--- title: 8 Steps to Choosing the Best New Hardware for Cabinets description: Picking new hardware after cabinet painting? Tips for knobs, handles, finishes, and spacing for refinished cabinets in Omaha. image: https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hubfs/IMG_0627-1.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/8-steps-to-choosing-the-best-new-hardware-for-cabinets#maincontent) [ «  Learning Center ](https://brushandrollpainting.com/learning-center) # 8 Steps to Choosing the Best New Hardware for Cabinets July 15th, 2026 4 min read By [Kaylea Kuhlman](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) ![Lower kitchen cabinets freshly painted white with black knobs on drawers and doors.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_0627-1.jpg?width=4928&height=3264&name=IMG_0627-1.jpg) 8 Steps to Choosing the Best New Hardware for Cabinets 6:54 ## **Key Takeaways: ** > - Bring a cabinet door with the new paint or stain with you to compare finishes in real life > Decide between knobs or handles early to simplify your choices > - Match hardware to your home’s style, not just what is trending > - Check hole spacing before buying to avoid extra work > - Choose hardware that feels comfortable, not just looks good > - Use your inspirational photos as a guide You just refinished your cabinets, and now you are stuck trying to choose hardware. You scroll online, walk through stores, and everything starts to blur together. You might even worry that one wrong choice could throw off the whole project. At [Brush & Roll Painting](https://brushandrollpainting.com/), we have worked with homeowners across Omaha since 1996. We have seen how small details like hardware can change the final look of a cabinet project. While our focus is on prep work and high-quality finishes, we also guide homeowners through decisions like this so the end result feels complete. This guide will walk you through simple, clear steps to choose cabinet hardware with confidence. You will learn how to narrow your options, avoid common mistakes, and pick something that looks right and feels right in your home. ## **Step 1: Start with Your Cabinet Style and Overall Look** Choose a direction first so you are not overwhelmed by options. Before you look at hardware, take a look at your cabinets and the rest of your space. Think about the overall style of your home. Is it more modern, traditional, or somewhere in between? Look at things like: - Cabinet color - Countertops - Backsplash - Lighting fixtures If your cabinets are painted a soft white with warm tones, brushed brass or bronze can feel natural. If your cabinets are gray or cool white, chrome or brushed nickel often fits better. Starting here helps you filter out options that do not belong in your space. ![IMG_4534](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/IMG_4534.jpeg?width=444&height=333&name=IMG_4534.jpeg) ## **Step 2: Decide Between Knobs or Handles Early** Pick one direction first to cut your options in half. This is one of the easiest ways to simplify the process. Here is a quick breakdown: - **Knobs** - **Handles or pulls** Many Omaha homeowners choose a mix: - Knobs on doors - Handles on drawers This gives you both function and style without overcomplicating things. [![How Much Will Your Cabinet Project Cost? Before you get quotes for your project, you deserve to know what to expect ahead of time.    Click the button below to plug in your project details and get the exact price range you can expect for your cabinet refinishing project.  ](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/interactive-181883501416.png) ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLI6PPYbahkefHSWyX1Stf5FhrGB5WQHFTQ4mzvSFtKHRJlmO4HbAKhSHAexuppvKfccvo5v%2F%2FrW5JICG87nnf6L8ar5Zq4xLouFb5AjzzDInLjOtQzsfYkIojxSh1MxhxbNybGdBtsKsBIjHMnmk5E5X9LVpa53j6hE%2FmrrsC2iOGv2gHQB2dzLJhy5XY%2BuUdBYY2U%2FUil&webInteractiveContentId=181883501416&portalId=7973434) ## **Step 3: Bring a Cabinet Door or Sample When Shopping** Always compare hardware against your real cabinet color. Store lighting can be misleading. What looks good under bright lights may look different in your home. When you bring a cabinet door or sample: - You see true color contrast - You can test multiple finishes side by side - You avoid guessing If you cannot remove a door, bring a painted sample or a large color swatch. The goal is to see the hardware next to your actual cabinet color. ![White painted cabinet drawers in a kitchen with long black handles.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Scheppers%20After%2041-1-1.jpeg?width=511&height=420&name=Scheppers%20After%2041-1-1.jpeg) ## **Step 4: Choose a Finish That Matches Your Home, Not Just Trends** Pick a finish that fits your space long term and that you like. It is easy to get pulled into trends, but your cabinets will likely stay for years. The goal is to choose something that fits your home, not just what is popular right now. Common finishes include: - Brushed nickel - Chrome - Matte black - Oil rubbed bronze - Brushed brass A simple way to decide: - Cool color cabinets work well with chrome or nickel - Warm cabinets pair well with brass or bronze - Matte black works in most homes if used consistently You do not need everything to match exactly, but finishes should feel like they belong together. ## **Step 5: Check Hole Spacing Before You Buy Hardware** Measure first so you do not create extra work later. If your cabinets already have holes for hardware, this step matters a lot. Measure the distance between holes, center to center. Then match that measurement when buying new hardware. Common sizes include: - 3 inches - 96 mm - 128 mm If you choose a different size, old holes will need to be filled and new ones drilled. That is doable, but it adds time and will increase the cost of your project. ![Cabinet doors with long black handles and cabinet painted sage green.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1510543181928069753.jpg?width=470&height=352&name=1510543181928069753.jpg) ## **Step 6: Test How the Hardware Feels in Your Hand** Comfort matters just as much as looks. You will use your cabinets every day, especially if they are in your kitchen, so the hardware should feel good. When testing hardware: - Make sure your fingers fit comfortably behind the handle - Check for sharp edges - See how it feels when pulling A handle that looks great but feels awkward will stand out quickly once you start using it daily. ## **Step 7: Use Inspiration Photos the Right Way** Let photos guide you, but adjust for your home. Inspiration photos are helpful, but they are not your exact space. Lighting, cabinet color, and layout all change how things look. Use photos to: - Spot patterns in what you like - Narrow down styles and finishes - Build confidence in your direction Avoid copying a photo exactly. Instead, take what you like and apply it to your home. ![Kitchen with new cabinets with natural warm wood and dark painted cabinets with long silver and black handles in a modern kitchen.](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/896A0319.jpg?width=461&height=307&name=896A0319.jpg) ## **Step 8: Plan Your Cabinet Hardware Budget** Include hardware in your total project cost early. Hardware pricing can vary a lot. - Basic knobs can be a few dollars each - Higher-end pulls can be $10 to $20 or more each For a full kitchen, that adds up quickly. To estimate: - Count your doors and drawers - Multiply by your estimated price per piece - Add a small buffer Spending a little more on hardware can improve how your cabinets feel every day. ## **FAQ: Choosing Cabinet Hardware for Refinished Cabinets** ### **Do cabinet knobs and handles need to match exactly?** No. They should feel consistent, but mixing knobs on doors and handles on drawers is very common. ### **Is matte black cabinet hardware a good choice?** Yes. It works with many styles and is one of the most flexible options right now. ### **Can I install cabinet hardware myself?** Yes. Many homeowners do this. Just use a template and measure carefully. ### **What size cabinet handles should I choose?** A common rule is to use a handle that is about one-third the width of the drawer. ### **Should I replace cabinet hinges too?** If your hinges are visible and do not match your new hardware, it may be worth replacing them. ## **Cabinet Hardware in Omaha, NE** Choosing cabinet hardware may seem like a small detail, but it plays a big role in how your cabinets look and function. By following a step by step approach, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and make a decision that fits your home. At [Brush & Roll Painting](https://brushandrollpainting.com/), we have worked with homeowners in Omaha since 1996, helping guide them through decisions like this so their projects come together the right way. If you are ready to move forward, click the button below to get a quote. [![GET A QUOTE](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/c191e76f-b1ae-40ef-97b0-79ddd9b97ab7.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/c191e76f-b1ae-40ef-97b0-79ddd9b97ab7) If you are still exploring your options, try our cabinet painting pricing calculator to better understand your project before making a final decision. [![Price Your Cabinet Painting Project](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/7973434/85955dd1-de46-4771-bef8-8d3216a04a22.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/7973434/85955dd1-de46-4771-bef8-8d3216a04a22) [ Kaylea Kuhlman ](https://blog.brushandrollpainting.com/author/kaylea-kuhlman-content-manager) Kaylea is the Content Manager at Brush & Roll Painting, where she leads the company’s marketing strategy, content creation, and brand messaging. She graduated summa cum laude from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a degree in Journalism and Media Communications and a minor in Marketing, combining strong writing skills with a clear understanding of how to connect with homeowners. Since joining Brush & Roll Painting at the end of 2022, Kaylea has played a key role in shaping how the company communicates with its customers. She works closely with the team to turn real, on-the-job experience into helpful, easy-to-understand content that answers the questions homeowners are already asking. Her approach focuses on clarity, honesty, and making sure people feel confident before starting a painting project. Kaylea’s work helps bridge the gap between technical painting knowledge and everyday decision-making. Whether it’s explaining the difference between paint finishes, helping homeowners choose the right cabinet color, or breaking down what to expect from a professional painting process, her goal is always the same: to make the process feel simple and stress-free. Topics Kaylea Covers: Kaylea writes and creates content across all areas of residential painting, including: -Interior painting (walls, ceilings, trim, and woodwork) -Exterior painting and maintenance -Cabinet painting and refinishing -Deck staining and wood care -Paint colors, finishes, and design decisions -What to expect when hiring a professional painter -Common homeowner questions, concerns, and mistakes to avoid Her content is designed to give homeowners clear answers, set realistic expectations, and help them make confident decisions about their home. 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