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Choosing the Right Cabinet Hardware

If you're remodeling your kitchen, bathroom or any other part of your home, the old saying, "the devil is in the details" certainly applies. Please don't overlook cabinet hardware such as hinges, handles and knobs or you may find you won't be satisfied with the results of all your hard work. These are just a few important elements in choosing the right products that will ensure your renovation looks its best.

Style

Stylish components can provide the perfect finishing touch to any project. One thing you may want to think about is choosing parts that will that will provide contrast. For example, you should consider accenting dark wood components with chrome, nickel, stainless steel or brass. If you have lighter-colored wood, think about using copper, enamel or bronze with an antique finish. Metal accessories with polished or satin finishes can be used whether you have a traditional or contemporary decor, while oil-rub bronze is perfect for a more casual look. If you have a Victorian home, opt for glass and enamel cabinet hardware.

As important as aesthetic considerations may be, however, don't overlook the shape when choosing your cabinet hardware. While knobs are functional for doors, they may not be substantial enough to make it easy to open drawers. Use handles instead that fit your fingers comfortably.

Hinges

Hinges are another important consideration when it comes to making your renovation as successful as it can be. Talk to a contractor or someone who has experience in these types of projects to find out which hinges will work best with your new doors. For example, if doors will be flush with cabinetry, think about using butt hinges. It's important to note, however, that while this type of hinge is typically lower priced, it will not allow your door to close on its own.

Many people use European hinges for inset, overlay or frameless doors. These are popular because they can be easily installed as well as adjusted, and they are self-closing. When considering hinges, you'll have several different options. However, several factors will determine which ones are right for your job, including cost, ease of installation and the construction of your door.

Door Catches

Some people prefer to use door catches, while others can do without them. If you plan on using them, magnetic catches are among the most popular. A small metal plate on the back of a door will attach itself to a magnet on the frame when the door closes, making a small clicking sound. If that doesn't appeal to you, however, there are other types of catches available that are silent when they latch. These include friction and spring-roller catches.

As you can see, there are a lot of different choices to think about when it comes to cabinet hardware. There is a possibility that your old components could be re-used, so talk to a professional to see whether you'll be better off going that route or purchasing new parts.
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How To Create Your Own File Cabinet

To create your own file cabinet, you need to first determine the purpose and use of the file cabinet you are creating. Will it have a multi-purpose as an office desk, or a support for a computer monitor? Will it have a pull-out tray or just be used as a file cabinet? You also have the option to purchase a new cabinet from a discount office furniture store and add the drawers you need, improve an executive desk to create file cabinets, or prepare plans to create a metal, plastic or wood file cabinet from scratch.
If you intend to create a new file cabinet, you can follow these steps:
  1. Determine the size and dimensions of the file cabinet you need.
  2. Sketch the design and style you want to fabricate.
  3. Decide on how many file drawers you want, and whether you need space for vertical or lateral files, a pull out tray, and a space for keys and other accessories.
  4. Estimate the amount of materials you need to purchase, including the metal sheets, plastic or plywood for the work surface and drawers, paints, varnish or stains, nails, sand paper, paint brushes, mounting tapes and pads, labels, and other finishing items.
  5. Put together the tools you need to sand, cut, and finish the surface.
  6. Purchase the items you from a home center and have the bigger work surfaces cut to size. It would be easier for you to do the finishing touches.
  7. Depending on the material you decide to use, fabricate the main frame of your file cabinet.
  8. Make the file drawers according to the dimensions you need. Make sure the drawers fit well and are easy to pull out and push in.
  9. If you decide to use wood, sand the plywood surface then remove the dust by cleaning the surface with a cloth with mineral spirits.
  10. Apply the paint or stain using the best application method for the type of material you used. To stain wood, use a cloth. If you are painting, you can use a paint brush or roller.
  11. Allow enough time for the first coating of the stain or paint to dry.
  12. When the first coating has dried, lightly sand the surface with finer sandpaper, and apply a second or third coat as necessary.
  13. After the last coating has dried, add the knobs and locks.
  14. Assemble your file cabinet, and fit in the file drawers.
Place the finished file cabinet where you want it positioned in a room. You can place it beside your executive desk if it fits the room layout. Fix your files according to how you want them organized. Place the lateral files where it is easy to view folder labels. Place the keys where they need to be stored and position all other items the file cabinet was intended for. Properly add the labels to easily find the items you need and add accessories as needed.
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How To Choose a File Cabinet

At first glance choosing a file cabinet might seem like a simple thing. All you need to do is head to the office supply store and pick up whatever is in stock. If you settle for whatever exists without a little planning you might end up with a useless piece of furniture that does nothing for your office space. Instead follow these steps to choose a file cabinet that's perfect for your space.
  1. Consider the use. Before you head to the store spend some time in your office. Are you looking for a cabinet to squeeze into a corner or closet to store personal information or are you looking for a functional space for all your business needs? File cabinets are first a storage space to keep your backup data secure and your needed files easy to access. Take stock of your space and your paperwork so you know what you need from your file cabinet.
  2. Know your options. There are several options available for file cabinets. The primary distinctions are vertical and lateral files. Lateral are perfect for legal length pages and files. Lateral files also can add counter space. Vertical files give you the chance to use space since they can stack up to six feet tall in less than two feet of width. Once you know the size files you will need to store start checking the catalogues. Pottery Barn has a wide selection of stylish file cabinets for you to get an idea of the look you want. For more utilitarian styles, check out the websites for Office Depot or Staples.
  3. Coordinate with style. Unless you are hiding your file cabinet in a closet the look of the file cabinet needs to be considered. Your office is more professional looking when the pieces coordinate. So your desk, shelving and file cabinets should be made of similar materials or in a similar style. Feel free to select white or metallic shades for a clean and modern look. Or for more traditional and warm style, look for warm natural wood tones.
  4. Measure for fit. Choose the space where the file cabinet will fit and measure the space. You might need to do some rearranging of furniture so that the cabinet fits into place.
  5. Position cabinets for easy use. The file cabinet should be located where you can easily access the files you need every day. Many find it easiest to store the files used every day as part of the desk. If your desk offers at least one drawer for files, you're set but if not put a cabinet within reach. If you can store some files in your desk then you can store the rest of your long term documents across the room or near your work desk.
  6. Make the selection.  Now that you know what you're looking for you can head to the store. Order the perfect size and look for your needs.
Get your filing cabinet set up in place and you're all set. Add some accessories in coordinating colors for some sparkle and you'll have an office you never want to leave.
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How To Use Cabinet Hardware

Everyone knows that the main purpose of cabinet hardware is to open doors and slide out drawers. However the kind of hardware you choose, and the placement of it can make the difference between a kitchen or bath that is boring, and one that pops with personality. Here are some ideas to make cabinet hardware work for you.


  • Purpose of the room: How the room will be used make a big difference on what kind of cabinet hardware will be best. When considering handles, think of the amount of wear and dirt this space is likely to receive. Choose hardware that can be easily cleaned if grubby hands are likely to be using them.
  • Style of the room: This includes the mood desired, and the architectural details already in the room Is your room formal or informal? Traditional or contemporary? Ornate or simple? Delicate or rugged? If you can answer these questions, you are a long way in choosing the best cabinet hardware for you project.
  • Placement: Hardware placement can make the difference between incredible, and granny’s canning kitchen. In the 1970’s, large, ornate pulls were placed in the center of cabinet doors. At the time, this was cutting edge, but now, is almost completely out of vogue. Changing hardware placement can update your room almost instantly.
  • Shape: This is where choosing cabinet hardware becomes really fun. There are so many shapes to choose from! There are the standard knobs, with their infinite variations. Pulls, from contemporary bars, to delicate twig shaped pulls. And there are always the specialty shapes, such as the vintage cup pulls that have had a raging come back in the past few years.
  • Hinges: A discussion of hardware would not be complete without including hinges. Hinges come in many different shapes and sizes, from the invisible hinge, to the rustic bar hinges often used in early American decorating.
  • Color: A good rule of thumb is to only use one metal in a room. This helps to make the room cohesive. Of course all rules are there to be broken, but if you choose to break this one, do it with thought and purpose. When using wood, glass, and painted hardware, think about the colors already in the room. Choose colors that will harmonize with your décor.

Hardware can add so much personality to the cabinets that it is attached to. With careful thought and planning, you will love your cabinet hardware for years to come!
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