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remodel_mama

knobs or pulls on cabinets - function vs. look

remodel-mama
13 years ago

Hi all,

We are still slowly inching along with our remodel. It's finally time to order pulls/knobs for the kitchen cabinets. I was planning to use primarily knobs on the cabinets and a couple of pulls on the larger drawers.

But looking around at kitchen pics online I see that a lot of people seem to use more pulls on cabinets doors. Is it just a choice of what you like the look of better or are pulls more functional? We hve painted cabinets, and the only think I can think of is that there might be less wear on the cabinets with pull since your fingers will be farther away from the cabinet when opening and closing (??)

I am using with Amerock Revitalze knobs and pulls. Shanghaimom used these in her kitchen and they look great.

http://www.thathomesite.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg052114271803.html

Shanghaimom: If you are reading this, just want you to know that I go back and look at your kitchen pics on a regular basis!

Here is a pic of our kitchen so far:

What are your thoughts on pulls vs. knobs on cabinets?

Comments (21)

  • dianalo
    13 years ago

    I like the lines of the pulls from an aesthetic standpoint. I also have some knobs but will use those in a very limited way.
    Try mocking up the pulls and knobs and see which shape and size work for you.

  • breezygirl
    13 years ago

    I prefer pulls for a couple of reasons. 1. aesthetics like Dianalo. They are more appealing to the eye because they look (to me) more proportional to the size of the drawers/cabs. 2. functionality is better for me with a pull--more room to grab for opening. I'm usually in a hurry and sometimes have dirty hands. I can grab a pull and open with my left pinky better than a knob.

    I also agree with Dianalo to mock them up and evaluate.

  • limom_2bts
    13 years ago

    I went through the same indecision with my cabinets. I ended up getting knobs for all the doors and coordinating pulls for the drawers. I'm really happy with the look and I felt better with the combo rather than all of one style.
    BTW, your kitchen is looking great!

  • User
    13 years ago

    Universal Design principals would direct you towards pulls. They are easier for small hands and movement restricted hands. Knobs are difficult for many to use.

  • honeychurch
    13 years ago

    I have knobs everywhere (even my panelled DW), except for my fridge of course :-). I did like the look of bin pulls too but in the end the knobs just ended up working better for us:

  • adh673
    13 years ago

    I ended up going with a mix of knobs, pulls, O rings and D rings. I like the variation. I used knobs on the uppers and pulls on the drawers. I was going to put knobs on the pull outs but my carpenter suggested the pulls are better with higher weight pull outs, so I did that. In my downstairs kitchen, there is wear near the pulls so I actually was concerned with that but in the end did use pulls on the drawers. They have a slightly higher profile than the ones in the basement.

  • remodel-mama
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    thanks everyone! I'm glad I asked... I will try mocking it up and see what works best.

    If anyone has pics of their kitchens with different pull/knob arrangements, please post 'em :)

    Thanks again!

  • mtnrdredux_gw
    13 years ago

    I notice that simple bridge pulls (moreso bin pulls), are in style. The utiiitarian look. Also, people are going with particularly long ones and less often doing two on one drawer front. Just a trend I notice....

  • plllog
    13 years ago

    Re function, really big knobs with flat backs, ones you can put your fingers behind rather than gripping, are even more functional than pulls. :)

    As to what you should use, that's entirely up to how you feel about them. So long as they work for all of your family members and yourself, function is taken care of, so it's down to looks.

  • shanghaimom
    13 years ago

    hi remodel-mama,

    Your kitchen is turning out so beautifully--looks like home stretch!

    I feel strongly about how much I love the pulls, so thought I'd weigh in. If I had done knobs, of course I wouldn't know the difference, and wouldn't miss them--no big deal. I've had four previous kitchens with knobs, and I much prefer the feel of these pulls. They show no signs of loosening, either, which was a constant annoyance for me in previous kitchens.

    My husband and one of my sons are both 6'3" with big clumsy man-hands. They like them, too!!

    Lucretzia ended up using them in her to-die-for kitchen, if you want to see another finished kit pic with the Amerock Revitalize.

    I'm so glad my pics have been a help to you! (-8

    ~Amy

  • remodel-mama
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    Thanks everyone. Still pondering this issue. I think I actually had a dream about knobs and pulls last night!

    Amy - I found myself studying your kitchen photos once again last night!! I love everything about it. I also have 2 boys (10 and 4 yrs) - not sure if they will turn out to be as tall as yours sons - but they definitely are clumsy, so pulls might be good.

    BTW, I am also using the pendants that you used in your kitchen! I just love the simplicity of them.

    We are in the home stretch. I will post pictures when it's done!

  • shanghaimom
    13 years ago

    I stole those pendants from mrslimestone's kitchen...I too, liked the simplicity and warm antique-y finish. But get this--I just covered the glass with paper yesterday!! LOL The naked bulb looks great when it is off, but is so glaring when it is on. (Mine are on a dimmer, which helps.) And, luckily, they are right next to some ceiling cans so they are more for looks than light.

    The industrial-looking clear glass pendants I'm seeing everywhere look so cool but I wonder how many people will be as annoyed by them as I am?!

    Can't wait to see your finished pics!

  • remodel-mama
    Original Author
    13 years ago

    Ok - I'm still not 100% about my decision, but I finally decided to use mostly knobs and pulls on the larger drawers. I placed the order and just got an email that the knobs are on back order. Is it a sign?? Maybe I should have ordered pulls after all...

  • carybk
    13 years ago

    I decided to use knobs on all doors and pulls on all drawers, in the same finish. We have been very happy with the combination-- it helps to signal what is a pull-out (with pull) and what is a cabinet door to open (with knob). Maybe that would be obvious anyway, but I have been surprised in strange kitchens by expecting something to swing open and having it pull out.

  • inspiredisabel
    13 years ago

    Your kitchen is looking fabulous!

    I am having such indecision over the hardware as well! From the finish to the style! I believe that I will be going with a combo of knobs, ring pulls, and pulls although I really love the look of bin pulls.

  • bonniee818
    13 years ago

    We went with all knobs because it was the very last thing we did as the first set of cabinet doors had to be redone due to a dull router bit. Our builder told us most people just went with knobs so that was what we did. I figured we would upgrade down the road sometime. I would do a mixture if I had to do it again. Your kitchen looks GREAT! Good luck!
    Bonnie

  • sumnerfan
    13 years ago

    Gorgeous pull flo.

  • formerlyflorantha
    13 years ago

    Richelieu Hardware. Found it when I was in my Gustavian mode. Comes in four finishes. Surely somebody will someday post a kitchen that uses it.

  • Blanca Rodriguez
    9 years ago

    Five years later - I'm remodeling and have the same kitchen! I'm stuck on the same question on what hardware. If you are reading this please post your final kitchen pics and let me know if you are happy w your knob/pull choice, than you,

  • Lily Spider
    9 years ago

    A couple of weeks ago someone started a thread on this very subject. Lots of great insights/suggestions. You might try to search for that thread.