So you’ve chosen all your big ticket items for your kitchen renovation, but what about your kitchen cabinetry hardware?
While it might not seem so important, kitchen cabinet hardware can provide the unique finishing touch you’re looking for. But, if you make the wrong decision, you may end up dating your kitchen, or even make it hard for you to use efficiently.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the main considerations you should be making when purchasing hardware for your kitchen cabinetry and doors, (including some of the materials you can choose from) and when to contact the experts at Builders Discount Warehouse for assistance.
What to Consider When Choosing Kitchen Hardware
As previously said, the hardware for your kitchen cabinets and doors can sometimes make or break a design, so you want to choose carefully when selecting the right hardware.
In this section, we’ll break down some of the factors you need to keep in mind when selecting your kitchen hardware, and their impact on your finished design.
Size
Sometimes size doesn’t matter, but when it comes to choosing the right hardware for your kitchen cabinets and doors, it really does.
If you pick a cabinet handle that is too small, you might not be able to use it as well as you want to, whereas if you choose one too big, it might look a little clunky and out of place.
Comfort & Functionality
One of the biggest mistakes we’ve seen clients make when designing their perfect kitchen is prioritising aesthetic and how the space feels over what may be one of the most important considerations: comfort and functionality.
Trends come and go, but what you really need to prioritise is comfort and functionality. Think about how you use your cabinetry, when it needs to be accessed, how and by whom.
For instance, if this cabinet is where you store your sharp knives, you may want to opt for hardware that is tricker for little fingers to open. But if the purpose of your cabinet is to store your little one’s snacks and you want them to be independent, an easy close solution might be right for you.
Making sure you choose door or cabinetry hardware that feels comfortable is just as important as choosing pieces that look good.
Placement
Where you put your kitchen cabinet hardware also has an impact on the type of hardware you choose, and how functional it will be in the long run.
If you, for example, intend on placing the hardware in the middle of your drawers, will they be accessible to everyone who needs to use them? Is the bottom left hand corner better for the type of hardware you’re considering, or would it look better on the bottom right corner?
Some of these things can be fixed after installation, but changing it might result in damaging the cabinets (which is why you need to make the decision beforehand).
Installation or Removal
The good thing about kitchen cabinet hardware is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be permanent. But sometimes it’s harder to install or remove new hardware than you originally thought.
If you suspect you might want to change your hardware in a couple of years, consider:
– if it’s really the hardware you want to go with
– if changing it will damage your cabinets and doors
Materials & Finishes
There are so many different types of materials and finishes you can choose from for your kitchen hardware. Just some of the options you have are:
– brass
– chrome
– polished nickel
– bronzed
– wood
And because there are so many options, renovators often find themselves confused. While you could opt for what’s trendy and new, is it really the material and finish you want to go with, and will continue to love in years to come?
Just ask all those designers who hopped on the “matte black/matte white” train if they’re regretting their decision (but if that’s your personal preference, who are we to stop you?).
Style & Cohesion
As with finishes and materials, there are also a number of styles you can choose from. You might want a sleek, modern look with your cabinetry hardware, or you could be looking for something more ornate, like glass or an intricate pattern.
Perhaps you want all your cabinetry hardware to match, or are you looking for a point of difference between your upper and lower cabinets. Should your hardware match your appliances or do you want to make a statement?
It’s all something you need to figure out when shopping for the perfect kitchen hardware.
Exposed Versus Concealed Hinges
This point is one that you probably have not already thought of. With such a huge range on the market, you also now have choice regarding whether you want your hardware hinges to be seen, or hidden away.
This will influence the options available to you, and may even affect the overall design or finish.
Quality, Cost & Warranty
When choosing the perfect hardware, some people are put off by the cost of paying for quality. But remember that you don’t always have to pay a fortune in exchange for good quality hardware.
When to Contact Builders Discount Warehouse
If you want quality hardware for your kitchen cabinets, but don’t want to pay a premium for the privilege, speak to us at Builders Discount Warehouse. Whether you know exactly what you’re after or need help with the finer points of your kitchen design, we’re always here to help.
Discover our full range of kitchen hardware and accessories by contacting the team today.
