Kitchen Cabinets
Don’t think you need to completely remodel your kitchen just because it or your furniture is starting to look worn out. Changing out old hardware can make a big difference in how things look and how well they work. This easy project can give your space a new look without breaking the bank, whether you want to improve the design of your kitchen, update a bathroom vanity, or modernize a piece of furniture.
Why It’s Important to Replace Hardware
Your cabinets’ hardware is like their jewelry. The right knobs and pulls can make your kitchen renovation or furniture update look better, just like the right accessories can make an outfit look better. If you’re planning a bigger kitchen renovation, replacing the hardware is a good first step before making big changes. It’s also one of the easiest ways to keep up with the latest kitchen design trends or switch to a minimalist style.
Pick the Right Style for Your Room
Before you rush out to buy new hardware, take a moment to think about how your room looks as a whole. Think about smooth metals and straight lines for a modern look. Brushed brass or matte black finishes are very popular right now and look great in modern or smart kitchens. If you like a more classic look, oil-rubbed bronze or classic porcelain might be better. This is especially true for custom-made cabinets (UK) or furniture that looks like it came from a certain time period.
Buy Once, Measure Twice
It’s not as easy as just picking a design and screwing it in to change cabinet hardware. The first step is to measure the distance between the holes on your current pulls. This is known as the center-to-center measurement. If you stick with the same size, you won’t have to fill in old holes or drill new ones. If you’re changing the type of hardware in your kitchen, like going from knobs to handles, think about how it will fit in with the rest of the design.
Before You Install, Plan Layout
Plan out where your new hardware will go before you start drilling or unscrewing anything. Use painter’s tape to mark where things should go, or even tape the hardware in place for a short time to see how it looks and feels. This is especially helpful if you’re putting hardware on new cabinets or rearranging furniture to make your kitchen more energy-efficient and find smart ways to store things in small kitchens.
What You’ll Need to Do the Job
You don’t need all of the tools that a contractor would use for this job. A screwdriver, tape measure, level, and pencil are usually all you need. A power drill and a hardware template can help you work more accurately or when you’re working with tougher materials. Using the right tools makes the installation cleaner and keeps your cabinets and furniture from getting damaged.
Cabinet Hardware Ideas
How to Install for a Smooth Finish
Take your time and do it right when you’re ready to install. If you’re making new holes, use a small bit to make pilot holes before putting in screws. This lowers the chance of damaging finishes or splitting wood. Use your measurements as a guide and make sure the hardware is level. If you’re putting in smart appliances in 2025 or installing a quartz countertop at the same time as your updates, it’s even more important to keep everything in line and symmetrical for a kitchen remodel that looks good as a whole.
Last Steps and Cleaning Up
Once the hardware is in place, clean everything well. Use a soft cloth to wipe away any dust, fingerprints, or other marks left over from the installation. This step not only makes your new fixtures shine, but it also makes sure that your kitchen or furniture looks like it was professionally updated.
When to Get Help from a Pro
Most of the time, replacing hardware is a project you can do yourself, but there are times when you might want to hire a professional to help, especially if you’re working with old furniture or custom-built cabinets. A contractor can help make sure that everything fits together perfectly if you’re making hardware changes as part of a bigger kitchen remodel or adding smart kitchen features.
Conclusion
Changing the hardware on your cabinets or furniture may seem like a small thing, but it can make a big difference in how your home looks. This easy update is worth a lot because it can make the kitchen look more modern and help it meet goals for energy efficiency and sustainability. This step is a smart way to combine style, function, and practicality, whether you’re starting with it or adding it to a bigger kitchen remodel cost calculator 2025 plan.
Before you decide to completely change something, look at the small things. You might be surprised at how much the right hardware can change things.
