The Ultimate Guide to Cabinet Hardware Finishes: What’s Trending in 2025

Understanding the Importance of Cabinet Hardware

Beyond its functional purpose, hardware acts as jewelry for your cabinetry. It can:

• Improve the aesthetic: The finish and style of your hardware can blend seamlessly with your cabinets or provide a striking contrast.
• Reflect your style: Your choice of hardware speaks volumes about your design preferences!
• Improve functionality: Well-chosen hardware is comfortable to grip and use daily.
• Add to the overall look: Upgrading your cabinet hardware is inexpensive to refresh the space without completely renovating.

Read: How Kitchen Cabinet Hardware Can Transform Your Space

Trending Cabinet Hardware Finishes in 2025

Now, let's explore the kitchen cabinet hardware finishes that are making waves in 2025:

1. Matte Black

Matte black is a top choice for hardware because of its versatility. It seamlessly complements various design styles.

• Why it's trending: Matte black offers a bold yet understated look. It contrasts strongly against lighter cabinet colors like white, gray, and cream. On darker cabinets, it adds depth and a sense of modern sophistication. Its non-reflective surface also conceals fingerprints and smudges, which makes it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.
• Pairing suggestions: Matte black hardware looks fantastic with Shaker-style cabinets, flat-panel doors, and ornate designs. It complements quartz, granite, and butcher block countertops. For a cohesive look, consider pairing it with black or stainless-steel appliances and fixtures.
• Example: Imagine sleek matte black pulls on crisp white Shaker cabinets in a modern farmhouse kitchen accented by a rustic wooden island and stainless-steel appliances.

2. Brushed Gold/Brass

Warm metallic tones like brushed gold and brass are experiencing a significant resurgence in popularity. These finishes bring a touch of luxury and warmth to any space.

• Why it's trending: Brushed gold and brass offer a sophisticated and inviting feel. The brushed texture prevents the hardware from appearing too shiny. These finishes evoke a sense of timeless elegance and can beautifully complement light and dark cabinet colors. They also look nice with natural materials such as wood and stone.
• Pairing suggestions: Brushed gold or brass hardware looks stunning on navy blue, emerald, green, and deep gray cabinets. Consider pairing it with gold or brass lighting fixtures and accessories for a cohesive design.
• Example: Picture elegant, brushed brass knobs on deep navy-blue cabinets in a sophisticated kitchen, complemented by marble countertops.

3. Satin Nickel

Satin nickel is a popular choice because of its understated elegance. It offers a softer, warmer alternative to polished chrome.

• Why it's trending: Nickel provides a clean, contemporary look. The finish helps to reduce fingerprints and water spots.
• Pairing suggestions: Satin nickel hardware works well with any cabinet color. It pairs effortlessly with stainless steel appliances and fixtures, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.
• Example: Satin nickel pulls on light gray cabinets with a minimalist backsplash.

4. Gunmetal/Brushed Bronze

Gunmetal and brushed bronze finishes offer a more industrial, grounded aesthetic. These darker metallic tones provide a sophisticated alternative to black.

• Why it's trending: These finishes bring a sense of depth and character to a space. Gunmetal, with its calm, smoky gray tone, exudes modern industrial chic. Brushed bronze, with its warmer undertones, offers a more rustic and inviting feel while maintaining a sophisticated edge. Both finishes can add a unique and unexpected element to your design.
• Pairing suggestions: Gunmetal hardware looks striking against white, light gray, and even light wood cabinets, adding to the industrial vibe. Brushed bronze complements darker wood tones, deep blues, and greens, creating a rich and earthy feel. Consider pairing them with concrete countertops, exposed brick, and industrial-style lighting.
• Example: Imagine a rugged gunmetal pull on dark gray Shaker cabinets in an industrial-inspired kitchen featuring concrete countertops.

5. Mixed Metals: The Art of Intentional Contrast

While matching hardware finishes throughout space has long been the norm, 2025 will see a rise in mixed metal finishes.

• Why it's trending: Mixing metals adds visual interest and curated style to your space. It allows you to highlight elements like lighting fixtures or faucets and create a more dynamic and layered look. When done correctly, it can feel intentional and sophisticated rather than accidental.
• Pairing suggestions: A popular approach is to choose one dominant metal finish for your cabinet hardware and incorporate a secondary metal in your lighting fixtures, faucets, or other decorative elements. Make sure there's a common thread, such as similar undertones or styles, to create a cohesive look.
• Example: Picture a kitchen with white Shaker cabinets featuring matte black pulls, a brushed gold gooseneck faucet, and pendant lights with gold accents.

6. Unique and Textured Finishes: Adding Personality

Beyond the standard metallic and matte options, 2025 also shows a rise in unique and textured kitchen cabinet hardware finishes. These add a tactile element to your cabinetry.

• Why it's trending: Homeowners are increasingly seeking ways to personalize their spaces and move away from generic designs. Textured finishes, such as knurled, hammered, or leather-wrapped hardware, offer a unique tactile experience and visual interest.
• Pairing suggestions: The pairing depends heavily on the specific texture and style. Knurled hardware can amplify an industrial or contemporary look, while hammered finishes add a rustic or artisanal touch.
• Example: Imagine sleek, dark wood cabinets with gunmetal pulls in a modern home bar.

Choosing the Right Cabinet Hardware Finish for Your Space

Picking the perfect hardware finish involves considering several factors:

• Cabinet Style: The door style should influence your hardware choice. For example, sleek, modern cabinets often pair well with minimalist bar pulls in matte black or satin nickel. In contrast, traditional cabinets might suit more decorative knobs or pulls in brushed brass or antique bronze.
• Overall Décor: Your cabinet hardware should complement your space's other finishes and materials. Consider appliances, lighting fixtures, faucets, countertops, and a backsplash.
• Functionality: Consider how often you'll use the hardware and choose a durable, easy-to-clean finish.
• Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best choice is the one you love, which reflects your style.

Upgrade Your Cabinets with the Perfect Hardware

Kitchen cabinet hardware is a small detail with a significant impact. By staying informed about the latest finish trends, you can heighten the look and feel of your kitchen. In 2025, popular hardware trends include matte black, brushed gold, satin nickel, gunmetal, mixed metals, and textured finishes for added character.

At Prime Cabinetry, we understand the importance of every detail in your design project. To help you achieve your vision, we offer a selection of cabinet hardware in the latest trending finishes. Explore our hardware collection, and let our experts guide you in picking the perfect finishing touches.