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Photography by Aaron Bengochea

It’s true that it’s worth investing in hardy, solid wood cupboards that will withstand the test of time. After all, the feature will soak up a good portion of your all-in budget (cupboards average between $2,000 and $8,000, although they can be much more if you go fully custom). But as the surface you touch the most when you’re in the space, hardware is equally important. 

You have two main options when it comes to this finishing touch: knobs and/or pulls. Here, we’re diving deep into the latter, which also happens to be the more functional (read: easier to grab) choice. While they both work the same way, pulls are typically bigger, thinner, and require two screw holes instead of one. There’s a whole range of styles out there, from rings you can loop your fingers through to cups that offer extra leverage. Ahead, we lay out nine hardworking options for all types of budgets, because what’s the point of having nice cabinetry if you can’t get to what’s inside? 

If You’re the Hands-On Type

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Modern Cabinet Bar Pull (pack of 10), Walmart ($25)
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When you want a clean, put-together space, black always does the job. This super-affordable find is ideal for first-time renovators on a tight budget. If the holes in the doors you’re updating align perfectly, great. If not, you’ll have to close in the old openings with wood filler before making new ones. 

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Kennaston Appliance Pull, Rejuvenation ($350)
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A stainless steel fridge is a lot less boring with this leather and brass accessory on it. The piece is made up of 94 percent recycled material, and the leather is treated so it resists stains and moisture.

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Lambeth Crystal Pull, RH ($53)
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A touch industrial and a smidge glam, this see-through pull won’t potentially clash (or take away from) the fronts behind it. 

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Brushed Brass Cabinet Pull (pack of 10), Amazon ($40)
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Made out of steel, then brushed in brass, this pull only looks high-end. Bring in the classic metal elsewhere while you’re at it. The island pendants and the vent hood are both very much on limits. 

If You Only Want to Lift a Finger

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Rustic Bronze Bin Pull, Signature Hardware ($14)
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Matte black bars have become synonymous with farmhouse design, but this solid bronze bin pull is an equally charming alternative. The deep cup is ergonomic by design, allowing you to swiftly open a larger-than-average drawer. 

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Alden Pull, Anthropologie ($16)
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When you want your hardware to seamlessly blend into your cabinets, look no further than the finger pull. This handcrafted cast-iron pick is almost flush with the door fronts, except the curved lip allows you to access what’s inside. 

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Elroy Finger Pull, Rejuvenation ($36)
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Consider this sturdy choice for your lowest cabinet doors. The only effort you have to put into opening it up is hooking your middle and pointer fingers around the bar. 

If It’s All More for Show Than Touch

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D Pull by Ramsey Conder, The Future Perfect ($80)
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Ringing in at $80, this D-shaped handle made out of polished bronze is a definite splurge, but it’s an option worth considering if you’ve got a small kitchen with few cabinets. 

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Lapis Azuli Ellipse Pull, Christina Zantonio (Price upon request)
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If polished nickel is too trendy for you, think outside the typical metal box and consider, say, a gemstone. Lapis lazuli, set in solid brass, will shine against any hue of cabinetry, even a rich navy. Open sesame. 

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