Many people wonder whether the kitchen faucet should match the cabinet hardware when designing a kitchen. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. It’s entirely up to you and your personal preference!
Kitchen hardware refers to the handles, knobs, pulls, hinges and other functional pieces that are installed on kitchen cabinets, drawers and appliances. Hardware comes in a variety of materials like metal, glass, crystal and wood, as well as different shapes, sizes and finishes to suit the style of your kitchen design.
If you want a coordinated look, then you may want to choose stylish kitchen hardware and a kitchen faucet that are the same finish. For example, if you have brushed nickel hardware, then you may want to choose a brushed nickel faucet.
Does the faucet need to match the hardware? Absolutely not! Here’s an example of a matte black kitchen faucet near black cabinets with brass gold hardware pulls.
If you want a more contrasting look, then you may want to pick kitchen hardware and a kitchen faucet that are different finishes. For example, you could choose a brushed nickel faucet for a kitchen with polished brass hardware.
The most important thing is that you choose a finish that you love and that works well with the overall style of your kitchen.
Bold Mixes for Kitchen Hardware
Here are some popular but un-matched kitchen hardware combinations that people love:
- Brass knobs with stainless steel pulls. The different metal finishes add class and create an interesting look.
- Black hardware with an otherwise all-white kitchen. The high contrast can add interest.
- Vintage glass knobs mixed with modern stainless appliances and fixtures. The completely different styles bring antique charm to a modernized kitchen.
- Copper hardware with chrome or nickel faucets. Copper develops a patina over time while chrome and nickel stay shiny.
- Ornate glass crystal knobs with contemporary flat panel cabinets. The knobs bring character to boring cabinets.
- Large oversized pulls on lower kitchen cabinets mixed with standard smaller hardware on uppers. The disproportionate sizes can be fun when done right.
Hardware Mixes to Avoid
When it comes to matching your hardware, just avoid having too many finishes. Multiple finishes used throughout the same kitchen, like brass, bronze, chrome, etc end up looking too busy and disjointed.
The key is to stick with hardware that coordinates well in terms of style, finish, proportions and time period so everything feels harmonious. Simple, clean-lined choices tend to be safest for avoiding mismatched aesthetics.
