The Best Cabinet Hardware to Make Your Dark Kitchen Shine
Is your kitchen feeling tired and outdated? Do your dark wood cabinets look dull or even dreary? The good news is giving your kitchen an instant facelift is as easy as upgrading your old cabinet hardware. The right new knobs, pulls, and handles can breathe new life into your kitchen and make those dark cabinets shine.
New hardware offers an affordable way to update the style of your kitchen cabinets without the need for a full remodel or refacing. Swapping out dated builder-grade pulls and knobs for trendy new hardware makes a dramatic impact. With just a small investment of time and money, you can completely transform the look of your kitchen.
Why Updating Hardware is Key for Dark Kitchen Cabinets
There are several reasons why installing new hardware is one of the best upgrades for dark cabinetry:

- It's an inexpensive DIY project - new hardware is very budget-friendly compared to a full kitchen remodel.
- It allows you to instantly change the style and feel of your kitchen.
- New hardware makes cabinets look updated rather than dated and worn.
- It adds visual interest and personality to your kitchen design.
Dark cabinets can start to look dull, outdated, or even gloomy over time without the right hardware. Dated brass finishes can make the kitchen seem stuck in the 80s or 90s. Worn or missing hardware leaves cabinets looking incomplete. Even chrome pulls look cheap against dark cabinets.
Signs You Need New Hardware
Here are some clear signs it's time to upgrade the hardware on your dark kitchen cabinets:
- Your kitchen feels boring or outdated.
- The current knobs and pulls are damaged, loose, or missing.
- The existing hardware looks cheap, flimsy, or builder-grade.
- You want to update the color scheme or style of your kitchen.
Choosing the Right Hardware for Dark Cabinets
Not just any hardware will look right with your dark cabinets. Certain finishes, styles, sizes, and placements work best. Follow these tips for a cohesive, stylish look:
Finish
The finish of your hardware plays a big role in the overall look. For dark cabinetry, choose finishes like matte black, bronze, brass, or nickel that will pop against the darker background. Stay away from polished chrome or silver tones that can look harsh and unfinished.
Style
Knobs are a minimalist choice perfect for contemporary kitchens, especially smaller round knobs. Pulls make more of a statement and come in styles like bar pulls or angular designs. You can also mix knobs and pulls together for an eclectic style.
Size
For pulls, around 3-4 inches in length usually works well. Make sure pulls are centered horizontally on cabinet doors and drawers. For knobs, place them vertically aligned about 1/3 of the way down from the top of the cabinet for a balanced look.
Quantity
Having enough hardware so that the pieces feel balanced and consistent enhances the overall look. Stick with all knobs or all pulls for a streamlined style.
Stylish Hardware Options for Dark Kitchens
From modern matte black to vintage brass, today's most popular hardware finishes and styles pair beautifully with dark cabinetry to lend warmth and elegance. Here are some top options:
Matte Black Hardware
Few finishes are as on-trend as matte black, which brings a modern edge to kitchen cabinets. Try sleek round or square knobs, horizontal bar cabinet pulls, or minimalist curved handles.
Bronze Hardware
Bronze makes a bold statement against dark cabinetry. Vintage ceramic or ornate metal knobs, substantial drawer pulls, and dramatic curved handles all pop in this finish.
Brass Hardware
Brass lends a glamorous yet timeless aesthetic. Look for faceted geometric knobs, wide statement-making pulls, and elegant arched brass handles to complement dark kitchen cabinets.
A few other pointers to keep in mind for your dark kitchen cabinet hardware makeover:
- Try mixing metal finishes like matte black, bronze, and brass for an eclectic style.
- Use a two-tone look with brass or bronze hardware on the island and matte black for the perimeter cabinets.
- Order a few hardware samples to get a sense of the size, shape, and finish before committing.
- Update other areas like lighting, faucets, and backsplash to complement your new hardware.
The right cabinet hardware can take your dark and dated kitchen into the contemporary light. New knobs, pulls, and handles will lend your cabinets just the style boost they need. With some smart hardware choices, you can easily transform the look of your kitchen.