An Existing Home Trend becoming More Popular
Mixing and matching cabinet knobs with cabinet pulls on your kitchen cabinets and drawers is not a new topic, but it is growing in popularity heading into 2025. We see that customers are more frequently ordering knobs and handles together in the same order (40% of orders that have cabinet pulls also include cabinet knobs according to Hapny Home data).
We've seen hundreds of interior design projects and are going to round up the best examples of how interior designers and architects have designed these dream kitchen transformations. This is not rocket science, it is just as much an art as it is a science. We will provide you with some guidelines and guardrails, but then feel free to make it your own.
Why Mix Knobs and Pulls?
First things first — why should you even consider mixing knobs and pulls? One word: balance. Knobs bring a soft, rounded feel that can add charm and warmth to cabinet doors, while pulls offer a sleek, linear look that feels practical and modern on drawers. Together, they create a dynamic, layered aesthetic that makes your kitchen feel thoughtfully designed rather than cookie-cutter.
I recently visited a friend who had just finished renovating her kitchen. She used brushed brass pulls on her lower cabinets and paired them with matching round knobs on the upper doors. Her secret? She wanted her kids to be able to easily open the drawers without fumbling with small knobs, but she loved the delicate touch that knobs added to her upper cabinets. It was functional and beautiful — a win-win.
How to Choose the Right Combination for Your Kitchen
One of the best ways to mix knobs and pulls is to think about the balance of shapes and sizes in your kitchen. For instance, if you have long, horizontal drawers, longer pulls like the ones from Hapny Home's Ribbed Collection can help create clean, modern lines. On smaller upper cabinets, round knobs from our Cabinet Knobs add a playful contrast that softens the overall look.
If you're feeling stuck, here's a quick tip: knobs are often best for upper cabinets or narrow doors, while pulls tend to work better for larger drawers or lower cabinets. It's a practical approach that interior designers have been using for years, and it ensures that your hardware not only looks good but also functions well.
Should Knobs and Pulls Match?
Great question! The short answer is: they don’t have to. Many designers love mixing finishes and styles to create a more curated, layered look. For example, matte black knobs on your lower cabinets can be paired with satin brass pulls on your upper doors for a look that feels collected over time rather than purchased all at once.
Kelly Wearstler, a renowned interior designer, often uses mixed hardware in her projects. One of her most talked-about designs featured polished nickel pulls with antique brass knobs, creating a stunning contrast that added depth and dimension to the space. This proves that mixing metals can bring an unexpected, elevated touch to your kitchen design.
How Many Knobs and Pulls Should You Use?
This is where things get a little subjective. Some kitchens look best with a 50/50 split, while others might benefit from more pulls than knobs (or vice versa). A good rule of thumb is to use pulls on all drawers for practicality and then sprinkle in knobs on cabinet doors for variety.
A designer I worked with on a project in Newport Beach told me she always uses more pulls than knobs because pulls are easier to use on high-traffic drawers. "Think about the cabinets you open the most — pantry doors, cutlery drawers, and trash pull-outs," she said. "These all benefit from the longer grip of a pull."
Mix and Match Finishes for a Unique Look
Mixing finishes in your kitchen is an easy way to create depth and personality. Pairing knobs and pulls in different finishes, like matte black with brushed brass or polished chrome with satin nickel, adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. This approach works well in kitchens with neutral tones or monochromatic palettes, giving your cabinets a layered, designer feel. Mixing finishes lets you customize your kitchen hardware to reflect your style while keeping the space cohesive and modern.
Final Thoughts: Make It Your Own
At the end of the day, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to mixing knobs and pulls. The key is to find a combination that feels right for your space and your style. Take inspiration from these trends, but don’t be afraid to get creative. Whether you go for all brass, mix metals, or stick with one finish across the board, the most important thing is that your kitchen hardware makes you happy every time you open a drawer.
And if you need some inspiration, Hapny Home has you covered with a range of cabinet hardware collections that can help you achieve any look you’re dreaming of for 2025. Start with the Ribbed Collection for texture, the Clarity Collection for modern minimalism, or the Diamond Collection for a touch of sparkle. Whatever your style, we’re here to help you create a kitchen that’s uniquely yours.
