrought iron is unlikely to show dirty at all. However, wrought iron lends a more casual look to a room, which may or may not appeal to you.
In addition to the finish, be sure to consider the surface design and shape. Keep in mind that hardware which is carved or cut out will be harder to clean that something smooth. Sometimes we love how something looks but forget what it will be like to live with. Similarly, cabinet pulls that are round are always harder to manage for children, the elderly, or anyone with a dexterity nor coordination problem. Handles that allow you to hook a finger over or through it are always more inclusive.
We hope that we have given you a solid overview of the different types of finishes that are available for kitchen hardware and the reasons why you may want to select each one. At the end of the day what finish is best for you comes down to your own personal needs and your own personal aesthetic desires. If you need help with your bathroom or kitchen design in Vancouver, and are considering custom cabinetry, give us a call in Langley, BC, at (604) 533-4541.
Elite Kitchens and Bathrooms, based in Langley, BC, is your source for everything custom cabinetry related. As the 2019 winner of the Vancouver Consumer Choice Award, they pride themselves on stellar customer service to match the quality of their cabinets.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about cabinets, we encourage you to contact us at [email protected].