When selecting the right hardware for your home, there are many determining factors to consider. From aesthetic appeal to functionality, be sure to do your research to ensure you choose the best option for your needs.

In this article, our experts at Paddington Hardware have compiled four tips to help you select the most suitable options for your home's cabinet and door hardware.

1. Understand the Type of Hardware You Want for Your Home

Door and cabinet hardware can be found in a variety of different styles, finishes, and colours. Before you get to these stages in the selection process, it helps to first understand what type of hardware you want for your home. There are many to choose from for each door and cabinet throughout your interior, including:

• Knobs
• Levers
• Sliding handles
• Cup handles
• Bar & T-Bar handles
• Bow handles
  

While there is no industry standard for which handle is most appropriate in residential properties, there are some preferences in the industry for specific applications. For example, knobs are considered a superior solution for your hinged cabinets, whereas cup handles might prove better suited to your drawers. 

It also helps to consider the functional impact of your chosen architectural hardware design. Using the examples above, how would knobs versus pull-handles influence how you interact with your kitchens and bathrooms? 

2. Review the Required Size of Your Hardware

When selecting your cabinet and door hardware, take a moment to stop and consider the appropriate sizing for each. You want to review the size of each handle, knob and pull in relation to the wider door, drawer or cabinet to ensure they are within proportion.

For example, smaller, more delicate options can have a remarkable effect on compact kitchen drawers, but might look ridiculously undersized when attached to larger doors, such as pantries or island cupboards.

You can find sizing and placement guides that can direct you on this matter, but when designing your property’s interior, remember that you have the freedom to take some risks. Oversized knobs or more subtle pulls, for example, can quickly inject a sense of character and personality into your room, so be bold when looking for casual or luxury home interior design ideas.

3. Consider Your Preferred Style with Your Door and Cabinet Hardware

Once you have a firm understanding of the type of hardware you want to introduce to your property, you can proceed to think about the style of your hardware. This is where you can begin looking through our wider home hardware selection, searching for more luxury home interior design ideas, or finding options that match your current style choices.

Those who prefer modern, contemporary designs should hone their focus around hardware with sleek lines, minimalist profiles and cleaner edges. If you would like to introduce something with a bit more character, opt for knobs, pulls and levers with a more ornate design, such as ridged details, intricate textures, and curving silhouettes.

4. Select the Right Contrast of Finishes Within Your Home and Hardware

In the world of finishes for your hardware, there are many options to choose from, including:

• Polished Finishes: From polished brass to polished chrome, these finish types offer a shinier, brighter addition to your home. Users will find a highly reflective surface that delivers some radiance to a space.

• Satin & Brushed Finishes: Each piece of hardware with this finish will have undergone a brushing or electric plating process to ‘soften’ the appearance of the metal. This works wonders in concealing watermarks and fingerprints, leaving them as perfect options for kitchen and bathroom hardware.

• Living Finishes: Certain finishes will transform over time with oxidation, developing a unique patina. This form of ‘living’ finish will generally be found on hardware without a lacquer applied and will either darken, lighten, or even change into a stunning turquoise green, depending on its environment.

You will also need to consider how these finishes work with the wider materials in your space. For example, if you have plenty of wood cabinetry in your kitchen, you cannot go wrong with bronze or brushed nickel cabinet and door hardware. If you have more of a contemporary style with plenty of white and grey tiles in your bathroom, you might be better suited to polished chrome. 

Think of the ambience you are trying to create and select a contrast of finishes that achieves it.

Discover More from Our Home Hardware Selection Available at Paddington Hardware

Armed with the information above, review our extensive selection of home hardware products and more available. Alternatively, if you would like any further assistance in selecting the right cabinet or door hardware for your home, please contact us at Paddington Hardware today.