Should I add hardware to these white oak cabinets?

I recently painted my kitchen’s oak cabinets white. I love the cabinets’ new crisp look. I’m not sure whether to add pulls and knobs to the cabinets! I’m kind of worried the hardware will mess up the clean look. If I do add hardware, should I go with silver or black?

  20 answers
  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Aug 29, 2019

    They’re so pretty! I like the look of hardware so I would add them in black

  • Ellis Ellis on Aug 29, 2019

    I would go with silver or brushed nickel knobs on the cabinets, and a matching very simple handle on the drawers.

  • Esther Esther on Aug 29, 2019

    Definitely add hardware! It will prevent oil/grease deposits from your fingers. Ask me how I know....

    You can't go wrong with either black or brushed nickel hardware. Black for contrast; brushed nickel to make your hardware less conspicuous.

  • Darla Darla on Aug 29, 2019

    I would add hardware as it helps to keep your cabinets cleaner. As for color, I would use black for the contrast but as you are wanting to keep them as crisp as possible the silver would probably be better as they wouldn't be as obvious. Either way keep them simple.

  • Debi53 Debi53 on Aug 29, 2019

    Stainless will give a simpler, classic look. Black will add a punch. Will you get tired of the black after a while? Go with the one that you will want for the long term. You could also do crystal or porcelain knobs if you want something different.

  • Jan Clark Jan Clark on Aug 29, 2019

    Yes to the knobs or handles! My hubby and I had a big argument over that issue - so I picked my battles and didn't add them. Can't tell you how many broken nails and stubbed fingers I've gotten. (Of course, he doesn't cook.) I would shop (several places) and buy one of each of the 3 I like best. Bring them home and try them out in the space before you invest in buying them for all the cabinets.

  • Baxter Baxter on Aug 29, 2019

    Because of your light counter tops and walls, I would go with brushed nickel/stainless hardware so there wouldn't be such a contrast. The black might be too stark against your kitchen cabinets and counter tops. The hardware should compliment the cabinets---not overtake them. Good luck!

  • William William on Aug 29, 2019

    Glass knobs would look good. Wouldn't overpower the cabinets. I personally would go with bushed nickle to match the stainless appliances and make it all cohesive.

  • The House house The House house on Aug 29, 2019

    They look amazing. I love having hardware on my cabinets. I'd go with black.

  • Lauren of Mom Home Guide Lauren of Mom Home Guide on Aug 29, 2019

    I’ve found these knobs that I think are pretty so far! 😃

  • Dee Dee on Aug 29, 2019

    DLawless.com has lots of pretty hardware.

    Your cabinets came out beautiful.

  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Aug 29, 2019

    I would add a knob so that you do not continually pull on the bottom of the doors as this will eventually cause the area to wear and show.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Aug 29, 2019

    In my old house I had depression glass handles and knobs that I bought online. Gorgeous makeover on your cabinets. The glass is still good after 20 years in case you wondered.

  • Ethel Holland Ethel Holland on Aug 30, 2019

    I’m voting for knobs! I’ve often read that knobs are the “jewelry “ for your cabinets.


    Id also opt to pick up a few and see how you like them in your kitchen. They are the one thing you’ll see and touch every single day. Make sure they are heavy enough and feel good in your hands.


    Beautiful job job on the cabinets!

  • Bijous Bijous on Aug 31, 2019

    Hi Lauren. Hardware, while pretty, also serves a purpose: ease in opening a drawer/cabinet. If you don't have any problems getting into your cabinets and you like the clean look of the cabinetry, leave it off. I have an antique bookcase that has no pulls on the doors. Sometimes it just looks right not to have a piece (even a row of cabinets) without hardware. I say, leave them off.

  • Pat Pat on Aug 31, 2019

    Yes. I love hardware on the cabinets. It really makes them look better

  • Within the Grove Within the Grove on Aug 31, 2019

    Always love a great piece of hardware! Best of luck if you decide to try some.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Sep 07, 2019

    IMO knobs or handles on kitchen cabinets protects them from food residue or grease that may be on fingers and hands. This helps to maintain the finish on the wood. Hardware can easily be taken off and cleaned if necessary, or replaced if a different style is desired.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 11, 2020

    High Lauren,

    Use them for a while and then decide if they need them and where they need them!

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Feb 28, 2021

    I think they look awesome they way they are