Skip to main content

Top Tips for Choosing Interior Design Hardware

A Scandi style kitchen living room that is open plan.
starburst antique brass cabinet handles in half moon shape.
Stellae | The Boutique Handle Co

Introduction

When it comes to interior design, it’s often the smallest details that make the biggest impact: enter interior design hardware


Hardware may seem like minor elements but can transform the overall look of your space and make your home feel complete.


Whether you're renovating a kitchen, refreshing a bathroom, or upgrading cabinets, choosing the right hardware is essential for achieving a cohesive and polished design.


Here are our top tips for choosing interior design hardware for your home.

bronze cabinet hardware with ridges down the middle.
Aereus | The Boutique Handle Co

1. Start With Your Overall Design Style

A strong start will make all the difference!

Before selecting any hardware, it’s important to define your overall interior design style.


Are you going for modern minimalism, rustic farmhouse, industrial chic, or classic elegance?


Your hardware should complement and reinforce that aesthetic.


For example, sleek, matte black handles work well in modern spaces, while brass knobs suit more traditional interiors. 

TIP: Defining your interior style first will help the entire design (including all the details) have a cohesive look.

Traditional kitchen with white AGA and polished brass fixtures.
This stunning, traditional kitchen shows how well polished brass works in this kind of interior. Photo: Elle Decor
Polished brass cabinet handle in a drawer front.
Percolo in polished brass is a brilliant blend between traditional and modern | The Boutique Handle Co

2. Prioritise Functionality

While aesthetics are important, functionality should never be overlooked.


Hardware is something you interact with daily, so it needs to feel comfortable and practical for you and everyone who lives in your home to use.


For example, large drawer pulls may be easier to grip than small knobs, especially in kitchens. 

TIP: Try to choose something from the same collection if you want to have both knobs and pulls in the same space.

antique brass pull handles and one knob with lined edges in a traditional style.
Aereus in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co
antique brass knob with lined edges in a traditional style.
Aereus in antique brass | The Boutique Handle Co

3. Choose the Right Finish

What to consider when it comes to interior design hardware

The finish of your hardware can significantly affect the mood of a room.


At Boutique Handle Co, we have a range of finishes including polished chrome, matte black, and brass.


You don’t have to match your hardware to everything in your home, but there should be a sense of harmony.


For example, Scandi styled interiors often work quite well with chrome finishes due to the cooler tones in wood, paint and fabrics.

Chrome pull handles with pointed ends.
Cuspis in chrome | The Boutique Handle Co

"This is my second project with the Boutique Handle Company. I restored my great-grandmother's secretary and painted it black. But it was the handles from the Boutique Handle Company that really made it come alive! " - Kimberly

4. Pay Attention to Scale and Proportion

The size of your interior design hardware should be proportional to the furniture or cabinetry it’s attached to.


Oversized handles can overwhelm small drawers, while tiny door knobs may look out of place on large cabinet doors.


Use this guide to help make your decision:


  • Use longer pulls for wide drawers
  • Opt for smaller knobs for compact cabinets
  • Keep proportions consistent across similar elements

It’s also a great idea to take measurements before purchasing!

knurled brass cabinet handles on black cabinet door.
Exeo is a knurled style of cabinet handle | The Boutique Handle Co
Knurled brass cabinet knobs on white cabinet doors.
Exeo knurled knobs | The Boutique Handle Co

"A quality made handle. Efficient handling of order and delivery. Many thanks." - Roger

5. Maintain Consistency

Consistency is key in creating a cohesive design, but that doesn’t mean everything has to match exactly.


You can mix knobs and pulls, for example, as long as they share a common finish or look similar in design.

"Love the quality, really elevate the room " - Dr K

6. Don’t Overlook Ergonomics

Ergonomics plays a crucial role in how comfortable and efficient your space feels.


Hardware should be easy to use and fit your life without causing strain.


For example, rounded edges are more comfortable than sharp ones and textured finishes can provide better grip. Do you have children and pets? Is it just you? These are things to consider when choosing hardware styles to suit your lifestyle. 

Polished chrome door knob with a starburst design on the top.
Astrum Argenti | The Boutique Handle Co
A golden bird door knob on a dark green cabinet.
Ales | The Boutique Handle Co

7. Keep Maintenance in Mind

Different finishes and materials require different levels of maintenance.


For example, polished chrome may show fingerprints easily, whilst matte finishes tend to hide smudges better.


Consider how much upkeep you’re willing to commit to and how your day to day life will effect it. For example, if you have kids who will be grabbing the hardware with dirty fingers on a daily basis, polished probably isn't the finish for you. 

polished chrome pair of cabinet handles on a navy cabinet.
Tenebrae in polished chrome | The Boutique Handle Co

Key Takeaways on Top Tips for Choosing Interior Design Hardware

That concludes this guide on our top tips for choosing interior design hardware.


Remember to consider style, quality, proportion, and usability, so you can select hardware that enhances your home and stands the test of time.


We have a huge selection of door knobs and door handles on our shop so make sure to explore whilst you’re here!

black and white photo of the author of the blog author

Hannah

Hi, I’m Hannah! As an interior designer with a self-confessed hardware obsession, I founded The Boutique Handle Co to help homeowners and fellow designers find those perfect, high-quality finishing touches. My blogs are a mix of hardware tips and interior design guidance - combining both of my favourite things!

Elevate your space

Discover our huge range of stylish door knobs and door handles to suit every home now!

Comments

Be the first to comment.
All comments are moderated before being published.