16 Most Popular Kitchen Cabinet Handles, Knobs & Pulls [2021]

You can definitely mix knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets, but they need to have some sort of cohesive design motif that pulls them all together (no pun intended) so your kitchen doesn’t look disjointed and strange.

For example, you might have knobs and pulls that are all in the same finish, such as stainless steel or nickel, helping them to blend into one another. Ideally, the knobs and pulls should also have a similar style or be from the same collection.

There are no rules when it comes to kitchen cabinet handle choices, but they definitely should match the overall look of your kitchen design.

If you’re going for a classic look with shaker style cabinets, get classic-style cabinet hardware to match. Similarly, if you’re going for a sleek high-gloss modern look, you want to go for steel, chrome, or polished nickel hardware that matches the feel you’re aspiring to.

Don’t forget about practicality and how easy the hardware is to clean, especially if you make a lot of mess in the kitchen!

Some of the biggest trends for kitchen hardware in 2021 include:

• Exposed screws – cup pulls with exposed pulls are very trendy at the moment, giving the space an edgy feel
• Glass knobs – glass knobs used to be popular at the turn of the 20th century, and now they’re back with a vengeance
• Oversized bar pulls – these pulls can be more than 21 inches long
• Aged nickel finishes – weathered-looking nickel is everywhere in 2021, especially in stylish Shaker kitchens
• Matte black pulls and knobs – striking when paired with white cabinets, flat black hardware is having a moment in 2021
• Antique-style knobs – intricate antique brass knobs are great for farmhouse-style rustic kitchens

More often than not, choosing between pulls and knobs comes down to personal preference and taste. However, size and function also play an important role in the decision. Typically, knobs are the best option for cabinet doors, especially ones located at chest height or higher, as putting pulls on cabinet doors of this height can make opening and closing them awkward. While this is generally true, pulls can be an excellent fit for cabinet doors that are located below waist height. One exception to this rule is when you have cabinet doors that are extra long or wide. In this case, pulls are recommended as they are better suited to dealing with the added weight of oversized doors.

Furthermore, pulls are a good idea for particularly heavy doors or slide-out drawers commonly filled with heavy items. The reason for this is that the shape and added size of a pull allow you to get more leverage, making it easier to open.

Cabinet knobs can be purchased at most hardware and home improvement stores as well as through several online retailers. For example, I wouldn’t necessary buy them at the same speciality store when looking for the best refrigerator brands, but when shopping around for pulls and knobs, it is best to stick to vendors who are experienced in the subject and understand which knobs and pulls work best with which kind of cabinets and drawers.

In most cases, most cabinet knobs and pulls can be used with dresser drawers and can be purchased through the same venues as described above. The primary item to consider when it comes to dresser drawers is the size and weight. As we covered above, some drawers can be quite heavy, and knobs might be impractical.

White is such a versatile color because almost anything goes with it. However, some colors have proven to be the most popular with homeowners, such as:

• Simple or matte black pulls for a bold yet pleasing appearance.
• Chrome pulls for a softer yet still aesthetically charming appearance.
• White matte pulls for a minimalist look.
• Brushed brass for an understated yet elegant look

While we have covered some of the timeless pulls and knobs, there are some types that have become quite trendy in 2021, the most noteworthy of which include:

• Long pull bars – long pull bars, especially black matte and chrome, are very popular this year as more and more people are choosing to go with oversized cabinet doors.
• Glass knobs – Although glass knobs fell out of style for many decades, new manufacturing techniques and styles have made them more popular than ever before.
• Rustic/wooden knobs and pull bars – The chic-rustic trend began catching steam around 2019 and hasn’t given any signs of slowing down. Some rustic handles are made out of treated wood, while others are made of stainless steel, brass, and even aged nickel.
• Black matte – Even though it is not a new design or style, black matte handles have maintained a high level of popularity in 2021.

Yes! Unless your cabinet comes with a built-in handle, you will undoubtedly require some kind of hardware to open and close your kitchen cabinets with ease.

It is hard to say precisely what is the most popular piece of kitchen cabinet hardware as one’s decision ultimately comes down to style, budget, and preference. That being said, there are a few products which are purchased more often than others, the most popular of which include mushroom cabinet knobs, center to center bar pull and Tuscany D pulls.

In addition to that, matte block knobs are also trending since black goes well with just about anything.

While some styles are timeless and never go out of fashion, every couple of years, a new set of trends and preferences emerge in the world of cabinet hardware. For 2021, some of the most popular cabinet hardware styles include:

• Minimalism: Sometimes less is more, at least according to minimalists, and this sentiment has become popular in the world of cabinet hardware in recent years. Instead of using flashy or intricate designed pulls and knobs, many people are preferring a more soft, understated look for their kitchen, living room, and bathroom.
• Long Pull Bars: Pull bars of 21 inches or more are more popular than ever, especially when paired with oversized cabinet doors.
• Black on White: Even though it’s been around for decades, the classic white shaker-style cabinets juxtaposed with black hardware are still trendy.
• Brass Hardware: Although more expensive than aluminum or stainless steel, many people love the rich color that brass offers, especially when used as a pull or knob. When choosing brass fixtures, it is important to discern between lacquered and unlacquered hardware. The latter will tend to tarnish over time, leaving it with a rustic appearance, whereas the former is treated to avoid this.