Cabinet Hardware - Other

Upgrade Your Cabinets: A Practical Guide to Cabinet Hardware in the UK

Why cabinet hardware matters more than you think

Cabinet hardware might seem like a tiny detail, but it’s the jewelry of your kitchen or bathroom — the finishing touch that makes a room feel pulled together. Swap a handle or knob and the whole vibe changes, from farmhouse comfy to sleek Scandi. When you’re choosing hardware, you’re deciding on how your cabinets will be used, how they’ll feel under your hand, and how long they’ll last. It’s the difference between a door that slams and one that slides like butter.

Spotlight on Nordic Nest: Scandinavian design for UK homes

If you love clean lines, functional beauty, and materials that whisper quality, Nordic Nest is a go-to. They curate Scandinavian brands and products that blend form and function. For UK shoppers looking for that minimal, timeless look, Nordic Nest often features modular pieces and cabinet hardware that suit modern kitchens, bathrooms, and storage areas.

Andersen Furniture S10 Signature Module — a compact oak option

One example of the type of furniture you’ll find through Nordic Nest is the Andersen Furniture S10 Signature module with a door. It’s sold in a compact size roughly 15 x 11.8 x 15 inches, making it perfect for tight spots or modular shelving systems. Paired with the right handle or knob, that little oak module can look bespoke rather than boxed.

Why this Scandi choice works well in UK interiors

Scandinavian pieces often use light oak, subtle joinery, and neutral tones that play nicely with British interiors — from Georgian townhouses to new-build flats. The small footprint and modular nature of the S10 make it flexible: use it as a bedside, a makeup station, or a pantry cubby. Add brass or matte-black hardware for contrast, or stick with oak pulls for a seamless feel.

Top UK stores to shop for cabinet hardware

Beyond Nordic Nest, the UK has a healthy mix of retailers catering to every budget and design taste. Whether you want bespoke Scandi pulls or DIY-ready knobs, these stores cover it: John Lewis for premium design and good guarantees, B&Q and Wickes for practical, wallet-friendly options, Screwfix for trade-grade fittings, Wayfair for variety and fast browsing, IKEA for value-led modern styles, Dunelm and Habitat for décor-forward choices, and Oak Furniture Land for solid-wood fittings and matching furniture.

B&Q and Wickes — where practicality meets price

B&Q and Wickes are often first stops for renovators who want sensible, durable hardware without overspending. They stock a wide range of finishes — chrome, nickel, black, bronze — and you’ll find standard pulls and knobs with a range of center-to-center measurements in inches, which makes replacements simple. If you’re fitting multiple cabinets on a budget, these stores let you mix quality with economy.

John Lewis and Habitat — design-led, reliable choices

For those who prefer elevated styling and reliable aftercare, John Lewis and Habitat are great picks. They curate designer collections that are a step up in finish and feel. You’ll pay a bit more, but the tactile quality and refined plating tend to justify the price, especially when you want hardware to last through many seasons of trends.

Wayfair, IKEA and Dunelm — variety, value, and speed

If you want endless choice, Wayfair’s online catalogue is hard to beat: everything from vintage cup pulls to modern bar handles in a huge range of sizes in inches. IKEA is perfect for streamlined, mix-and-match fittings designed to integrate with their cabinets. Dunelm is a middle ground, offering stylish options at reasonable prices with frequent seasonal updates.

Materials and finishes: choose what fits your life

Material choice affects durability, style, and maintenance. Solid brass ages beautifully and can develop a warm patina over time; stainless steel is low-maintenance and modern; bronze and oil-rubbed finishes add an antique feel; and matte-black has become a go-to for contemporary kitchens. If you have oak cabinets like the Andersen module, consider warm metals or oak-toned pulls for harmony, or black accents for bold contrast.

How finish affects long-term appearance

Finishes wear differently. Polished chrome resists corrosion but shows fingerprints. Brushed nickel hides smudges and fits well in high-traffic zones. If your household has kids or you cook a lot, choose finishes that age gracefully rather than those that demand daily polishing. Think of finishes like clothing: some fabrics are machine-wash friendly, others need gentle care.

Choosing the right style: knobs, pulls, or integrated channels?

Knobs are compact and classic, ideal for smaller doors or a subtle look. Pulls and bar handles offer more grip, useful for heavy drawers. Integrated channels — where you pull from the edge — keep a minimalist profile and are popular in sleek kitchens. Your choice should balance comfort, scale, and the weight of the drawer or door.

Matching scale to cabinet size

Smaller cabinets like the S10 module look best with proportionate hardware — small knobs or short bar pulls in the 2 to 4 inch center-to-center range. Full-height kitchen cabinets need longer handles for leverage, often 6 to 12 inches center-to-center. Always measure in inches before ordering; mismatched holes can turn a quick upgrade into a frustrating filler-plate project.

How to measure cabinet hardware like a pro

Measurement is the make-or-break step. Most replacement hardware is described by its center-to-center (C-C) measurement — the distance in inches between the screw holes. Use a tape measure and mark the holes precisely. If you’re designing from scratch, decide on a uniform C-C for drawers and doors so everything lines up visually.

A simple measuring guide

Start by measuring the length of the drawer or door in inches. For drawers up to 18 inches wide, 3 to 4 inch C-C pulls work well. For wider drawers or full-height doors, 6 to 12 inch pulls give balance and better leverage. When in doubt, hold a piece of string across the front at the height you want the handles to sit — step back and see what reads right.

Installation tips: tools, templates, and common mistakes

Install confidently with a few simple tools: a drill, a quality tape measure, a screwdriver, and a template. Templates ensure consistent hole placement when you’re fitting multiple units. Pre-drill pilot holes slightly smaller than your screws to avoid splitting wood, and use masking tape on the face to prevent chipping. Rushing is the biggest mistake; take your time and measure twice.

What to do about misaligned holes

If holes don’t line up, there are tidy fixes. Wood filler and a touch-up stain can close old holes; cover plates can hide them, or choose handles with a backplate that conceals offsets. For a cleaner renovation, replace the door fronts or add a new face frame if the surface is too worn — it’s an investment, but it makes everything look intentional.

Mixing metals and materials successfully

Mixing metals can add depth, like wearing a silver watch with bronze cufflinks. The key is balance: pick a dominant metal (for example, brushed nickel) and introduce a secondary metal as an accent. Wood tones like oak pair beautifully with warm brass, while matte-black hardware pops against pale, painted cabinets.

Eco-friendly and lasting choices

Sustainability matters. Look for FSC-certified oak or reclaimed wood modules, and choose hardware made from recycled metals. Solid materials that can be resealed or re-plated extend product life. Buying well-made fittings might cost more up front, but it reduces replacements, waste, and the constant churn of trends.

Where to spend and where to save

Invest in durable hinges and soft-close mechanisms — these get daily use and impact the feel more than a flashy handle. Save on decorative knobs if you change styles frequently. If you love swapping looks, choose easy-to-change hardware that uses standard hole spacing so you can update the aesthetic without a full refit.

Trends to watch in cabinet hardware

Current trends lean toward tactile, natural materials and matte finishes. Slimline handles and integrated grips promote minimalism; aged brass and warm metals are staging a comeback for a cozy, lived-in look. But trends move fast — so pick elements that serve your lifestyle as well as your design appetite.

Shopping checklist for cabinet hardware

Before you buy, run through a quick checklist: measure in inches, confirm center-to-center dimensions, pick finishes that match your fixtures, order a sample if unsure, and make sure screws are the right length for your cabinet thickness. A little planning prevents returns and keeps the project moving smoothly.

Final tips for UK shoppers

UK shoppers benefit from a strong mix of local stores and international online retailers. When comparing options, factor in delivery times, ease of returns, and whether replacement screws are included. If you value a hands-on look before buying, visit showrooms like John Lewis or local specialist hardware stores where you can test the feel of handles and pulls in person.

Updating cabinet hardware is one of the quickest, most cost-effective ways to refresh a room. Whether you pick Scandi simplicity from Nordic Nest, practical buys from B&Q, designer pieces from John Lewis, or an endless online selection from Wayfair, a small change can have a big impact. Measure carefully, choose finishes that suit daily life, and don’t be afraid to mix materials for personality. With the right plan and a little elbow grease, your cabinets can feel brand-new in a weekend.

Conclusion: Stylish, functional cabinet hardware is an easy upgrade with a high return on style. From compact oak modules to full kitchen refits, the right handle or hinge can transform usability and aesthetic. Take your time measuring, choose materials that fit your household, and use the many UK retailers available to find the perfect balance of form and function.