Carpenter’s Secret: How The Right Hardware Makes Any Door Look More Expensive

When it comes to designing your dream kitchen, hardware should never be an afterthought because it can dramatically transform the overall look of your space. From simple bar style handles to traditional shell handles with a sense of character and heritage, there are many different hardware options to consider. 

If you’re starting to plan your kitchen renovation and are feeling a little overwhelmed by all the choices you need to make, let’s take this opportunity to look at some of the questions every carpenter recommends asking yourself when it comes to finding your ideal kitchen cupboard hardware, as well as a few tips on how to achieve an elegant and high quality look.

How to Choose the Right Kitchen Hardware Like a Carpenter

Consider the style of your kitchen 

For a cohesive look and feel, the overall style of your kitchen should inform your hardware choice. Of course, there aren’t any hard and fast rules here, so there is still plenty of room for creativity. This is just a good jumping off point to help you find your perfect hardware. 

Hardware with clean lines and a streamlined profile is generally better suited to more contemporary kitchens, whereas more intricate or characterful style hardware often works well in traditional or rustic kitchens. 

Our Slimline Handle in a stainless steel or satin chrome finish is a prime example of a contemporary handle with a sleek look. Conversely, our Windsor Shell handles in a warm toned satin brass finish have a classic shape and gently curved silhouette that is more in keeping with traditional style kitchens.

Pro Tip: Installing contemporary hardware in kitchens with more traditional and shaker style cabinets can achieve the perfect balance between old and new. Just keep in mind that it’s harder to match modern cabinets with traditional hardware.

Does all my kitchen hardware need to be the same? 

For a cohesive and put-together look, choosing consistent handles across all your cabinetry can be a great option. However, it’s also possible to incorporate a combination of different handles and knobs without disrupting the overall flow of your space. 

There are many different ways to mix and match hardware. You could opt for a mixed metal look by combining matte black and satin brass or brushed copper and pewter handles in the same space. Or you could combine metal handles with wooden or ceramic handles to play with different textures and finishes.

Should my kitchen hardware be the same size throughout? 

It typically looks best to use the same size knobs throughout your kitchen, however, handles should ideally be chosen based on the size of the cabinet. For larger cabinets, a longer handle will look best proportionally. Using a larger handle for heavier items, such as a pull-out larder or built-in dishwasher, will also be more practical, as they are easier to grab onto. 

Pro Tip: If you’re designing a traditional kitchen with wide drawers and you don’t want to choose a long pull handle, installing two knobs can be a great alternative. While this may not be suitable for particularly heavy drawers, it can be a good option for cutlery or utensils drawers, which tend to be fairly lightweight.

How to choose the right cabinet hardware finish

As well as the style, the finish you choose for your hardware really will make all the difference to the overall look of your space. So let’s take this opportunity to explore some of the most popular options.

Gold and brass hardware has a warm undertone and a real sense of character, making either option ideal for a traditional style space. It’s worth noting that while a satin or brushed finish is well-suited to a more rustic style kitchen, lacquered brass or gold hardware often has a brighter look that can elevate a slightly more modern kitchen.

Polished chrome handles have a cooler tone and are surprisingly versatile. Chrome handles with a simple shape work beautifully in contemporary spaces, whereas more intricately designed handles can bring some character to a more formal or traditional space. 

Black hardware has an instantly commanding presence that can be a touch too stark when paired with light or delicately coloured cabinets. However, when paired with cabinets with a dark wood or richly coloured finish, black hardware can look incredibly sophisticated.

Your carpenter will love your Happy Doors cabinets as much as you! 

As well as an extensive selection of both traditional and more contemporary replacement kitchen doors, we also have a range of handles that will enable you to complete your kitchen in style. They’re also incredibly easy to install, so your carpenter is certain to be as impressed with them as you are.

If you’ve got any questions about the measuring process or are looking for some advice on the best options to suit your home, please do reach out to us by calling 0345 257 2526 or sending an email to  hello@happy-doors.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Carpenters and Replacement Kitchen Doors 

Should I hire a carpenter to install my replacement kitchen cupboard doors? 

There are many advantages to hiring a carpenter to help you achieve a professional finish in your kitchen, so it’s an option to consider if you don’t feel confident tackling the task yourself. However, the process of installing Happy Doors replacement doors is incredibly straightforward, and we’ve published a full installation guide here containing all the tips and tricks you’ll need to do a great job.

We’ve also created a separate guide to installing replacement door handles, which can be achieved in just 5 simple steps.

What size hardware should I choose for my cabinet doors? 

Both the size of your cabinet doors and the look you want to achieve should be used to inform your choice of hardware. Generally, larger doors can easily accommodate larger or more elaborate hardware, whereas smaller handles are often better suited to doors with smaller dimensions. However, you can also play around with proportion and scale to achieve your ideal look.