Where to Use Colorful Hardware

The benefit of adding color through hardware is that it can be used in nearly any room of the home. As a room with a lot of cabinetry (and therefore hardware), kitchens are an obvious option to maximize the trend. But depending on the furniture or built-ins in a space, everything from a living room to a bedroom, home office, nursery, or family room can use the fun accessories. “For homeowners that are not as adventurous, then the hardware might just be on a vanity in the powder room or a piece of furniture,” says Stephenson.

Knobs and pulls aren’t the only option for colorful hardware. As universal design is integrated in more bath projects, assistive products like grab bars have transitioned from clinical afterthoughts to stylish necessities. LifeValet won a 2025 Best of KBIS Award for their Vibe grab bars, which offer an industry-first option for custom inlays, so you can incorporate any color while increasing accessibility. 

Photo: Courtesy of ROUS Hardware

Colorful Hardware Design Tips

Color is in, so there are a lot of opportunities in current decorating trends to embrace bright and bold hardware. “Colorful hardware lends itself well to those who like a lot of color or pizzazz,” says Stephenson, noting the suitability for maximalist, eclectic, and modern styles. 

“Even minimalists can use colorful hardware in their spaces as long as everything else has pretty clean lines,” advises Stephenson. Read on to learn more applicable tips about using colorful hardware in your home.

How to Pick a Hardware Color

If choosing colorful knobs and pulls, Stephenson says her first move is to eliminate disliked colors. Then, it’s about determining the best fit for the space. “In certain cases, we pick a color that will stand out, like red hardware on white cabinets,” says Stephenson. She adds that this high-contrast approach is good for aging clients and people with vision impairments, so it's easier to see and use the cabinet hardware. 

Another idea is to find color inspiration from other elements in the room, like specs and veining in countertops or an accent paint color. Window treatments and rugs, countertop appliances, or artwork can also inspire a color selection. If you have an open concept house, think about using a color from an adjacent space to help the overall layout feel connected and cohesive. 

What to Avoid with Colorful Hardware

“Pay attention to the colors of the hardware on your appliances,” warns Stephenson, offering the red knobs on many ranges as an example. Be sure cabinet hardware selections don’t clash or compete with other finishes in the room, including other hardware, lighting, or fixtures. 

Adding color through knobs and pulls can be a simple, character-filled refresh, but be careful not to overdo it. Mixing colors or incorporating too many colorful knobs might feel chaotic or detract from the intended specialness of the finish. You also want to consider the size and layout of a space before you punctuate it with bold hardware. For example, colorful hardware in a small kitchen with a lot of cabinets can overwhelm the space with visual clutter rather than color.