HARDWARE | A HOW TO GUIDE:

In my experience, one of the most daunting aspects of building a home is adding the hardware to your cabinets. It’s one of those moments that makes you sweat behind your neck!  Did you measure correctly? Should you have multiple knobs? Should you use a pull? How should you center the hardware? All questions that come to mind before you drill that irreversible hole! Well, don’t sweat it; below you’ll find a how to guide for modern, traditional, classic and contemporary hardware placements.

THE BASICS:

First let’s go over the basic rules of thumb when it comes to drawers. If a drawer is 24 inches or larger, you’ll want to double up on knobs or pulls unless you are using an oversized pull. If doubling up, divide the drawer into thirds and place the hardware in left and right sections of the drawer. For small drawers, center the pull in both directions. If you’ve decided to use an oversized pull, it should also be centered in both directions. These standard practices can be used for hardware placement in any style.

TRADITIONAL PLACEMENT:

Generally, the traditional placement denotes knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. With this style, you will center the knob in the corner of the door frame. However, some traditions are meant to be broken! So, if you are a bit of rule breaker;  use all knobs! This can create a unique, but traditional design.

MODERN PLACEMENT:

Installing pulls on both doors and drawers lends to a stylish modern look. Pulls and knobs can also be interchanged if you aren’t quite ready to make the leap to a full on modern aesthetic. Whether you prefer transitional or modern, your placement guide is as follows. For the upper cabinetry, install the bottom of the knob/pull so it’s  flush with the top edge of the bottom door rail.. For the base cabinetry, the top of the knob/pull should be flush with the bottom edge of the top door rail.. If the standard size pulls just aren’t modern enough for you, try an oversized pull. And, just to make it easy on you – the placement for the oversized pulls remains the same.

CONTEMPORARY PLACEMENT:

If none of the above sparks your interest, try placing pulls horizontally on doors. This is fun and unconventional way to make your space more contemporary. In addition, when using large pulls, you might consider adjusting the placement slightly for a hinge top cabinet. Center the pull horizontally on the bottom portion of the face. Another contemporary option would be placing flat faced hardware on the edge of each cabinet which adds a fabulous dynamic to your space.

Whether you prefer traditional, classic, modern or contemporary design, adding hardware to your cabinets is an easy way to transform any space! For any and all of your cabinetry needs contact a designer at The Affordable Companies to get your project started, visit our website at www.liveaco.com or call 317.575.9540 today!

By: Christina Greive | Polish Interior and Art Design