Cabinet hardware is the perfect accent to a beautiful kitchen. and the right handles can be the finishing touch in a hardworking space. After choosing cabinets and countertops, picking cabinet handles -- or pulls, as they're often called -- is an important decision that is left until the very end of the process, but can make big impact. Read on to learn what to consider when shopping for cabinet pulls.

When choosing hardware for cabinets, there are knobs and handles, which are sometimes called pulls. Whether you only use knobs, only use pulls, or use a combination of the two, quality is important. The handles will be used multiple times a day, so it is important they not only look good, but function well, too.

As with the rest of your home, the styling of the handle is vital. In a kitchen with simple, streamlined cabinets, modern hardware with squared edges or slim, tubular pulls complement the clean look of contemporary cabinetry. For more traditional, cottage, or country spaces, pulls with decorative details and ornate styling work best.