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Think of cabinet hardware as the jewelry for your kitchen and home storage — tiny details that can make or break the look and feel of a room. The right handles, knobs and hinges not only make drawers and doors easier to use, they instantly change the character of a space. Swap a few knobs and you can turn a builder-basic kitchen into a boutique-style room without ripping out the cabinets. Sounds like magic, right? It’s really just smart design and the right shopping choices.
Before you rush out and buy the shiniest knobs you see, it helps to know what’s available. Cabinet hardware splits into a few main categories: knobs, handles (or pulls), hinges, and supporting accessories like backplates and drawer slides. Each plays a practical role and a stylistic one — knobs offer compact charm, pulls give a modern linear feel, and hinges determine how smoothly your doors close.
Handles and pulls are the go-to for drawers and larger doors. They come in center-to-center sizes that affect how they sit on the door — common sizes in the UK range from about 1-7/8 in to 6-1/4 in center-to-center. Long bars give a contemporary look, while cup pulls lean vintage. Think about grip comfort: if your hands are often full, a larger pull can be a lifesaver.
Knobs are tiny but mighty. They suit smaller doors and drawers and are ideal if you prefer a subtle or classic aesthetic. They typically mount with a single screw that’s about 1/2 in to 1 in long. Knobs also make it easy to mix finishes in a room — you can pair brass knobs with stainless steel appliances for a layered look.
Hinges have evolved from purely functional pieces to design elements. Soft-close hinges are now popular because they stop doors from slamming, extending both quiet and longevity. Concealed hinges are ideal for a clean exterior look; butt hinges suit traditional cabinets. When choosing hinges, pay attention to overlay and inset styles so doors align properly.
Backplates are decorative discs that sit behind knobs or handles and can add scale to small doors. Drawer slides determine how smoothly drawers open — choose full-extension slides if you want the entire drawer to glide out so nothing hides at the back. Ball-bearing slides can handle heavier loads than simple roller slides.
Material choice affects both appearance and durability. Brass, stainless steel, zinc alloy, bronze and aluminium are common options. Each age and patinas differently: solid brass feels warm and timeless, while stainless steel reads modern and resists fingerprints. Pick a finish that complements your fixtures and the room’s lifestyle — a busy family kitchen might benefit from brushed finishes that hide wear.
Warm metals like brass and bronze give a room character and tend to blend with wood grains beautifully. Polished brass pops, while aged bronze adds depth. If you like a vintage or artisan look, these finishes are a strong bet. Remember: some brass will develop a patina over time — many homeowners love that lived-in look.
Cool metals such as brushed stainless or satin nickel suit contemporary and industrial kitchens. They’re practical — forgiving when it comes to splashes and smudges — and coordinate well with chrome appliances. Stainless finishes are low-maintenance and tend to look newer for longer in busy homes.
For a bold statement or to match painted cabinetry, powder-coated hardware comes in many colours and offers excellent scratch resistance. Painted finishes work well in bathrooms and playrooms where you want a pop of colour without sacrificing durability. Just be mindful of chips on high-use pieces.
Whether you want designer pieces or budget-friendly essentials, the UK market has plenty of options. Below are stores that stock a wide range of cabinet hardware, each with a slightly different focus. I’ll point out what makes them useful so you can choose where to look first.
Nordic Nest is a great place if you’re drawn to Scandinavian and modern designs. They stock curated items like modular furniture and stylish hardware that fits minimalist spaces. For example, some modular cabinets in their range echo pieces such as the Andersen Furniture S10 Signature Module Cabinet With Door, which measures roughly 15 in by 11.8 in by 15 in and pairs nicely with slim, understated handles. Nordic Nest is a good fit when you want cohesive, design-led options rather than bulk commodity fittings.
B&Q is a go-to for many DIYers thanks to its broad selection and accessible price points. You’ll find everything from budget knobs and handles to soft-close hinges and specialist screws. If you’re tackling a full kitchen refresh, B&Q’s range lets you mix mid-range hardware with splurge finishes in a single shopping trip.
If you want robust, trade-standard fittings and a huge choice of hinges and drawer slides, Screwfix is worth a look. They cater to builders and serious DIYers, so you’ll find heavy-duty soft-close systems and specialist fixing kits. Screwfix also makes it easy to source the right screws and tools in matching finishes, which saves time on installations.
Wickes balances price and performance, with useful bulk-buy options for larger projects. From functional pulls to cabinet door lifters and full kitchen hardware sets, Wickes can be a budget-friendly one-stop shop when you’re updating multiple rooms at once. Their range is practical and targeted at homeowners who want durable results without designer price tags.
IKEA is a strong choice for modular kitchens and affordable hardware that matches their cabinet ranges. Their fittings are designed to integrate smoothly with IKEA doors and drawer boxes, and they offer a selection of stylish knobs and pulls. If you’re working with IKEA cabinetry, choosing IKEA hardware often means easier installation and compatible screw lengths.
Wayfair and Amazon host many brands and styles, which is brilliant if you’re hunting for a specific look or a hard-to-find finish. Expect everything from budget bulk packs to boutique designer knobs. The trick here is to read product dimensions carefully and check reviews for real-life wear insights — pictures can be flattering, but user feedback is honest.
For higher-end hardware with refined finishes and designer cred, John Lewis and Habitat offer a selection of quality pieces. They’re ideal if you want hardware that doubles as statement lighting or furniture-grade detailing. Expect better materials, more refined packaging, and a focus on longevity and style.
Homebase can be a practical choice for mid-range hardware and seasonal offers. Don’t overlook local joiners and specialist ironmongers either — they often stock bespoke options and can source or craft unique handles that you won’t find on a mass-market shelf. If you want something truly unique, a local supplier can be worth the extra time.
Measuring is where many DIYers stumble, but it’s not hard if you follow a simple routine. For handles, measure center-to-center (the distance between screw holes) in inches — common sizes are around 3-3/4 in, 5-1/16 in, and 6-1/4 in. For knobs, measure the backset or decide where on the door the knob should sit. If you’re replacing old hardware, use the existing screw holes to keep things straightforward. If you’re installing new holes, use a template or a piece of cardboard to mark positions before drilling.
Installing hardware can be quick and satisfying. Start by using a template or jig to ensure consistent placement across doors and drawers. A sharp drill bit sized for the screw is essential — too small and the screw won’t bite; too large and it’ll be loose. When fitting handles, hand-tighten the screw first before using a screwdriver to avoid stripping. For hinges, adjustability screws on modern concealed hinges let you fine-tune door alignment without re-drilling.
Want a cohesive look? Think of hardware as punctuation in a sentence. For modern kitchens, choose long linear pulls and muted metallics. For country or cottage styles, go for oil-rubbed bronze or cup pulls. Mixing finishes can work — pair brass knobs with stainless steel appliances if you keep the rest of the fixtures consistent — but avoid too many competing metals in small spaces. Balance is key.
If you’re refreshing multiple rooms, buying in packs or from trade suppliers can lower costs. Keep an eye on seasonal sales at big stores like B&Q, Wickes and Homebase, and use marketplace sites for bulk or clearance items. Sometimes the best approach is to splurge on a few standout pieces and choose simpler hardware for the rest — that way your statement items shine without blowing the budget.
Long-lasting materials like solid brass and stainless steel pay off in the long run. They resist wear, and many can be refinished if they get scratched. If sustainability matters to you, look for brands that use responsibly sourced metals or recycled materials. Choosing durable hardware reduces replacements and waste down the road, so it’s both eco-smart and wallet-smart.
Updating cabinet hardware is one of the most cost-effective ways to refresh a room. From thoughtful Scandinavian picks at stores like Nordic Nest to practical trade options at Screwfix and broad selections at B&Q, the UK market offers something for every taste and budget. Measure carefully, choose finishes that suit your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to mix and match — a few well-chosen handles or hinges can transform your space without a full renovation.
Cabinet Hardware | Price | |
---|---|---|
Wiska Wdb3 Abs Enclosure Plain Door 400x300x170mm | £ 38,64 | |
Andersen Furniture S10 Signature Module Cabinet With Door 38x30x38 Cm Oak | £ 215,- |