Bathroom And Kitchen Guide

They're the smallest parts of your kitchen cabinetry, yet knobs and hinges can have a huge effect on the eventual look and feel of your kitchen. As with most parts of a kitchen, there's a huge range of options on the market for both knobs and hinges. If you're looking to give your cupboards an easy facelift, changing the knobs and hinges could be the easiest way to do so, especially combined with a lick of paint. In this article we examine some of the options for both knobs and hinges, and consider how they can fit into different kinds of kitchens.

Choosing Knobs for Kitchen Cabinets

You can certainly spend a lot of money on knobs for your kitchen if you want something really special. But there's no shortage of good, cheap options for those of us who need to stick to a budget. Cheaper door knobs tend to be made of plastic or wood, whereas higher-priced door knobs are often made of metal, ceramics, glass or special types of wood.

It's not just the material that counts in the price though - you also need to consider the finish. For instance, some plastic knobs for designer kitchens may be cast in funky shapes or given particular types of detailing - these will always cost more than your basic plastic knobs. Ditto for hand-crafted wooden knobs with regional detailing from the south of France, or elaborate glass knobs. If you're buying knobs for a number of doors, the cost can quickly add up.

Of course, if you're not looking to make a statement with your knobs, any decent hardware store will have a selection of good, cheap knobs, and you'll no doubt find one to suit your kitchen.

Choosing Hinges for Kitchen Cabinets

If your hinges are going to be visible, the first thing you need to do is make sure that they match the knobs you have chosen. They don't need to be an exact match, but similarity in style and colour (or at least a harmonious colour scheme) will help ensure that your kitchen doesn't end up looking like a dog's breakfast.

Some people prefer to keep hinges hidden out of sight - in a sleek, modern kitchen, this is often the best choice. But if your kitchen has more of a quirky or country style to it, you may want to consider making hinges a feature of your cabinetry. The right hinges can add tonnes of character to cupboard doors and really make a statement in your kitchen.

Almost all hinges will be made from metal, and prices vary according to their strength and finish. If you've got heavy wooden doors, it's important to choose hinges that are strong enough to take their weight - otherwise you may find yourself replacing them again a couple of months down the track.