How to choose pulls for a farmhouse style kitchen

How to Choose Cabinet Pulls for a Farmhouse-Style Kitchen (Complete 2026 Guide)

Written by: RTAKB

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Time to read 4 min

Your hardware might be small… but it can completely transform the heart of your home.

When you think of a farmhouse kitchen, you picture warmth, character, and a timeless charm — the kind of space that feels inviting the moment you walk in. But one detail homeowners often overlook? Cabinet hardware.


The right cabinet pulls and knobs can make your farmhouse kitchen look cohesive, intentional, and beautifully styled. The wrong hardware, however, can break the vibe instantly.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly how to choose cabinet pulls for a farmhouse-style kitchen — including materials, finishes, sizes, design tips, and FAQs many homeowners ask before buying.


Whether you're starting a remodel or simply upgrading hardware to refresh your space, this guide will help you choose pieces that fit the farmhouse aesthetic perfectly.

1. Understand the Farmhouse Look: Warm, Simple, and Timeless

Farmhouse style blends charm with functionality. It's rustic, but not rough. Vintage, but not outdated. And the hardware you choose should complement that balance.

Cabinet pulls in a farmhouse kitchen typically lean toward:

  • Warm metals

  • Soft matte finishes

  • Simple shapes

  • Subtle character

You want hardware that feels like it belongs in the kitchen — nothing overly shiny, futuristic, or too ornate.

2. Choose the Right Material (What Hardware Is Made Of Matters)

The first step in choosing the perfect farmhouse hardware is selecting the right material. Different materials instantly create different moods in a space.

Best materials for a farmhouse kitchen:

Wrought Iron

Perfect for rustic farmhouse kitchens. Its handmade, slightly imperfect look brings authentic charm.

Oil-Rubbed Bronze

Warm, rich, and classic. A top choice if your kitchen features wood tones or darker accents.

Brushed Nickel

A clean, softer metal that works especially well in modern farmhouse designs with white cabinets.

Aged Brass

Becoming extremely popular — aged brass adds warmth and premium character without looking flashy.

If you want rustic and traditional, go darker (iron, bronze).
If you want bright farmhouse modern, go lighter (nickel, brass).

3. Pick the Right Finish (This Is Where the Aesthetic Comes to Life)

In farmhouse design, finish matters even more than color.

Top farmhouse finishes:

  • Matte Black – Sleek yet warm, perfect with white cabinets

  • Brushed Nickel – Soft, subtle, and timeless

  • Oil-Rubbed Bronze – Rustic and old-world

  • Aged Brass – Warm and trendy

  • Pewter – A vintage farmhouse favorite

💡 Avoid: Polished chrome, ultra-reflective finishes, or anything too high-gloss. These can feel too modern for farmhouse styling unless you’re going for a hybrid modern-farmhouse look.

4. Choose Your Hardware Style: Cup Pulls, Bars, or Vintage Handles?

This is where homeowners have the most fun — choosing the actual look of the pull.

Cup Pulls (A Farmhouse Classic)

Cup pulls scream farmhouse. They look amazing on drawers and give that “old cottage” vibe that never goes out of style.

Simple Bar Pulls

Great for modern farmhouse kitchens. Sleek, clean, and easy to grip.

Vintage-Inspired Handles

Think slightly curved edges, soft details, and an antique feel.

Ceramic or Porcelain Knobs

If you want a true cottage-farmhouse look, add a few ceramic knobs on upper cabinets.

💡 Tip: You can mix knobs and pulls — but do it intentionally.
Example mix:

  • Pulls on drawers

  • Knobs on upper doors

This keeps the space visually balanced.

5. Match Your Kitchen’s Existing Features (Don’t Ignore This Step)

You want your hardware to feel like part of the kitchen — not a random accessory.

Match or complement:

  • Your faucet finish

  • Light fixtures

  • Appliances

  • Countertop veining

  • Cabinet color

Example:
If you have black light fixtures and a matte black faucet → matte black cabinet pulls tie everything together.
If your kitchen is bright white with warm wood accents → aged brass or brushed nickel looks perfect.

6. Farmhouse Hardware Size Guide

Choosing the wrong size hardware can make your cabinets look off-balance.

General sizing rules:

  • Small drawers (12”–18”) → 3–4 inch pulls

  • Medium drawers (18”–24”) → 5–7 inch pulls

  • Large drawers (24”–36”) → 8–12 inch pulls

  • Cabinet doors → knobs OR 3–5 inch pulls

Modern farmhouse kitchens often choose longer pulls, especially on base cabinets, for a more seamless and updated look.

7. Recommended Farmhouse Hardware Brands

Here are three top brands that fit farmhouse style perfectly — and are trusted, high-quality options you already carry on RTAKB.com.

 Amerock

Known for trending finishes, farmhouse-friendly designs, and excellent pricing. Their cup pulls and rustic black handles are especially popular.

 Berenson

Offers more modern farmhouse looks — clean bar pulls, brushed finishes, and minimalistic shapes.

 Top Knobs

A premium brand with unbeatable detail and craftsmanship. Great for homeowners who want a higher-end farmhouse aesthetic.

Can I mix and match cabinet hardware in a farmhouse kitchen?

Yes — mixing can look amazing if done intentionally.
A common approach is:

  • Black pulls + brushed nickel knobs

  • Aged brass pulls + ceramic knobs

  • Cup pulls on drawers + bars on doors

Just keep finishes consistent enough that they look like part of the same story.

What size cabinet pulls should I choose?

Pull size depends on drawer length. A good rule:
Pull size ≈ ⅓ of drawer width.

For farmhouse kitchens, slightly larger pulls can make the design feel cleaner and more modern.

What’s the best finish for a farmhouse kitchen?

The most popular farmhouse finishes today are:

  • Matte black

  • Oil-rubbed bronze

  • Aged brass

  • Brushed nickel

Pick based on the tone you want:
Warm = brass/bronze
Cool = nickel
Bold/modern = black

Which brands offer farmhouse-friendly hardware?

  • Amerock — affordable, stylish farmhouse designs

  • Berenson — modern farmhouse options

  • Top Knobs — premium farmhouse elegance

All three make excellent pulls and knobs for farmhouse kitchens.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right cabinet pulls for a farmhouse kitchen doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to warm finishes, simple shapes, and materials with character. Align your hardware with the rest of your kitchen’s features, and you’ll create a space that feels cozy, cohesive, and beautifully farmhouse.

If you’re ready to upgrade your hardware, explore options from Amerock, Berenson, and Top Knobs — all high-quality brands that deliver the perfect farmhouse style.