Elevate Your Shaker Kitchen Cabinets with These Hardwares Ideas

If you’re diving into the world of kitchen renovations or simply looking to spruce up your cooking space, you’ve probably come across the timeless charm of Shaker-style kitchen cabinets. These beauties strike a balance between classic and contemporary design, offering so many opportunities to create a stylish kitchen. 

But before you get lost in the excitement of new cabinet doors and fresh paint, let’s talk about something equally important: hardware. Those knobs, pulls, and handles might seem like minor details, but they can make or break the entire Shaker cabinet aesthetic. 

This is a guide for choosing the perfect hardware for your Shaker kitchen cabinets – because sometimes, the smallest things can have the greatest impact!

What to Consider when choosing Hardware for Kitchen Cabinets

Now, let’s get down to hardware selection. When it comes to choosing the right pieces for your Shaker kitchen cabinets, there are a few practical points that deserve some real consideration. Here’s what I’ve learned on my hardware-hunting journey:

First things first, I always think in the long-term. Durability is very important. Kitchen renovations don’t happen every day (or even every decade). So I want hardware that’s going to stand the test of time – at least a good 10 years or so. 

Though personal tastes might change, I still want the option to keep the same hardware without drilling new holes. So I’m keeping an eye out for pieces that match the existing hole pattern.

Speaking of holes, let’s talk about pulls. If you’re leaning toward drawer pulls like I did, here’s a tip to make your life easier: always look for standard hole distances.

I once bought a drawer pull that is 3.5” between the two holes, but then the product got discontinued! And I had just added another cabinet that needed matching hardware. It was really hard to find a replacement. 

Now, let’s discuss the messy stuff – stains. Our kitchen cabinets frequently come into contact with sauces, oils, and other kitchen messes on a daily basis. That’s why I would go with hardware that’s stain-resistant, easy to wipe clean, and won’t tarnish much from saucy encounters.

Personally, I don’t find water-resistant hardware a big deal in the kitchen, unlike in the bathroom where the hardware has to deal with more moisture. In the kitchen, it’s more about handling splashes and the occasional wipe-down. But a little water-resistance wouldn’t hurt, if that makes you more comfortable.

Last but definitely not least is ergonomics. Since I’m going to be grabbing those handles and pulls multiple times a day, I want them to be comfortable to hold and very easy to open. No one wants to struggle when reaching for their things.

Hardware Types

Let’s talk about the two main types of hardware that can jazz up your Shaker kitchen cabinets: pulls and knobs. These little things might seem small, but they can change how your kitchen looks and works.

Pulls 

Pulls are like the helpers of your cabinets. They’re not just there to look nice – they’re also super easy to grab and open. 

When you’re in a hurry to get your cooking stuff, pulls make it a breeze. They come in different sizes and styles, so you can find ones that match your kitchen’s style.

Knobs

Knobs are like the classics of cabinet hardware. They have a timeless style that goes well with Shaker cabinets. They’re like the quiet heroes – small but strong. 

Knobs fit nicely in your hand, and they can give your kitchen a consistent look. You can find knobs in old-school or modern designs, so there’s something for everyone.

Hardware Finishes

This is where I really get excited: choosing hardware finishes for Shaker kitchen cabinets! These finishes might only seem like decoration, but they can really transform your kitchen’s vibe.

Gold

Starting with the classics, we have gold. It’s a timeless finish that adds a touch of elegance.

When you choose the right gold hardware, it can make your kitchen look kind of fancy and put-together. It’s like adding a touch of luxury that can catch everyone’s eye.

Black

If you’re feeling more modern, black hardware is your go-to. It has a cool, modern vibe and can even add a bit of an industrial feel. 

The best part is its versatility; black goes with pretty much everything. You can use a little bit of black to give your kitchen a balanced look.

Nickel

Next up is nickel – both polished and brushed. Personally, I prefer the polished nickel. It’s got a shiny, sleek look that adds a touch of warmth which works with brass really well. 

Brushed nickel isn’t my first choice because it doesn’t quite have that classic charm.

Bronze and Chrome

Bronze and chrome are also common choices, but they’re not my top picks. Chrome hardwares is readily available, but it can be a bit too cold and hard to match with gold hardware if you have some in your kitchen. Bronze hardware is too red or orange for me, and doesn’t look as good.

They might work better if your kitchen has a specific style that calls for them. For example, you might want to go with bronze or chrome hardware if your kitchen cabinets are dark. They would stand out much more when paired with that.

Creative Hardware: Wood, Leather, Glass, and Ceramic

What about something more creative? You might have already seen hardware made from wood, leather, glass, or ceramic. You might go with these if you’re feeling brave. 

Though they’re cool and unique, I’d say they’re better suited for a dresser or a nightstand. Putting them on all your kitchen cabinets might be a bit too much personality, so I tend to stay away from these.

Mixing and Matching Hardware

Now, let’s explore a trend that’s taking the world of Shaker kitchen cabinets by storm – the art of mixing and matching hardware. 

If you’re looking to break away from the ordinary and spice up your kitchen with a little more personality, this might just be what you’re searching for.

Combining different hardware styles on your Shaker cabinets is like putting together a stylish outfit. It can easily add more character and personality to a plain kitchen. 

This trend has become really popular because it lets you curate a kitchen that’s uniquely yours. You can say goodbye to the formal builder-grade look, and hello to a kitchen that feels more curated and eclectic.

Well, how can you successfully pull off this stylish mix? Here are some tips to guide you:

Stick to a Consistent Finish

Even when mixing different hardware styles, you should always aim for a consistent finish. This helps tie everything together and prevents your kitchen from looking like a hardware mishmash. 

Whether you’re into gold, black, nickel, or another finish, keep it consistent for a polished look.

Complementary Shapes 

Mixing hardware styles doesn’t mean you have to stop caring about design at all. You still have to consider things like choosing shapes that complement each other. 

For example, pairing pulls with similar curves or knobs with matching edges can create a sense of harmony even amidst the variety.

Test Before Committing

Before going all-in with your mix-and-match hardware, I highly suggest trying out different combinations on a small scale first. Just place different pieces side by side to see how they go together. 

Since it’s not immediately permanent, this trial run can save you from any hardware regrets down the line. 

Shaker Cabinet Hardware Ideas in Real Life

Are you ready now for some inspo? Take a look at these Shaker kitchen cabinets with various hardware styles!

Knobs for door & pulls for drawer

This is my very own IKEA kitchen. I used gray shaker cabinets and mix&matched them with gold drawer pulls and gold knobs. I mixed 2 hardware lines from Rejuvenation here. I really love how my kitchen turned out after I remodeled it. This is what it looked like before.

And this one’s my master bathroom. I decided on a white shaker cabinet instead of gray. I used the same line for the hardware, but a different type from Rejuvenation. 

Just like my kitchen, I also remodeled our master bathroom, and it also looks so much better now than before.

All knobs

This is a project I’m really proud of: my DIY Bathroom Floating Vanity. I chose a black shaker style for this one and made the cabinet front very wide.

I actually got these knobs second hand on Facebook Marketplace, at just $25 for 13 knobs. So I had a lot of freedom with them and decided to place 2 knobs per door.

These are high quality solid brass knobs, which makes them really stand out from the black shaker cabinets. I love this classic combo and I believe you can never go wrong with black and gold.

All drawer pulls

This is also a beautiful example of a Shaker Kitchen Cabinet design. Though they didn’t mix and match knobs and pulls, I think the sense of consistency still makes it look great.

From what I can tell based on the size of the front cabinet, it’s the same hardware but just in a different size. I see they’re a fan of the gray and gold combo just like me.

Mix of three types of hardwares

Now this one definitely has a lot more variety. I noticed that they’ve mixed and matched 3 different types of hardware here. 

In some ways, 3 different types of hardware can add more interest, but you should be careful when doing it because it has the tendency to look too busy if the kitchen is too small.

Black hardware with white shaker

Unlike the previous examples, the hardware here isn’t gold, but black, which is also a great choice. I like how the mix and matching done here seems to be for practicality; they used pulls for the drawer, and knobs for the doors.

White shaker cabinets and black hardware is a classic match and can often create a farmhouse vibe. Definitely a thumbs up for me.

Resemblance of pulls and knobs

I really like this one as well. They used a very long pull for the drawers, which would make them much easier to open.

The mixing and matching was done well in this one. You can see that the knobs and pulls match the same style, even if they are different hardware types.

BEST Shaker Kitchen Cabinet Hardwares

And finally, here are the best hardwares for your shaker kitchen cabinets. These are all my personal recommendations, so feel free to explore them!

Rejuvenation Mission Drawer Pull 

I love Rejuvenation’s Mission Drawer Pulls. These are the ones I used in my kitchen. I chose the Aged Brass finish and love how it achieves a perfect balance between polished and brushed!

Great choice if you’re looking for something simple, but classically vintage and very versatile.

Rejuvenation Massey Round Cabinet Knob

I have to say that Rejuvenation’s Massey Round Cabinet Knobs work really well with their Mission Drawer Pulls. That’s exactly the hardware mix I used in my kitchen. And it’s great that they have the same finish and color options, so you can really match the style of different hardwares.

Rejuvenation Sommerville Cabinet Knob

Rejuvenation’s Sommerville Cabinet Knobs are the ones I used in my master bathroom. I love the industrial and vintage look of these sturdy knobs. They’re also made of solid brass and you have 5 finishes to choose from.

Baldwin Mushroom Cabinet Knob

Baldwin’s Mushroom Cabinet Knobs have an interesting shape, like a mushroom, which really caught my attention. I like the unique touch it adds to a simple knob. Made of solid brass, I find that these knobs are durable and dependable.

Rejuvenation Vernon Bin Pull

I’m really a fan of the classic but graceful design of these Rejuvenation Vernon Bin Pulls. They have a little more personality than standard pulls, while still remaining versatile and timeless. Don’t be intimidated by the shape; it’s still very functional and comfortable to use.

Rejuvenation Mission Bin Pull

Can you tell that I really love the Mission Line from Rejuvenation? Their Mission Bin Pulls are no exception. I like the simplicity of this one, with the straight lines and blocky shape. These would be great to mix with the Mission Drawer Pulls for your Shaker Kitchen Cabinets.

BEST Hardware for your Shaker Kitchen Cabinets Summary

So are you ready to start shaking things up in your Shaker Kitchen with some new cabinet hardware? I hope you were inspired by the ideas in this post.

There are endless possibilities when choosing hardware for your shaker kitchen cabinets, so I’d love to see what combinations you come up with! Please share them with me and pass on the inspiration 🙂

Good luck, and enjoy mixing and matching!

Other kitchen ideas

Best and worst IKEA kitchen organizers

IKEA Kitchen organization ideas and tips

Best kitchen roman shades for a stylish and cozy kitchen

Pin it for later