Here's Why Hardware Makes All the Difference in Your Home
Choosing the right hardware for your home can have a significant impact on the overall look and feel of your space. From cabinet knobs and drawer pulls to door handles and hooks, these small details play a big role in enhancing both function and aesthetics.
With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming, but by focusing on style, color, and creative ideas, you can make cohesive, well-thought-out choices.
Let’s dive into how you can select the perfect hardware for your home.
Table of contents
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1. Style: Creating Cohesiveness in Your Home
The style of your hardware should complement your home’s overall design. Whether your décor leans toward modern, rustic, farmhouse, or vintage, there are a few key principles to help you create a cohesive look.
Match Your Hardware to Your Home’s Architecture
For example, sleek, minimalist hardware works well in modern or contemporary homes, while ornate or antique finishes pair better with traditional or vintage spaces.
Consistency Is Key
For a unified aesthetic, try to keep hardware consistent throughout similar spaces. For instance, if you're replacing kitchen cabinet hardware, make sure all the knobs and pulls share a similar shape, material, or finish to avoid a mismatched look.
Consider Complementary Design Elements
Pay attention to the style of other elements in the room, like light fixtures, faucets, and appliances. Your hardware should complement these features without overpowering them. If your fixtures are bold or oversized, consider keeping the hardware understated and vice versa.
2. Color and Mixing Finishes
The color and finish of your hardware can dramatically influence your space’s ambiance. Whether you prefer classic finishes like brushed nickel or want to experiment with trendy matte black or brass, there are several strategies to keep in mind.
Harmonize with Existing Colors
Your hardware should tie into your room's color palette. For instance, warm finishes like gold or brass work well in spaces with warm tones (think rich wood, terracotta, or soft whites). Cooler finishes like chrome or nickel suit rooms with cooler tones, such as grays, blues, or black accents.
For example, take a look at these cabinet/drawer pull color choices and how they look in a kitchen:
Ravinte 30 Pack 5 Inch Cabinet Pulls Brushed Brass
Mixing Finishes
Don’t be afraid to mix and match finishes, but do so thoughtfully.
For example, if your kitchen faucet is matte black, you can use brass hardware on the cabinets to create contrast, as long as it ties in with other brass accents in the space, like light fixtures or decorative items.
A good rule of thumb is to stick to two finishes per room to avoid a chaotic look.
For more tips on mixing metals, check out:
- 6 Essential Tips For Mixing Metals in Your Home by Posh Pennies
- 5 Mistakes People Make When Mixing Metal Finishes & How to Fix Them by Kim Lewis
Think About the Long Term
While trendy finishes can be tempting, keep in mind how they’ll look down the line. Matte black and brushed brass have been popular recently, but classic finishes like chrome, nickel, and oil-rubbed bronze are timeless and versatile.
3. DIY Makeovers: Revamping Old Hardware with Simple Tricks
You don’t always need to replace your hardware to give your home a fresh look. With a few DIY techniques, you can update the look of your existing knobs, pulls, or handles without breaking the bank:
Rub 'n Buff
This simple DIY solution can transform outdated hardware into something that looks brand new. Rub 'n Buff is a wax-based finish available in various metallic colors like gold, bronze, and silver. Simply apply it to your existing hardware to give it a new life. It’s perfect for updating tarnished or out-of-date knobs and handles.
AMACO Rub n Buff Wax Metallic Finish 4 Color Kit - Antique Gold Silver Leaf Gold Leaf Ebony 15ml Tub
Spray Painting
If you have hardware in a finish that doesn’t match your new décor, consider spray painting it. Choose a high-quality spray paint specifically designed for metals, and ensure you clean and prime the hardware first for a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Rust-Oleum 334020 Painter's Touch 2X Ultra Cover Spray Paint, 12 oz, Flat Black
Aging or Distressing Hardware
If you’re aiming for a rustic or vintage look, you can "age" new hardware using techniques like sanding, applying a patina, or using special paints designed to create a distressed appearance.
Testors MM3062-70 Modern Masters Metal Effects Oxidizing Finish Kit-Green Patina
4. Creative Hardware Ideas
If you’re looking to add unique, personalized touches to your home, don’t be afraid to get creative with your hardware choices. Drawer pulls and cabinet handles are a quick, easy, and budget-friendly way to completely change the loook and feel of your furniture. Here are a few of my favorite finds:
I love the Art Deco look, like these gold fan drawer pulls. I can see them working well in a bathroom or powder room:
10 Pack Antique Brass Cabinet Pulls Cup Flat Vintage Drawer Pulls
These copper handles with a patina are unique absolutely gorgeous:
Verdigris Copper Handle T-shaped - hardware
Crystal hardware looks so elegant and I love the idea of mixing and matching styles. These would look great on a bedroom dresser and nightstand set:
8 Pack Champagne Crystal Cabinet Knobs
These bee cabinet knots prove you can really find any design for hardware! This vintage style would look great on a kitchen hutch or buffet table with drawers:
SOFFEE DESIGN Set of 6 Vintage Gold Zinc Cabinet Knobs
I've also been seeing a lot of gemstone-style drawer pulls around. This really depends on your style and color scheme for your home, but I would love these in my bedroom:
Unique White Agate Cabinet Knobs and Pulls Set of 4
Finally, I couldn't resist these Indian ceramic drawer pulls. They're so cute:
Kitchen Cabinet Knobs - Indian Handmade Ceramic Dresser Pull Handle
Choosing the right hardware for your home can elevate the overall design and feel of each space. By focusing on style, finish, and creative ideas, you can create a cohesive, personalized look that reflects your unique taste.
Whether you're installing brand-new hardware or giving old pieces a DIY makeover, these thoughtful details will enhance both the form and function of your home.
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