What Color Cabinet Pulls for Kitchen with Mix of Metals

Factors to Consider

Type of Metals

Popular metal finishes for cabinet pulls include:

• Brass
• Bronze
• Nickel
• Chrome
• Stainless steel
• Copper

Mixing warm metals like brass, bronze, and copper with cool metals like nickel, chrome, and stainless steel can create an appealing contrast.

Finish of Metals

The finish of the metals also affects the overall look. For mixing metals, consider combining:

• Polished nickel with oil-rubbed bronze
• Brushed nickel with antique brass
• Satin brass with matte black

Matching the finish, whether brushed, polished, rubbed, or satin, ties the different metals together.

Color Scheme

The existing color scheme of your kitchen should guide the cabinet pull selections. For a monochrome kitchen, stick to one metal type in different finishes. In a colorful kitchen, mixing metals with colored pulls can look lively.

Some popular color and metal combinations for pulls include:

• Gold hardware with navy blue cabinets
• Bronze pulls with green cabinets
• Stainless steel hardware with red cabinets
• Brass pulls with black countertops

Best Practices for Mixing Metals

• Limit to 2 or 3 metal finishes for pulls to avoid a clashing look.
• Use a dominant metal, 70-80% of the hardware, then accent with secondary metals.
• Repeat the mix throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look. Use the same mixes for pulls, faucets, lighting etc.
• Vary textures like pairing smooth satin nickel with textured bronze pulls.
• Match sheen to tie everything together by using all brushed hardware or all polished knobs.
• Consider placement – vary mixed metals in the same area for interest.

What Color Pulls Work with Mixed Metals?

Along with mixing metal finishes, colored pulls help add flair. Some top color choices include:

Black

Matte black, rubbed black, or aged black pulls pair well with almost any metal from brass to nickel for a classic luxe look. They also highlight brighter hardware.

White

White pulls pop against dark cabinetry or stainless steel. Try white ceramic pulls with chrome or nickel for contrast.

Wood

Wood cabinet pulls infuse warmth and complement metals like bronze, copper, and brass. Walnut, maple or stained wood knobs work with both light and dark cabinets.

Clear Glass/Acrylic

Transparent pulls allow the cabinet finish and hardware to stand out. They pair nicely with stainless steel and chrome for a clean modern look.

Multicolor

For the whimsical kitchen, hardware with handpainted colors, mosaic tiles, or colored glass knobs make fun accents when mixing metals. Just don’t overdo it.

Tips for Mixing Cabinet Pulls and Metals by Area

Approach mixing metals methodically for a cohesive look:

Upper Cabinets

Use one dominant metal here like brushed nickel or oil-rubbed bronze for 70-80% of the pulls. Add one or two accent pulls in a secondary metal.

Base Cabinets

The lower cabinets get more wear so opt for durable stainless steel, nickel, or brass pulls here. Incorporate black iron pulls or antique bronze for visual interest.

Island

The island is a focal area so use more ornate hardware like wrought iron, distressed brass, or hammered copper paired with simpler pulls on the base cabinets.

Drawers

Pay attention to drawer pulls since they are visually prominent. Vary shapes and sizes for interest but keep to two mixed metals.

Examples of Color and Metal Mixed Pulls

Some pleasing combinations include:

• Aged bronze hood pull with shiny chrome knobs on white cabinets
• Vintage brass handles on navy cabinets paired with satin nickel drawer pulls
• Glossy white ceramic knobs with oil-rubbed bronze pulls on espresso cabinets
• Simple matte black bar pulls on light gray cabinets combined with copper cup pulls
• Large distressed brass pulls on walnut cabinetry mixed with small stainless steel knobs

The options are endless for mixing cabinet hardware finishes and colors. Just keep the overall style and color scheme of the kitchen in mind when selecting the perfect combination of pulls. Mix metals cohesively and don’t shy away from colors for pulls that pop. With the right eclectic blend of cabinet hardware, you can add personalized flair to your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many metals should you mix for hardware?

It’s best to limit mixed metals to 2 or 3 finishes for a integrated look. Using too many looks busy. Pick a dominant metal for most pulls then add 1-2 accent metals.

Should you mix metal and color cabinet pulls?

Yes, mixing metal and colored hardware can create a fun eclectic style. Limit colored pulls to 25-30% so they provide accents versus overwhelming the design.

What’s the best placement for mixed metal hardware?

Use the dominant metal on upper cabinets for consistency. Add different pulls on lower cabinets and drawers. The island can showcase more ornate accent hardware since it’s a focal point.

Should mixed metals match the faucet and lighting?

It helps to integrate mixed metals throughout the kitchen. If using an oil-rubbed bronze faucet, add matching pulls. For stainless appliances, incorporate brushed nickel or chrome pulls.

What if you don’t like the mixed metal look later?

Cabinet hardware is easily interchangeable. You can always replace pulls with different styles, metals, or colors down the road for an updated look.

Conclusion

Mixing metals and colored hardware for cabinet pulls can add stylish contrast to any kitchen. Keep the overall color scheme and finishes in mind and choose 2-3 complementary metals. Use a dominant metal throughout for continuity and accent with secondary finishes. Don’t forget drawer pulls and opt for durable metals in high-wear areas. Mix in colored pulls like black, white or wood for personality. Approach mixed metals cohesively, and your kitchen can achieve a truly bespoke look full of flair. With unique pulls that reflect your taste, you can create a lived-in style that feels custom-designed.