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Kitchen Cabinets: Pulls, Knobs, Cups.... what to choose?

5 years ago

I'm trying to decide on my kitchen cabinet hardware style for a new build. My last kitchen I put in all pulls since the cabinets were a bit more consistent than this kitchen. I tend to like pulls better than knobs since they make a bit more of a statement. I love the look of cups, and have had them in the past with no issues on comfort, cleaning, etc. Just not sure how to mix cups with pulls or should you only mix cups with knobs.... Oh the decisions :)..... Your help really appreciated!







Comments (18)

  • 5 years ago

    I can only tell you what pleases my eyes (and hands)!

    I hate knobs, period. I would only use them on something that has no room for a pull.

    I love using all pulls, preferably at least 5" (because my kitchen is on the small side, I didn't go with larger pulls for the 35" drawer stack, just stayed with 5"). Use 3" only in spots that are too small for 5", because 5" are so much more pleasant to grip and to clean around. I oriented the pulls vertically on the upper doors, and horizontally on all of the lowers.

    I like cups too, but not as well as pulls. I wouldn't like a mix of cups and pulls - that would seem too busy or "jumbled" to me.

    So choose cups or pulls, whichever you like best!

    BTW if you can get "easy-reach" upper corner cabinets, they are a better use of space than angled ones - IMO of course!

  • 5 years ago

    I love the look of those latch style hardware. And I think they make a big statement. I would pair that with knobs. And maybe cups. Probably not pulls tho...
    I LOVE hardware! So fun!!

  • 5 years ago

    I don't have a strong preference on cup/pull/knob. But I do care about how it feels when I grab it. My old kitchen had oval knobs that I didn't really have to grab; I just slid two fingers behind. My new kitchen has all pulls in two size that are comfortable to grab.


    You can definitely mix up knobs, cups, and pulls if you follow some kind of rule. Like cup pulls on top drawers and pulls on lower drawers. Or cup pulls on narrow drawers and pulls on wider drawers. Or cups on drawers and pulls on doors.




  • 5 years ago

    I really mixing the cups and pulls, but when I sketch it out, I'm thinking not..... I've been looking at hardware for hours now and I could be overthinking the whole thing! Would appreciate any suggestions. Sorry for the bad mark up with the red C's are for "cups" and the blue lines are for "pulls" I'm definitely open to all suggestions :) Thanks!!




  • 5 years ago

    Try sketching the lower cabinet pulls placed horizontally, at the top of the door- see if you like that better. They will echo the line of the cups that way. If you are going to put your cup pulls in the center piece, put the pulls in that section also (at the top, though); if the cups will be on the top rail of the drawer front, put the pulls on the top rail of the door. . They will be easier to reach there, and will work just as well to open the door whether centered or over on the opening side of the door.

    ShoppingChef thanked raee_gw zone 5b-6a Ohio
  • 5 years ago

    What style are you looking for in your overall decor? What color finishes? What size? Too many options!

    I couldn’t decide for a long time, so our cabinetmaker left the doors un-drilled. I finally picked out my pulls, but I had to get a jig and drill holes myself. That was nerve-wracking! In my case, I thought I wanted those more angular, slightly craftsman styled handles, but I love these fluted styles that I settled on. They give that more French cottage feel.

  • 5 years ago

    As someone who builds kitchens ....I see no problem with mixing cups and pulls and it is something we do quite frequently for customers, although probably not as much as cups and knobs. if I were to do cups and pulls, I would make sure to choose a pull that is roughly the same size as the cup pull. I would also consider a slightly rounded or curved pull to play off the curves of the cup.
    something else we have done is pulls on the perimeter of the kitchen with cups and knobs just on the island.....to do this the island really needs to be a different color to the kitchen and possibly a slightly different door style.

    Also a note on mixer shelves, I noticed you had one on your plan, from my experience, these sometimes turn out to be less useful than people expect them to be, I would consider changing this to a 3 drawer base cabinet or possibly roll out trays and have the mixer on display in the kitchen or pantry somewhere (if it is a nice looking KitchenAid or equivalent), however that is more of a personal preference, some people would never live without mixer shelves, we even put 3 in 1 kitchen for 1 customer.

  • 5 years ago

    What color is this kitchen going to be? What hardware finish do you want?

  • 5 years ago

    I have an open plan, so walls will be white, the kitchen has light gray cabinets, fantasy brown granite, white/french oak flooring. I wanted to use brushed gold hardware, but the hubs is against that :)

  • 5 years ago

    Sorry, going with chrome finish.

  • 5 years ago

    These are my faves

  • 5 years ago

    I have cups, knobs, pulls and latches in my kitchen and they play well together, IMO. All are polished chrome. Cups are on drawers. Knobs on upper cabinets. Pulls are on trash and spice cabs as well as oversized of same on panel ready DW. Latches are on cab doors under overhang on seating side of island.

    Cup pulls on drawers

    Knobs on upper cabs and pantry. Pull on trash cabinet.

    Latches on doors on backs of island.

  • 5 years ago

    THANK YOU! After seeing your beautiful kitchen I feel much better (guess I was overthinking) Everything does play nicely in your kitchen.

  • 4 years ago

    @nhbaskets I like your kitchen and its colors. Would you mind sharing what your countertops are?

  • 4 years ago

    Thanks @Sumod! My counters are Super White. Eight years in and I only have one etch and still love it!

  • 4 years ago

    @nhbaskets Thank you! Is that super white granite?

  • 4 years ago

    @Sumod my SW is domomite marble. Back when this was installed in 2014, many were trying to claim it was quartzite. Lots of discussion on this subject on the boards here.