Kitchen Hardware Examples

Refresh your kitchen by updating hardware

By Sabah Karimi

Photo by iStockphoto.com

If you don't want to invest the time and money to remodel your entire kitchen, consider its hardware instead. Kitchen hardware and accessories are attached to cabinets and other fixtures in the kitchen to complement the kitchen's theme, style and design. if you're not keen on undertaking a costly remodeling or redecorating project, consider updating the hardware in your kitchen refresh it. Just remember that regardless of whether you're updating a small kitchen in your studio apartment or a large entertainment kitchen in your home, there are several factors to consider before you select kitchen hardware.

Types

Several types of kitchen hardware can complement new or existing cabinets and doors. Kitchen hardware examples include door pulls and hinges, cabinet drawer pulls, handles, and cabinet door pulls and knobs. Kitchen hardware can be custom-made with specialty materials to complement the design of your kitchen furnishings, or purchased in sets as stock items from home goods or hardware stores.

Styles

Various kitchen hardware manufacturers offer a wide range of accessories with slight variations in finish. Some of the most common styles and finishes for kitchen hardware include antique brass, polished brass, polished chrome, brushed chrome, copper, oil-rubbed bronze, polished nickel, pewter, iron, stainless steel and zinc. Ceramic, glass and wood are other options for kitchen hardware and may be less expensive than certain types of metals.

Themes

When reviewing kitchen hardware examples, consider the theme of the kitchen and your personal tastes. Traditional kitchens may be best suited for hardware made with pewter, nickel, polished metals and natural or synthetic woods. Antique or vintage-style kitchens can be complemented with antique or polished brass, brushed chrome or copper hardware. The modern or contemporary kitchen can be enhanced with ceramic, glass, polished chrome or stainless-steel kitchen hardware.

Installation

Many types of kitchen hardware can be installed with screws and basic hand tools such as a hammer, screwdriver and power drill. However, you should consider hiring a handyman or general contractor to install cabinet hardware and door hardware to reduce the risk of scratching your cabinetry and doors during installation. These professionals can use specialized tools to remove existing hardware and complete the installation in less time, not to mention better quality.

Considerations

When choosing between brands and manufacturers of kitchen hardware, consider the cost of replacement and find out if the hardware comes with any type of warranty coverage. Some brands offer lifetime warranties or multi-year warranty coverage against staining, rusting, chipping and other problems. Spending a little more for hardware that comes with a warranty may help you save money in the long run.