The Best Hardware for an Industrial Kitchen Renovation

Industrial kitchens are the perfect blend of functionality and style. Their hallmark is a raw, urban aesthetic defined by materials like metal, wood, and concrete, paired with practical and bold hardware that enhances the look. Whether you’re starting a full kitchen renovation or just refreshing your space, choosing the right hardware—cabinet pulls, faucets, hinges, and shelving brackets—can elevate your design and tie everything together.

I vividly recall renovating a client’s industrial-style kitchen in a downtown loft. The moment we swapped out traditional chrome knobs for matte black pipe-style pulls and added an oversized industrial faucet, the space instantly transformed. It was a reminder of how small details can make a big impact.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best hardware options for an industrial kitchen renovation, from cabinet hardware to lighting fixtures, and share tips on how to choose pieces that balance utility and urban character.

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Why Hardware Is Key in Industrial Kitchens

1. Completes the Look

Hardware is like jewelry for your kitchen. The right knobs, pulls, and hinges can enhance the raw, edgy vibe of an industrial space.

2. Adds Functionality

Industrial-style hardware prioritizes utility. Think sturdy handles, heavy-duty hinges, and durable faucets designed to withstand daily wear and tear.

3. Highlights Materials

Metals like steel, iron, and brass shine in industrial kitchens, and hardware is an excellent way to showcase these materials.

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1. Cabinet Knobs and Pulls

Cabinet hardware plays a huge role in defining your kitchen’s style.

Best Materials for Industrial Cabinet Hardware:

• Matte Black Metal: Sleek and understated, black metal works beautifully with both light and dark cabinets.
• Brushed Steel: A timeless industrial finish that pairs well with stainless steel appliances.
• Antique Brass or Bronze: Adds warmth and vintage charm to industrial kitchens.
• Pipe-Style Hardware: Mimicking industrial plumbing, these handles are bold and functional.

Top Picks:

• Bar Pulls: Linear pulls with a modern edge.
• Knurled Knobs: Textured metal knobs add grip and visual interest.
• Recessed Handles: Flush handles for a clean, minimalist look.

Pro Tip: Match your cabinet hardware finish to your faucet and lighting fixtures for a cohesive look.

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2. Faucets

The faucet is one of the focal points of an industrial kitchen.

Key Features of Industrial Faucets:

• High-Arc Spouts: Adds drama and allows for easy cleaning of large pots and pans.
• Exposed Springs: Industrial-style faucets often feature a coil spring design, giving them a professional, utilitarian look.
• Matte or Brushed Finishes: Black, brushed nickel, and stainless steel are ideal finishes for industrial kitchens.

Top Picks:

• Pull-Down Faucets: These offer flexibility and functionality.
• Wall-Mounted Faucets: Perfect for creating a vintage, industrial vibe.
• Bridge Faucets: Combine traditional and industrial aesthetics with exposed pipe-style connections.

Pro Tip: Choose a faucet with a finish that complements your sink material, such as brushed steel for stainless steel sinks or matte black for concrete sinks.

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3. Hinges and Door Hardware

Hinges and door hardware may seem like minor details, but they contribute significantly to the overall look.

Best Options for Hinges and Door Hardware:

• Exposed Hinges: Add character and a vintage-industrial vibe.
• Barn Door Hardware: Ideal for pantry or utility doors, featuring heavy-duty tracks and rollers.
• Matte Black or Antique Brass Finishes: These finishes add contrast to wooden doors or cabinets.

Pro Tip: Exposed hinges work best with shaker-style or flat-panel cabinet doors for a streamlined industrial look.

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4. Shelving and Brackets

Open shelving is a staple in industrial kitchens, and the brackets are just as important as the shelves themselves.

Best Bracket Styles for Industrial Kitchens:

• Pipe Brackets: Made from black iron or galvanized steel, these mimic plumbing pipes.
• L-Brackets with Exposed Screws: A utilitarian design that pairs well with reclaimed wood shelves.
• Floating Shelf Brackets: For a minimalist industrial aesthetic.

Pro Tip: Pair dark metal brackets with reclaimed wood shelves to add warmth and texture to your kitchen.

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5. Drawer Slides and Glides

Heavy-duty drawer slides are essential for industrial kitchens, especially if you’re storing pots, pans, or small appliances in your drawers.

Best Features for Industrial Drawer Hardware:

• Full-extension slides for maximum accessibility.
• Soft-close mechanisms to prevent slamming.
• Steel or zinc-coated finishes for durability.

Pro Tip: Opt for visible slide rails for a more industrial, raw look.

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6. Lighting Hardware

Industrial kitchens are known for their bold and functional lighting.

Best Lighting Hardware for Industrial Kitchens:

• Pendant Lights: With metal shades, cage designs, or Edison bulbs.
• Track Lighting: Exposed track lighting adds a factory-inspired touch.
• Wall Sconces: Ideal for accent lighting over sinks or open shelves.

Pro Tip: Choose fixtures in black, steel, or brass finishes, and opt for dimmable bulbs for versatility.

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7. Appliance Pulls

If you have built-in appliances, matching pulls can complete the industrial look.

Best Styles for Appliance Pulls:

• Oversized bar pulls for refrigerators and dishwashers.
• Matte black or brushed stainless steel to match your cabinet hardware.
• Exposed rivets or screws for added detail.

Pro Tip: Consider custom pulls made from plumbing pipes for a unique industrial touch.

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Picture Gallery

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How to Mix and Match Industrial Hardware

1. Stick to a Cohesive Palette

Choose one or two finishes (e.g., matte black and brushed steel) and use them consistently across your hardware, faucets, and lighting.

2. Balance Bold and Subtle Elements

If your cabinet pulls are bold, opt for a more understated faucet. Conversely, let the faucet shine if the rest of the hardware is minimal.

3. Layer Textures

Pair sleek metal hardware with textured materials like reclaimed wood or concrete to create visual interest.

4. Choose Hardware That Matches Your Layout

For small kitchens, use compact hardware like knobs or recessed pulls to avoid overcrowding. In larger spaces, go bold with oversized handles or statement faucets.

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Conclusion

The right hardware is the finishing touch that can elevate your industrial kitchen from good to stunning. Whether you choose pipe-style handles, exposed hinges, or a high-arc industrial faucet, these pieces combine functionality with bold, urban character. By focusing on raw materials, utilitarian designs, and cohesive finishes, you can create a kitchen that’s both practical and stylish.

Ready to renovate? Let these hardware ideas inspire your journey toward the ultimate industrial kitchen!

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FAQs

1. Can I mix hardware finishes in an industrial kitchen?

Yes! Mixing finishes like matte black and brushed steel can add depth and interest. Just be sure to keep the overall palette cohesive.

2. What’s the most durable finish for kitchen hardware?

Brushed steel and matte black finishes are both highly durable and resistant to scratches, making them ideal for industrial kitchens.

3. How do I clean industrial kitchen hardware?

Use a soft cloth with warm water and mild soap. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can damage the finish.

4. Can I use industrial hardware in a small kitchen?

Absolutely! Opt for smaller hardware like bar pulls or recessed handles to save space while maintaining the industrial aesthetic.

5. Where can I find industrial-style hardware?

Check out retailers like Wayfair, Home Depot, Amazon, and specialty hardware stores. For unique or custom pieces, try Etsy or local metal fabricators.