Kitchen

5 Classic Shaker Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Ideas That’ll Stand the Test of Time

There are countless decisions to make when remodeling your kitchen. From the flooring and appliances to the cabinet style and hardware, it can be difficult narrowing down exactly what you want. One detail that often gets overlooked initially is the type of cabinet hardware you plan to install — and while the hardware may only be a small part of your kitchen aesthetic, it can elevate the look and feel of the space.

If you’ve selected shaker-style cabinets for your kitchen, you’re in luck. Shaker cabinets are a popular choice because of their ability to seamlessly blend into kitchens with a variety of styles and aesthetics. Whether you’re leaning towards a farmhouse-style kitchen or prefer a more traditional look, shaker cabinets can be transformed with elements like kitchen cabinet hardware to bring your vision to life.

Shaker kitchen cabinet hardware is an essential part of the kitchen design process. Do you prefer the look of pulls, handles, or knobs? The best part — if you can’t decide on one, you can mix and match styles for a completely custom appearance. Along with the style, you’ll also need to choose between a variety of color and finish options to complete the look. To help you determine which type of kitchen cabinet hardware is right for your home, Kitchen Cabinet Kings has put together a quick list outlining the best hardware ideas that will stand the test of time.

1. Cup Pulls


A rustic, farmhouse aesthetic is extremely popular amongst homeowners, and for a good reason. Shaker cabinet hardware can transform a space from feeling like a generic kitchen to the farmhouse kitchen of your dreams by installing cup pulls on the cabinets and drawers. Cup pulls come in a plethora of shapes and sizes but often resemble half-moons. This allows you to pull the cabinet and drawers open using a handle that is enclosed on one side. Although cup pulls are most popular for those looking to achieve a rustic aesthetic, there are many types of cup pulls to choose from to match whatever style you’re going for — which is why we love cup pulls for shaker cabinets!

2. Bar Pulls


Over the past few years, bar pulls have become a top choice for shaker kitchen cabinet hardware. They offer a sleek and modern appearance without feeling too sterile (which can sometimes happen in a modern kitchen!). These tubular pulls add clean lines to the space and can be installed both horizontally or vertically on the cabinets. Depending on your preferences, you can opt for bar pulls in a variety of lengths. Or, you can mix and match lengths for different types of cabinets or drawers in your kitchen. Although bar pulls are a more traditional choice, they can add as much or as little flair to the room as you want through the shape and color you decide on.

3. Edge Pulls


Still not sure what hardware looks best on shaker cabinets? If you’re on the fence when deciding on kitchen cabinet hardware, you may want to consider a minimalistic option like edge pulls. This hardware style is not mounted on the front of the cabinet like you traditionally see. Instead, the edge pulls are affixed at the edge of the shaker cabinet or drawer to create a low-profile pull that can be utilized to open and close the cabinet. We love the look of edge cabinet and drawer pulls for shaker cabinets because they let the beauty of your cabinets shine on their own!

4. Arc Pulls


Although bar pulls are one of the most popular styles of hardware, that doesn’t mean they’re everyone’s cup of tea. If you prefer curved lines versus sharp lines, arc pulls could be the perfect solution. Arc pulls can help soften a space and complement the lines on the shaker cabinets and drawers. Similar to all the other types of hardware, you can get arc pulls in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes — all of which will beautifully pair with your shaker kitchen cabinets. Arc pulls are the perfect handles for shaker cabinets.

5. Knobs


Just because pulls tend to be more popular doesn’t mean you should sleep on installing knobs for shaker cabinets! Unlike pulls which often have two connection points for the cabinet door or drawers, knobs have a much smaller profile and only require one hole in the door (preventing blemishes and allowing for flexibility if you decide to change to pulls in a few years!). Cabinet knobs can be purchased in different materials, allowing you to add your own personal touch to the space. Whether you prefer a matte black finish, eclectic pattern, or sleek brass knobs, there’s something for everyone. Knobs are the ideal choice if you have a busy kitchen design or decor because they allow those elements to remain the focal point of the kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pulls are best for shaker cabinets?

If you’ve decided on pulls for your shaker cabinets, you’re likely wondering what size pulls you should install. With many options to choose from, it typically comes down to personal preference. However, most kitchen designers recommend that the pull is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the drawer.

Do I have to install hardware on my shaker kitchen cabinets?

Even though hardware selection is on your kitchen remodeling to-do list, you don’t have to opt for any hardware if you don’t want to! Shaker-style cabinets will open and close properly without hardware, so if you prefer a minimalistic appearance, you can skip it. However, hardware makes opening cabinets much easier, so we often recommend edge pulls if you prefer to keep the cabinet fronts free of hardware.

Where should the hardware be placed on shaker cabinets?

Similar to a door, the hardware should be placed on the front on the opposite side of the cabinet hinges. It is recommended that the knobs or pulls are installed about 2 1/2″ to 3″ from the corner of the cabinet door.

Can I mix and match cabinet hardware?

Of course! Your kitchen can be anything you want it to be. If you want knobs on the upper cabinets but prefer pulls on the lower cabinets, you can mix and match these two options together. However, to ensure the varied styles look intentional, we recommend having the same finish and color for both the knobs and pulls.

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Published by
Andrew Saladino

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