Our team's short answer to this frequently asked question is, yes—generally, your kitchen faucet should match your cabinet hardware.
'Think of your cabinet hardware and kitchen faucet like jewelry,' says Xander Shreenan of Dowsing & Reynolds. 'One should complement the other; creating a beautiful and decorative kitchen that has been tailored to perfection. ' However, bear in mind that anything too matchy-matchy can look contrived.
First, color
No, they can match if you want, but they don't have to. Unlike a living room or great room with angles or nooks, everything instantly hits the eye when you enter a kitchen. This means the overall ambiance needs to be coordinated — not necessarily matching.
Single-bowl sinks may best match up with longer faucet spouts or pull-out spray spouts, while double-bowl kitchen sinks work well with pull-down spray spouts. 2. Finish: Will your sink be made out of stainless steel or cast iron? With a stainless steel sink, a faucet with a stainless look matches up nicely.
Measure the countertop behind the sink, and the diameter of the pre-drilled holes and the distance between their centers. The hole dimensions are how to determine what size faucet will fit, before you buy the faucet.
Measure the Faucet Center
In other words, measure from the centerpoint of the far left hole to the centerpoint of the far right hole. Most faucet centers range between 4 and 16 inches, with widespread faucets typically measuring at 6 to 8 inches and centerset faucets measuring at 4 inches.
Size of the Faucet
If the faucet is too small, you may have trouble using it to wash larger items such as big pots and pans since they won't fit comfortably underneath. On the other hand, if the faucet is too big, then you may end up splashing yourself every time you wash your hands or rinse the dishes.
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.
Ultimately, choosing between black or stainless for a faucet is really up to each individual's preference. For me, I think of it as part of the decorative features of the kitchen and lean toward having it match the cabinet hardware and/or lighting.
The different finish names are used to differentiate between kitchen (Stainless Steel) and bathroom (Brushed Nickel) fixtures. These two finishes will complement each other, but it is recommended to use the same brand throughout your design wherever possible if you want your fixtures to match each other perfectly.
For example, if you currently have brushed nickel finishes in your bathroom, you could keep some of the brushed nickel elements and add in a bit of brass and/or black to create an interesting and budget-friendly mix.
As a general rule, it is a good idea to stick with one of the mainstream faucet manufacturers. We have had generally good experiences with Kohler, Delta (Brizo and Peerless), and Moen kitchen faucets. These manufacturers have been in business for a long time and stand behind their products.
Not all sinks and faucets are compatible.
Door handles, fixtures and fittings, and other hardware don't have to match exactly, but they should blend together to make a harmonious space. If you want a cohesive aesthetic, select hardware that's a similar colour to the finish on your fixtures and appliances.
Chrome and brushed nickel cabinet hardware are the most popular choices for traditional kitchens because the colors are understated and match stainless steel appliances, which are common to this kitchen style.
A safe course no matter where you buy is to stick with name-brand products known for quality and reliability. Off-brand faucets often are poorly made, and it's difficult to get parts for them.
Brass, copper, gold and bronze knobs, pulls and faucets introduce rich color throughout a kitchen design and look stunning against a pearly white countertop or cabinet fronts,' says interiors stylist Sara Bird.
Conclusion. In conclusion, while brushed nickel may not be as trendy as it once was, it is far from out of style. Its timeless and versatile nature allows it to fit various design styles and themes. Additionally, the durability and ease of maintenance make it a practical choice for many homeowners.
The cabinet hardware finish should coordinate with the cabinet color. White cabinets look great with just about any hardware finish, but light- and dark-colored cabinets should be paired with hardware finishes that make the pulls—and hinges if they're visible—pop.
Yes, metals like brass are classic, and lucite pulls are glamorous, but a pop of color is where it's at in 2023. Introduce a touch of whimsy into your kitchen with turquoise pulls that pop against white slab cabinets, as seen here in Parisian flat designed by Fabrizio Casiraghi.
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. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
Shiny like chrome, stainless steel is more expensive but gives your kitchen a more sophisticated look. So, for a more luxurious looking kitchen with sturdy, enduring faucets, stainless steel may be your preferred option. Matte Black is a newer finish that has gained popularity in more modern and contemporary kitchens.
Selecting a high faucet as opposed to a low one is partially a matter of taste, but it can also vary based on the depth of your sink (with deep sinks requiring higher faucets) and the height of your cabinets (as low cabinets may make it difficult to install a high faucet).
The faucet should be a few inches above the rim of the sink, but not much higher – as that can cause excessive splashing. The distance the spout reaches into the bowl and where the water falls and hits should also be considered.