What's the Difference? The main difference between kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls is the shape. A pull gives you plenty of room for your hand to hold. A knob, on the other hand, is usually a round or square handle designed for several fingers to grasp.
There are many ways to mix and match hardware! And although there's no one hard and fast rule on when to use knobs versus pulls, consistency is important. You want to make sure your hardware size is appropriate to the drawer width, but from there you can carve out a plan based on personal preference.
Cabinet pulls give a sleek visually appealing look to cabinet doors and drawers. What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer.
Knobs are traditionally used on doors and offer a more classic look, while pulls are often used on drawers for easier functionality. However, many modern kitchens use pulls on both doors and drawers for a sleek, cohesive appearance.
If you want a space that leans towards more of the traditional side, the general rule to follow is knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. However, because bathrooms have small drawers and spaces, it is perfectly acceptable to use all knobs or pulls while still maintaining a traditional or modern look.
Knobs are often used on smaller drawers, such as those on bathroom vanities or on upper cabinets, while pulls are typically used on larger drawers and lower cabinets. Another key difference is how they are attached to the cabinet. Knobs require only one screw, while pulls typically need two.
Matte black kitchen hardware remains a top choice for 2024, continuing to dominate as a versatile and sophisticated option for modern kitchens. This sleek finish adds a touch of elegance that pairs beautifully with various cabinet colors and styles, and offers the perfect balance of boldness and refinement.
Ceramic Knobs
“[Ceramic knobs] are pretty common in older homes, but because they were so popular decades ago, they'll make your home feel a bit stuck in the past,” Cole adds.
Replacing knobs with handles is a quick way to update a kitchen while making it more comfortable and convenient to use. Low-end cabinet handles can be priced as low as $1 each. High-end handles range between $15 to $20 a piece.
And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
The 1/3 rule in cabinet hardware is a design guideline that helps achieve balanced proportions when selecting drawer pulls and cabinet handles. According to this rule, the length of the pull should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door.
Pulls 3-7 inches in length will sit the most comfortably on doors less than 24 inches tall. Cabinet doors 24-36 inches tall are best adorned with pulls 7-12 inches long, while cabinets taller than 36 inches such as pantries, built-in appliances and pullouts should be accompanied by pulls longer than 12 inches.
Drawers and cabinets range in size, so it can be difficult to determine what size you need. While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width.
Does cabinet hardware have to match your faucet? No. But, traditionally kitchens and bathrooms will match hardware finishes to the faucet to tie the finishes in the room together. Matching cabinet hardware to your faucet creates a cohesive look.
One tip to note when choosing knobs, round ones will never look crooked, while square knobs (and other shapes) can look off-kilter if the screw rotates over time. Pulls are a great choice for larger, heavier drawers.
Knobs or pulls is really a personal preference! I'd say my aesthetic leans more traditional, so I prefer knobs on doors and pulls OR knobs on drawers. The good news is… you can use either and the end result will still look amazing!
When choosing between knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinet hardware, consider cabinet pulls for a modern, sleek look. Pulls are also a great choice for big, heavy drawers. Opt for knobs for a more traditional feel and for use on cabinet doors.
Your Shaker cabinet hardware will consist of cabinet knobs and pulls, most likely a mix of both. Knobs tend to be used for cabinet doors, pulls tend to be used with both doors and drawers.
Mixed Metals. One of the standout trends for 2024 is the use of mixed metals. Combining different finishes like bronze, stainless steel, and black hardware can create a dynamic and visually interesting kitchen.
Shaker-Style Cabinets
Known for their simple design and recessed-panel doors, Shaker cabinets have been in style for more than 100 years. Shaker cabinets are popular in farmhouse kitchens, but they also work with a variety of home decor styles.
For those who prefer subtle sophistication, brushed nickel is a classic that never goes out of style. Its soft, muted sheen adds a touch of elegance without feeling flashy, making it a beloved choice for transitional and traditional spaces alike, the perfect match to our Veranda and Valencia door styles.
For those who prefer a more subtle, understated look, brushed nickel and stainless steel finishes remain popular in 2025. These finishes are timeless, versatile, and easy to incorporate into almost any design style.
The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.