One of the best and quickest ways to give a kitchen a new look is to put new hardware on all the drawers and cabinets. When you are looking for cabinet hardware, it’s important to think about the décor of the kitchen. How does it look? What kind of decorations does it have? What about the rest of your house? Is it traditional or is it more contemporary? Keeping with the general theme of the house is a good idea, and it will make sure that all of the items in the house are in sync and will match.
Anyone who knows how to work a screwdriver can install drawer pulls. It is a simple two step process. Step one: unscrew the old drawer pulls. Step two: screw in the new ones. Make sure that you have a good fit by using the screws that came with the new pulls, however you might still find them a little too loose. If that is the case, then you should add washers to the screws so that they will tighten up without splitting or cracking the wood. Finish your project with a small dab of white glue or nail polish on the screw so that it will not loosen back up.
Instead of the popular round stainless steel cabinet knobs that have been trendy for the past few years, why not try to revamp your cabinets and find wacky fun knobs? Keep the hinges simple, and change your cabinet knobs to something fresh, colorful, flowery if you like, or just plain modern with different shapes all around. For instance, one cabinet door can have a knob in the shape of a spoon, the other a fork, the next one a knife, etc. You can find almost any kind of knob you can think of if you just search the net and order them. You can also go to the nearest large hardware store to see the selection in person.
When it is time to do some repair work on cabinets, no matter what type they are, you should start with a careful inspection of the cabinet hardware. If the hinges are sagging or the pulls and knobs have seen better days, then take this opportunity to replace them. Instead of replacing or refacing your cabinets, a new finish and new cabinet hardware could be all that you need to give the whole room a low cost but very effective makeover. Not only will they look better, but they will work better as well.
Back plates can be the area behind the kitchen stove or behind the sink and are frequently referred to as other names such as a back splash. They are used to protect the area from water or grease splashes. Back plates can be a great way to add more flavor to the kitchen and should be complementary to the décor that is already in place as well as functional. For instance, a red and white toile kitchen would benefit from the look of a copper back plate. Blue would be set off with a shiny silver or matte gray plate as well.
Whether they are for drawers in the kitchen, the bathroom or to revive and rejuvenate an antique piece of furniture, buying new pulls might be one of the best ways to accomplish that. Whether you are looking for shiny, matte or uniquely shaped pulls, you can create a look that is perfect for the room or the piece that you are working with. From double pulls to animal or other whimsical shapes, the drawer will become more of a focal point with a new finish and new drawer pulls. More than just a way to open a drawer, they can be pretty as well as useful.
When you think of knobs, you automatically think of doors, of course. But, they do not always mean doors, drawers or cabinets and you can often find unique ways to use knobs that you might have never thought of before. A collection of crystal or clear glass knobs for instance, can be mounted in a row on the wall to hang coats and clothing in a unique way. A great doorknob can take a boring door to a whole new level whether they are a great color, a unique shape or a different type of material.
While shopping for cabinet handles you must keep certain things in mind. First, see to it that the handles can bear the load of your cabinet doors, since handles are primarily functional units without which you might never have been able to handle your cabinets. Larger cabinets will require larger handles, as they have bigger screws for strong attachment. Next, keep in mind the style and theme of your room. You can continue with the existing theme or create a new one. Cabinet handles can dictate the theme. Next, you must choose the right material. Now, this might depend on your budget. Copper and brass handles are quite expensive. Machine-made glass, acrylic and crystal handles are comparatively cheaper. However, do not compromise on quality, as your new handles must last at least a couple of years.
Cabinet hardware can be categorized into two main types: the visible ones and the concealed ones. Knobs, pulls, lid stays, catches and latches are visible, whereas hinges, drawer rails and rollers remain concealed. While shopping for cabinet hardware never underestimate the concealed parts because your cabinet and drawer strength depends mainly on them. If you do not buy the right size hinges and rails, your cabinet doors will wobble and squeak and your drawers will be noisy. The visible parts are handled the most and play an important role in aesthetics. Therefore pay attention to the style and finish or else they will soon look old and worn out.
One look at your old furniture and you will be able to tell how much work went into making those metal drawer handles. Some are rustic, but some are carved like jewelry. No amount of technology can create the same magic. Pulls are very significant pieces of hardware even today. Take a look at an online store. Although you may not see the intricate carvings of yesteryear, you will definitely see pulls of all shapes, sizes and finishes. They are fixed with two screws, unlike knobs, which require one screw. Some come with backplates that accentuate and strengthen them. Polished, brush finished and lacquered ones will display different degrees of sheen. Glass ones are tinted for added effect.
