True Position Cabinet Jig
Prevent Damage and Perfectly Align Hardware
TRUE POSITION JIG
IN THIS GUIDE:
› modern brass: cosmas handles
› curved stainless: amerock handles
› industrial: knobonly handles
› traditional: haitis handle bars
Finding the latest modern kitchen cabinet handles requires combining the latest in kitchen colors and materials with your budget, taste, and kitchen.
While modern hardware varies from older designs, such as farmhouse cabinet hardware, the differences can be subtle as trends can repeat over decades of change.
However, with most modern kitchens being clean lines, painted white or bolder shades, and traditional wood, there is no single best handle. And colors will range from nickel, gold, brass, bronze, and even chrome based on the cabinet color and your tastes.
A few things to know when buying quality kitchen cabinet hardware:
- Only buy high-quality, all-metal knobs and pulls
- Always use a cabinet hardware jig for installation
- Be sure to buy a few different styles and try them before drilling
- Lastly, don’t be afraid to try something different – it might not be the look you wanted until you try it on the cabinet
Tip: You can purchase extras and store them away when buying cabinet hardware. You’ll never know when you need a replacement or add another cabinet and need a match.
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Cabinet Hardware Handle Designs, Materials and Sizes
Page Contents
Before jumping into the types of modern kitchen cabinet handles best for your project, it is best to know a little about the kinds of handles and how they are constructed:
- Styles. There are ten main handle styles: arch & bow, bail & drop, bar, birdcage, cup, finger, pendant, recessed, ring, and square.
- Material. Handles are constructed from four materials: crystal & glass, metal, stone, and wood.
- Size. Handles range from just under 2 inches to handlebars that can be three feet or longer. Most range from 3 to 6 inches, however.
- Finish. Look for colors to range from just about any standard color (white, black) to oranges, blues, and others. Finishes for metal will vary by material, including gold, bronze, silver, and more.
- Finish types. Metal handles are often finished in brushed, oil rubbed, painted, polished, powder coated, or even left unfinished.
Brass Is Back In Modern Cabinet Handles
See on Amazon: 5-INCH / 128MM MODERN BRASS PULLS
While modern kitchens are predominately white, a trend with these cabinets is to bring back the high-quality metal feel of bronze and even gold cabinet handles.
Available in lengths starting around 5 inches, as measured by the hole-to-hole distance, these handles give both a high-quality look and a functional feel.
Modern Handles on White Painted Cabinets
See on Amazon: AMEROCK CENTER PULLS
With one of the biggest complaints in hardware being it catches on clothing, these slim, designed yet modern handles are aesthetic and sleek.
Available in sizes from 3-3/4 up to 18 inches, you’ll also find these can be customized to your cabinets and size preferences. Not sure about Amerock? Well, they have been long-time manufacturers of high-quality cabinet hardware.
Note below, a similar style modern handle paired with high-end wood cabinets.
Modern Clean Steel Kitchen Pulls
See on Amazon: Modern Round Pulls With Industrial Foot
Sometimes, hiding how a handle is connected to the kitchen cabinet isn’t always the purpose. And with these modern pulls, the round handle is accentuated by a bold rectangular base.
You’ll find similar handle bar-style hardware in various tones and lengths to fit your kitchen.
Modern Cabinet Handles With Flexible Lengths and COlors
See on Amazon: MODERN BLACK HANDLE BARS
From doors to drawers, a simple handlebar that provides enough aesthetics without requiring thought on its match is a popular choice.
Fortunately, these both modern and traditional handles are available in a wide variety of colors and lengths. Plus, high-grade versions are durable as they are made from solid steel bars.
Gold Handles For Modern Painted Kitchens
See on Amazon: GOLDENWARM HANDLES
A few years ago, most kitchens wouldn’t dare to put brass or gold handles in the kitchen. But, as designs have grown and the move to painted cabinets has stayed, the options have grown.
A highly functional and square-designed handle is a popular modern cabinet hardware choice for anything from white to blue cabinets.
Sleek Curved Pulls for Modern Cabinets
See on Amazon: RAVINTE CURVED HANDLES
With millions of kitchens featuring maple, cherry, or other natural grained wood, sometimes the highlight shouldn’t be the handle.
And these modern hinges are pleasing to look at and easy to use with a large curved handle but don’t take away from the cabinetry look.
Modern Cup Pulls For Any Style Kitchen
See on Amazon: SILVER CABINET KNOBS
No one hardware defines a specific look for cabinets.
And one of the classic modern choices is a stainless cup pull – which also blends a farmhouse-style look and is stylish all in one.
Modern Kitchen Resources
Every year the definition of modern changes. And so, for 2022 and 2023, the following are great resources for the latest in high-end modern kitchen development and design:
- Modern Kitchen Industries
- Home and Garden Modern Kitchens 2022
- Homes and Gardens 35 Trends in Kitchens
While obvious to most, the trend in cabinets has been and continues to be white, monochrome, or other painted variations focusing on flat fronts. Traditional woods with rich finishes, decorative edges, and curves are popular (but not modern in design).
Top Modern Kitchen Cabinet Handles
- PREMIUM MATERIAL: Plustool Gold Cabinet Handles...
- SAFE DESIGN OF ROUNDED EDGES: The modern euro...
- MEASUREMENT: Hole Centers: 3 inch(76mm), Overall...
- TWO SIZES SCREWS: We offer 1" and 1.57" screws...
- WIDELY COMPATIBLE: Suitable for different styles...
- 365-Day Evaluation: We believe you'll find value...
- MODERN: Functional & elegant, These matte black...
- Enduring & STRONG: 30 bar pulls made of stainless...
- Simple look: The black cabinet handles have a wide...
- MEASUREMENT: Hole centers(CC):3 Inch(76mm), Total...
- High Quality:With advanced technique, the drawer...
- Wide Application: Perfect for cabinet, closet,...
- Packaging: each handle has its own package, which...
- Measurement: Hole Centers(CC):5 inch(128MM);...
- ★ Measurement: Hole centers: 5inch(128mm);...
- ★ Package Include: Matte black cabinet pulls...
- ★ Easy Install: Drill holes at the place where...
- ★Excellent Service: Best quality and service is...
- ★ Widely Compatible: Modern drawer pulls,...
- Long-lasting Material: Crafted from stainless...
- Round Edge Design: Upgrade your kitchen with our...
- Easy Installation: Our black knobs offer two sizes...
- Reliable Customer Support: If you have any...
- Measurements: Overall Length: 2 inch (50mm),...
- ❤️High-quality material: Zinc alloy solid...
- ❤️MULTI-PURPOSE: Fits for doors for any...
- ❤️BASIC INFORMATION: Pack of 6 pastoral...
- ❤️PACKAGE INCLUDE - Each cabinet handles...
- ❤️PERFECT SERVICE: We will patiently answer...
Last update on 2024-11-17 at 23:50 / Images from Amazon
How to Install Kitchen Cabinet Handles
Once you’ve selected the hardware, the easiest part is over.
You must follow a few simple steps to safeguard the investment in your cabinets and time to avoid damage to the cabinets. Let’s look at a few installation tips and tools that will save you time and potentially save you money as you avoid damage to your cabinets.
Of course, you can always hire a professional to help you with your project. And if you need more time, it’s always the best option.
Use a Cabinet Hardware Jig to Install the Knobs and Pulls
If this is your first time installing cabinet hardware, you likely don’t know there is a special jig.
While cabinet hardware jigs are topic to themselves, in a nutshell, they are drill jigs that will quickly and accurately set the location of the holes for your handles and knobs.
I’ve used the inexpensive Tourace Cabinet Hardware Jig for smaller projects. But if you install larger handles or a complete kitchen, it’s worth investing in a professional-grade jig. And, there is only one on the market in the True Position Tools cabinet hardware jig.
Tools Needed
- Cordless Drill
- Screwdriver
- Cabinet Hardware Jig
- 3/16″ drill bit
- Hacksaw (optional)
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use pulls or knobs on cabinets?
While there is no right or wrong answer, as aesthetics and function are involved, a common approach is pulling drawers and knobs on smaller cabinet doors. Some kitchens will use this mix and vary the design by adding pulls to more oversized cabinet doors to balance the size and weight.
Should I match my cabinet hardware color to my door hardware?
When matching cabinet hardware with door hardware, it’s common to use the same color if the door and cabinets are the same base color. For example, white doors and white cabinets nearby should be the same color. However, if the cabinets are a different wood or paint, mixing up the hardware finish to match the cabinets, not the door hardware, is more accessible.
Is it better to have handles or knobs on kitchen cabinets?
The choice is personal at the end of the day. While knobs are less expensive, a handle or pull is easier to grasp, and some believe it keeps clean.
Are pull or knobs more modern?
While some believe that knobs are an older fad and are used because of the lack of pulls and handles, there isn’t a difference Between one versus the other for being more modern. Instead, look at the color and design of both the knobs and handles. Some will mix the two on doors and drawers to balance the weight of heavier shell-style pulls with the minimalist knob appeal.
- About the Author
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Eric has been a professional woodworker for over thirty years and has worked in small cabinet shops making everything from kitchen cabinets to hand-made furniture. Now working from a home woodworking shop Eric is sharing his passion for woodworking, tool advice and how-to knowledge from his Minnesota-based woodshop.
