Kitchen cabinets come in endless different styles, and the trends are always changing. Even if a homeowner decides on what type of cabinets they would like; the selection of finishes is just as broad. We think a change of cabinet hardware is the perfect solution to update your cabinets without a sledgehammer. But how do you select a finish for your decorative hardware that matches the cabinets you already have? We’ve broken down the four most popular wood finishes for cabinets and what decorative hardware they look great with!

Oak

Oak is popular because of its neutrality. The wood itself has obvious rings and knots; but is a medium tone so it’s never too drastic. Oak is also highly available, which makes it cheaper. Oak cabinets won’t be picked out by designers trying to make a radical statement, but its amiable qualities make the finish easy to match with wall colors, counter tops and cabinet hardware.

Oak can match with just about any cabinet knob finish. Because it pairs so readily, a lot of designers use that opportunity to get a little more daring with knob choices. So lots of oak cabinets are dressed with glass, lacquer or specialty finishes. It’s the perfect finish for someone with big hardware dreams.

Cherry

Cherry has bold red undertones and is one of the most recognizable woods. It is more expensive than most cabinet finish options and can rarely be found in a veneer. But owners of cherry cabinets are returned with a solid, high quality material that will maintain its statement.

Because cherry cabinets have a louder voice, they’re often paired with quieter knobs. Cabinet knobs and pulls with brushed or satin finishes deliver this softer look. Antique English, Satin nickel and chrome would be especially popular with cherry finishes. Knobs that mimic the red of the wood are also big hits, so copper or rose gold pulls work well too. Cherry gives a more formal look, so hardware with some frills or more intricate detailing makes a nice compliment.

Maple

Maple wood is very light in color. So these cabinets could be stained to resemble any shade of wood. Often, maple is used with a quality stain to mimic other, more expensive grains. But more recently, the trend of light cabinets, has brought maple into kitchens as-is. This is a great look for a bright, modern kitchen or designers looking for a beachy feel.

Light cabinets take a back seat to the hardware they are finished with, so choosing the right kind is especially important here. Heavy, gold tones above a certain size could clash with such a light finish. But black or softer silver knobs would be a perfect pair. Maple is often decorated with Satin nickel, small brass hardware or something with a little pop of color.

Hickory

Hickory wood has a grain like no other wood. The swirls, rings and knots change color through out its sheets; sporting a rustic, country look. Because of its distinct style, hickory finishes haven’t been on trend for a while. But with more people vying for industrial or rustic kitchens, hickory has come back.

This wood is best paired with knobs that mimic the style – rustic/country or industrial. So heavy, utilitarian fixtures shine with this finish. Remodelers looking for a more traditional look will find that slightly more formal knobs also work well. Iron, pewter, black and stone hardware works beautifully.

The Twelve Knobs of Christmas

Originating in England, the holiday carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has been delighting and annoying people since it’s 1780 publication. Technically, the twelve days of Christmas start after Christmas on the 26^th, and technically no one thinks “10 Lords of Leaping” is a good gift anymore. But carolers sing on, so we may as well learn a few interesting things about this heralded hymn while checking out some of our hardware that won’t cost you a pear and a tree.

And a Partridge in a Pear Tree

Partridges are in the pheasant family and taste anything but foul. At the time of the song, partridges would certainly have been on the menu for a Christmas dinner. So getting a pear tree with a partridge in it would be a double whammy of food sources; kind of like a 18th century KFC double-down sandwich.

“Two Turtle Doves”

Turtle Doves mate for life and their mournful songs are seen as symbols of deep devotion. By the end of the song, the singer has received 22 of these lovebirds -- a good thing, because at 25 Turtle Doves you start to seem clingy.

“Three French Hens”

By today’s standard, Faverolles are the breed of chicken intended by the term “French Hens.” However, they weren’t bred until the 1860’s, so the original song must have had another type in mind. Either way, French Hens are selected to be especially beautiful, with tall crests, long tail feathers and all the other things that drive chicks wild. (pun intended)

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“Four Colly Birds”

Often sang as “calling birds,” colly birds are songbirds. So these terms are equally correct. Unfortunately, Cinderella was the last person to successfully train songbirds into manual labor, so in this case they’re just for aural pursuits.

“Five Gold Rings”

If you only know one verse to this song it is “fiiiiiive goo-old rinnnnnnnngs” (or gold-en). The origin and intention of this gift was just as straightforward long ago as it is now. The extra emphasis put on this verse, tells you that gold is what the singer wanted all along. Typical.

“Six Geese of Laying”

Considering the French Hens may be too over bred to actively lay, it’s good these geese are working. Eggs from geese are just as edible as chickens’ and 3-4 times larger, so people would certainly scramble to get these eggs.

“Seven Swan-a-swimming”

Swans appear across literary channels as symbols of luxury or spiritual transformation. The fact that these swans are already “a-swimming” suggests they (35 by the song’s end) were gifted for luxurious means. They were probably adding to the beauty of a picturesque pond, with some dramatic weeping willows, and a gazebo for spin the bottle – or whatever romantic stuff you do in a gazebo.

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“Eight Maids-a-Milking”

Here is where the song gets definitively practical. Milkmaids milked the cows and responsible for producing cream, butter and cheese. They were a valuable and necessary part of 18^th century agrarian life. Although at this point, I think the farm could use a bird keeper more than anything.

“Nine Ladies Dancing”

Those applying religious symbol

ism to the song denote the nine dancing ladies as the nine Christian Fruits of the Spirit. In secular meaning they would just be women dancing – but not like that! Live entertainment was a necessary part of Christmas feasts. Also, it may have been like that.

“Ten Lords-a-Leaping”

Because of how material the other gifts of the song are, we can assume “lord” is meant less as an official government title and more like Lord of the Dance. Think of these footy fellas as act two following the Ladies Dancing.

“Eleven Pipers Piping”

This is the Classical Music period when single reed instruments (clarinets, bagpipes, etc.) became more popular, largely thanks to Mozart. So not only were there more pipes that ever; people were pretty excited about piping ’em! Add another point to the “this ‘true love’ person” must be LOADED count.

“Twelve Drummers Drumming”

These drummers would have been pounding away on rope tension bass and snare drums (the same ones you’ve seen in any Revolutionary War battle scenes.) And from the sound of it, they would have been coming in late to a pretty righteous party.

By the time the final “Partridge in a Pear Tree” is presented, our “true love” has given to thee 438 gifts; and not a single one was a fruitcake or coupon for a backrub. Fully redecorating your true love’s space would probably be about as unwelcome as giving them 36 calling birds, but cabinet knobs and pulls are the perfect way to update your kitchen or bath without the sledge hammer. Deck your halls without decking your walls and check out some top brands today.

It all started with a frog; at least, that’s how Melissa (the “M” of MNG) remembers it. Being frustrated by the availability of elegantly designed Melissa and her background in jewelry design to create the first knob (a frog) of what would be many, many more. With-in the year, the other two letters jumped on and MNG has been wowing customers with standout design ever since.

Core Rooster Cabinet Knob

MNG has a lot of strength in producing more classical pieces. In fact, most of their “Core” line is comprised of knobs and pulls that would make a diversity of design schemes proud. But that doesn’t mean MNG can’t have fun, and pieces like this rooster knob strike right back to that first frog.

If you have a country or rustic inspired space, then this proud poultry should be first in your pecking order. Waking up to a rooster’s crow gets annoying quick, but having this little guy pull open the cabinet for your coffee; well that’s morning-making.

Core Quilted Handle

MNG isn’t afraid of a flashy finish. In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find any of their products in only one color combo. This pull is a grew example of MNG’s bold gold and brassy hues.

The quilted etching of this handle will make it easy to grip. But with a pull so attractive, keeping hands off of it would be the bigger concern. The added texture will compliment textiles already in your space or soften fabric-free kitchens and baths.

Core Striped Bin Pull

Clean and contemporary, this polished pull would be just as sleek in the kitchen as the office. Midcentury modern is all the rage, and this cupped pull channels whats causing all these Mad Men (and women.)

Finished in chrome, this pull shines it's brightest. But, much like most of MNG's fine wares, this piece comes in five fine finishes.

Oversize Potato Handle

Look long and hard across the world of cabinet hardware and you’ll be shocked at the diversity of pieces available. But as different as they may be, almost all of them will be perfectly symmetrical. This is an unspoken rule that MNG boldly breaks.

Pulls with a heavier end make a memorable statement when installed horizontally. But put them in vertically and you’ll wonder why the market isn’t full of such striking silhouettes. The Oversize Potato Handle has a silly name but serious style. The lack of strict geometry, makes this handle a real rarity and any hardware-head knows how beautiful out of the box can be. 

Core Vine Knob

Here, MNG features I more formal vine imprint. Breaking from repetitive patterns, these vines have a random, organic curve. But the knob still features MNG’s standard quality. So calm those fears about the engraving wearing down, or completely off. They may not be pine; but these vines will be ever-green decor.

A crisp chill in the air, loved ones traveling near and far, and the rapidly emptying grocery store shelves -– there a hints of the season all around us; why not add some to your kitchen or bathroom decor!? You’d need more than one sitting to scarf your way through all the fall themed knobs and pulls we have in stock. So we’ve carved off a few of the choicest bites, to keep your cabinets as festive as your plate. Sit back, loosen your belt and enjoy this heaping helping of Thanksgiving themed cabinet hardware!

Sierra Lifestyles Turkey Knob

This bountiful bird had to be the first on our list. A Thanksgiving gathering is barely complete without a mention of the traditional fowl. You’ve probably had images of a succulent brown turkey passing through your mind all month; why not have them on your cabinets too? If you eat turkey on the big day, try to pull it out of the oven before it gets as tough as the Sierra Lifestyles Turkey Knob. But understand that this perfect portion is 100% vegetarian.

Anne at Home: Corn

Corn is one of the oldest additions to the Thanksgiving table. It’d be a shame to not have some hanging around your kitchen when it comes time to pass plates. This corn is just as gold as you may want, but not quite as sweet. The cabinet pull is as tough as they come, so it will be hanging around your kitchen even longer than your mother-in-law -- though that may not seem possible.

MNG Hardware Potato Knob

Another vegetable to don your table, the potato is one of the most versatile foods out there! Likewise, this knob is one of our most diverse on the list, simply because it doesn’t constantly remind you of a potato. Decorators who don’t want their cabinet hardware modeled after food would be just as happy with this lovely, organically shaped knob. Whether your design scheme is more country, classic or au gratin – it’s all gravy with this studly spud.

Liberty Hardware Pumpkin Knob

On to dessert! Pumpkin pie is good enough to be shared across tables year-round. But once autumn falls, pie lovers all agree that this good gourd is worth the wait. Pumpkins never go out of style as a way to make your mantle or dinning table festive. Picking a patch of these knobs takes things one-step further. But these knobs will also suit your space year-round, so there’s no need to worry about ripeness.

Premier Hardware Napa Valley Grape Pull

You can’t sink your teeth into all this delicious décor without having something to wash it down.  While wine won’t be found in a cornucopia, I’m confident a bottle still rolls it’s way across most thankful tables. This beautiful, grape garnished pull is the perfect way to channel vineyard living.  And you won’t have to wait for it to ferment, just for us to ship it. Cheers to that!

Whether you can’t wait to pull your guests together, or you think they’re a bunch of knobs; we at Knob Deco hope you all have a few great people to sit down and enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with, Happy Holidays!

Top Brand: Jeffrey Alexander

Perusing Knob Deco’s selection is like looking at an attendance roster for the top brands in cabinet hardware. Jeffrey Alexander, Anne at Home, Alno Creations – the gang’s all here, producing the best stuff in the industry. We are proud to have one of the biggest selections on the globe for all the cabinet knobs, decorative pulls and every other design accent to keep your cabinets company. But, we are even prouder of the quality our top brands boast. So today we’re going to talk about one of our cabinet hardware top dogs, Jeffrey Alexander.

Jeffrey Alexander has a huge array of products – we’re talking 1099 huge; or at least that’s how many we’ve curated on our site.  While we could talk about hardware all day, we’ll spare you and just highlight a of our favorite pieces from this top designer.

Jeffrey Alexander Bremen Cabinet Knob, Dark Machined Antique Copper

Modern, attractive and versatile; this is classic Jeffrey Alexander. We can’t imagine a room that this knob wouldn’t be at home in, especially since in comes in two diameters and beautiful six finishes.  We approve!

Jeffrey Alexander Cabinet Knob Backplate, Brushed Nickel

Every picture needs a frame and a Cabinet Knob Backplate can be the perfect way to further set-off the knob of your dreams. This Jeffrey Alexander piece is in brushed nickel, our most popular finish, and is formal without being fussy.

Jeffrey Alexander Montclair Cabinet Knob, Brushed Satin Brass

Now, this is luxury. We totally see the appeal for sleek and understated cabinet hardware. But when our customers want to make a statement, we love providing that too. These noble knobs would be perfect for a more boutique bathroom or kitchen. They are handsome and classy, not the least bit overdone.

Jeffrey Alexander Sutton Cabinet Pull, Polished Chrome

Who says Cabinet Knobs should have all the fun? Cabinet Pulls are cool too and this one couldn’t be more modern. Here, Alexander builds a sleek silhouette perfect for opening the most contemporary of drawers and cabinet. Available in three additional finishes, this cutting edge pull is clean as can be.

What do you think of Jeffrey Alexander’s stuff? We know the scope is massive, but do you have any favorites?