Replacing your kitchen hardware can completely change the look and feel of your space, whether you’re refreshing your cabinets before a holiday gathering or giving your “forever kitchen” the finishing touch it deserves. To make your trip to Modern Hardware as smooth (and successful!) as possible, here are a few things to consider before you stop in:
1. Bring Measurements—or Your Old Pulls
Before you shop, it’s important to know the right measurements. The key detail is the center-to-center measurement: the distance between the screw holes of your current pulls. This ensures your new hardware lines up perfectly with existing holes. You’ll also want to note the overall length of the pull, since that affects the look and balance on your cabinet doors or drawers.
2. Think About Your Kitchen’s Future
Is this a quick, temporary refresh, or are you choosing hardware for your long-term dream kitchen? Knowing your timeline helps determine whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly fix, or a set of timeless, investment pieces you’ll love for decades.
3. Factor in Your Appliances
If your appliances are paneled, it’s important to know. These doors are much heavier than standard cabinets and require sturdier, often longer pulls. The right hardware ensures not only durability but also a cohesive look across your space. Sleek, streamlined pulls can make paneled appliances blend seamlessly with surrounding cabinets, while more decorative styles can turn them into standout features. Either way, choosing the right size and style keeps your kitchen both functional and visually balanced.
4. Consider Your Finish
From brushed brass to matte black, satin nickel to polished chrome, finishes can shift the entire mood of a kitchen. A finish can either complement your cabinets and countertops or stand out as a bold design feature.
5. Be Honest About How You Use Your Kitchen
Do you love to cook, or is your kitchen more of a “takeout headquarters”? Daily use calls for hardware that balances beauty and durability, while a lighter-use kitchen might give you more flexibility with delicate designs.
6. Set Your Budget and Timeline
Have a sense of how much you’d like to spend and how soon you’d like to update your space. Some brands have longer lead times, while others are readily available to take home the same day.
7. Decide on Paint or Patching
If you’re switching from knobs to pulls—or moving to a different size—you may need to patch holes or even repaint cabinets. Knowing in advance whether you’re open to this makes the selection process easier.
8. Think Beyond the Kitchen
Your kitchen doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Are there nearby spaces, like a butler’s pantry, mudroom, or bathroom, you’d like to coordinate with? While everything doesn’t have to match, a thoughtful flow helps tie your home together.
9. Don’t Over-Match
One of our top tips: your door hardware doesn’t need to match your cabinet hardware. In fact, letting them stand on their own often looks more elevated and intentional.
10. Bring Your Inspiration (If You Have It)
A Pinterest board, magazine clipping, or even a screenshot of a style you love can go a long way. While it’s not essential, it helps us quickly zero in on the brands, styles, and finishes that speak to you.
Stop by the Modern Hardware Showroom Today!
Final Tip: Come ready with questions! Our decorative hardware team is here to walk you through options, offer design advice, and make sure you leave with hardware you’ll be proud to see every time you open a cabinet.