Is it Okay to Mix Cabinet Hardware?

Published: October 26, 2021

Updated: October 30, 2023

We’ve always been taught that all the hardware in a room should match because coordinated hardware creates a cohesive look. But what if you wanted to mix up your cabinet hardware?

It depends on what kind of look you’re going for. If you want to have a more uniform and clean-cut room, matching cabinet hardware is perfect for you. However, if you’d prefer a unique and layered space, mixing your cabinet hardware might be the better option.

Here are some rough guidelines to follow when mixing and matching to avoid a chaotic space.

Always match your hardware finishes. If the doorknob is polished nickel, then the drawer pull must also be polished. Polished and brushed finishes are completely different and can throw off the room’s cohesion if paired together.
If you want to make a particular area stand out, such as the cabinet that holds your fine china, use distinct hardware.
Avoid pairing similar materials, such as brass and gold, or chrome and nickel. They are too identical to be interesting.
Keep your hardware to two or three colors maximum.

When done right, mixing cabinet hardware adds texture and character, subtly allows the owner’s personality to shine through and heightens visual interest in a room.

We’ve rounded up a number of kitchen ideas to give you some inspiration. Dig in!

01
of 20

A Harmonious Pattern

Photo: our_sweet_haven

Do you want to mix hardware while still achieving a harmonious look? This kitchen combines two different finishes and hardware styles to create a captivating effect. When working with a look like this, stick to the same pattern throughout. This kitchen uses black drawer handles and brass cabinet door knobs.

02
of 20

Variety in Style

Photo: ourwintonhome

A simple way to inject some variety is by incorporating various styles into your kitchen hardware. The horizontal drawer bars give the room a strong linear effect while the round knobs on the cabinets soften the space. This offers much-needed contrast and prevents the space from becoming boring.

03
of 20

Mixing Designs

Photo: ourwisconsinnest

Although the cabinet hardware in this kitchen comes in two different styles, the black finish on all of it visually ties the room together and maintains uniformity. It’s worth noting that even the door handles are the same, further reinforcing a cohesive look.

04
of 20

Matching with Appliances

Photo: redbrickfauxfarmhouse

The chrome finish hardware on this inviting farmhouse kitchen matches the appliances perfectly, creating a harmonious scheme and allowing the wooden shelves to take center stage.

05
of 20

Sleek and Contemporary

Photo: redesignedspace

Spice up a monochromatic kitchen by using different styles of kitchen hardware. Using both horizontal and vertical door pulls subtly breaks up visual monotony without detracting from the overall sleek finish.

06
of 20

Stand-out Piece

Photo: reems_design

The horizontal drawer pull just below the faucet manages to break the monotony of the round door knobs. It might be a tiny change, but it not only lends drama and flair to the space, but it also prevents the room from becoming boring.

07
of 20

Balance

Photo: lifebyleanna

The several different textures in this room—copper sink, distressed flooring, and wooden island countertop—ooze warmth and coziness. Using sleek, metallic cabinet hardware introduces contrast texture, which tones down the golden hues to balance out this modern farmhouse kitchen.

08
of 20

Introduce Contrast

Photo: moderntexashouse

The pitch-black cabinet door knobs and bars stand out against the pristine white cabinets and drawers, creating a striking contrast that’s equal parts chic and classic. This color combination lends a timeless appeal to this modern kitchen.

09
of 20

Brass on Black

Photo: interiorswag

The color of the brass doorknobs clearly contrasts against the bold black cabinets, giving this kitchen a subdued yet glamorous feel. The glass door pulls on the upper drawers also add to the timeless appeal.

10
of 20

Warm Tones

Photo: caligirlinasouthernworld

The copper accents and gray brick backsplash enrich this kitchen with pops of color and visual texture, while the chrome cabinet hardware complements the warm tones of the hanging copper utensils. Matching the hardware to the appliances prevents a chaotic clash of colors and helps the room feel more balanced.

11
of 20

An Antique Finish

Photo: blessed_ranch

The gold cabinet hardware lends this modern farmhouse kitchen a touch of glamour and a subtle burst of color. Its antique finish also infuses a lived-in, vintage feel to the neutral space.

12
of 20

Soft Hues

Photo: blessed_ranch

The gold finish of the hardware instantly draws your eyes to it and beautifully complements the soft pastel paint on the lower cabinets. The patterned backsplash also adds a layer of depth to the entire kitchen.

13
of 20

Black and White

Photo: adventuresindecorating1

One of the first things you notice about this kitchen is the black cabinet hardware. The dark cabinet knobs and pulls add visual interest to this white farmhouse kitchen without going overboard. The use of different styles of hardware also introduces a bit of variety into this clean white space.

14
of 20

A Simple Touch of Sophistication

Photo: fancyfixdecor

The gold cabinet hardware against the white cabinets introduces a sophisticated vibe to the overall space. The long bar pulls create interest, while the matching accent pieces tie the whole look together.

15
of 20

Simple and Sleek

Photo: designsbykaran

Introduce a modern vibe to your farmhouse kitchen with sleek, polished cabinet hardware. The metallic finish complements the natural wooden shelves and flooring in this gorgeous modern farmhouse kitchen.

16
of 20

Subdued Vibe

Photo: desertdecor

The brushed nickel cabinet hardware reinforces the muted look in this kitchen. The door pull colors work well with both the gray in the cabinets and the backsplash to give this kitchen a rustic country vibe.

17
of 20

Polished Finishes

Photo: cutertudor

If you want a sleek finish within your space, polished cabinet hardware might be perfect for you! The chrome shines against the bright white cabinets, further adding to the crisp and clean look. The reflective nature of the polished finish also visually matches with the kitchen countertop.

18
of 20

Subtle Vibrancy

Photo: caseyjohelton

The pristine white cabinets and walls in this kitchen are very cool-toned. Thankfully, the gold finish in the metal cabinet pulls warms up the interior while adding color contrast and variety to this monochromatic space.

19
of 20

Unique Details

Photo: willowbloomhome

Instead of installing one pull for every drawer, why not go with two for a dramatic look? While these medium cabinets don’t require two pulls, they make a unique statement and add instant drama.

20
of 20

Black on White

Photo: moxieandmint

For a modern look, you can use sleek, black cabinet pulls just like in this kitchen. The cabinet hardware style goes well with the minimalist vibe of this kitchen, with the two round black knobs bringing in some variety.

Zakhar Ivanisov

Meet Zakhar Ivanisov, a Seattle-based entrepreneur and design enthusiast at the helm of Soul & Lane. With a heart full of passion, Zakhar blends his business acumen and a keen eye for aesthetics to create spaces that are as inviting as they are stylish. His venture into the world of home decor and organization reflects a unique fusion of entrepreneurial spirit and a genuine love for transforming living spaces.

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Is it Okay to Mix Cabinet Hardware?

01 of 20

A Harmonious Pattern

Photo: our_sweet_haven

02 of 20

Variety in Style

Photo: ourwintonhome

03 of 20

Mixing Designs

Photo: ourwisconsinnest

04 of 20

Matching with Appliances

Photo: redbrickfauxfarmhouse

05 of 20

Sleek and Contemporary

Photo: redesignedspace

06 of 20

Stand-out Piece

Photo: reems_design

07 of 20

Balance

Photo: lifebyleanna

08 of 20

Introduce Contrast

Photo: moderntexashouse

09 of 20

Brass on Black

Photo: interiorswag

10 of 20

Warm Tones

Photo: caligirlinasouthernworld

11 of 20

An Antique Finish

Photo: blessed_ranch

12 of 20

Soft Hues

Photo: blessed_ranch

13 of 20

Black and White

Photo: adventuresindecorating1

14 of 20

A Simple Touch of Sophistication

Photo: fancyfixdecor

15 of 20

Simple and Sleek

Photo: designsbykaran

16 of 20

Subdued Vibe

Photo: desertdecor

17 of 20

Polished Finishes

Photo: cutertudor

18 of 20

Subtle Vibrancy

Photo: caseyjohelton

19 of 20

Unique Details

Photo: willowbloomhome

20 of 20

Black on White

Photo: moxieandmint

Zakhar Ivanisov

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25 Creative Corner Bed Ideas Worthy of Being Shown

24 Outdoor Coffee Table Décor You Can’t Help but Admire

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