Selecting the right size and placement for cabinet hardware can enhance the overall aesthetic and functionality of your kitchen – or any part of your home. We’ve put together some simple guidelines to help you in your decision-making process.
Choosing Between Knobs and Pulls
First decide whether knobs, pulls, or a combination of both is right for your cabinets. Here are the main options to choose from:
All Knobs
- Minimalist and subtle appearance
- Ideal when cabinetry or backsplash should stand out
- Designer – Michelle Berwick Design @michelleberwickdesign_
- Builder – Alair Homes
All Pulls
- Easier to handle, ideal for limited hand strength or arthritis
- Keeps cabinets cleaner by minimizing direct hand contact
- Wider range of styles and designs
- Designer – Pure Kitchens Inc. @purekitchensinc
Combined Knobs and Pulls
There are many possible combinations here resulting in different aesthetic styles:
- Knobs on Upper Cabinets, Pulls on Lower Cabinets
- Knobs on Doors, Pulls on Drawers
- Knobs on Drawers, Pulls on Doors
- Builder – Coachwood Manor Homes @coachwoodmanorhomes
- Designer – Pure Kitchens @purekitchensinc
- Photographer – Thunderbolt Photos @thunderbolt_photos
Stacked Cabinetry
- Smaller knobs or latches recommended for top rows
- Proportional to shorter doors, enhancing elegance
Choosing the Right Sizes
Selecting the correct hardware size is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Properly sized hardware complements the scale of your cabinetry and ensures ease of use. Here are some guidelines to help you select the perfect hardware sizes:
Knob Sizing
- Standard size: 1 – 1/4"
- Smaller knobs for minimalist style
- Larger knobs for bold statements
Pull Sizing
Pull sizes vary more significantly:
Consistent Sizing
- Recommended minimum: 3 – 3/4" center-to-center spacing
- 5" – 6.5" for contemporary aesthetics
- Two pulls on wider drawers if smaller pulls are chosen
Longer Pulls for Wide Drawers
- Single, longer pulls recommended for a cleaner look
- Pull length approximately 1/3 the drawer length
- Doors: 5" – 7" pulls; longer for taller cabinets
Full-Length Pulls
- Modern, sleek design
- Nearly full cabinet width
Appliance Pulls
- For paneled appliances
- Robust and sturdy; suitable for a bold cabinetry statement
Hardware Placement Guidelines
Proper hardware placement significantly impacts the look and functionality of your cabinets. Correct positioning ensures ease of use and enhances visual harmony, making each element of your cabinetry stand out beautifully. Here are guidelines tailored to various cabinet types:
Paneled Doors
- Knobs aligned with rail edges
- Elongated knobs’ top edges aligned with rails
- Pulls aligned with bottom rail edge
Slab Doors
- Hardware equidistant (typically 2") from bottom and side edges
Paneled Drawers
- Center within panel for visual appeal
- Alternatively, install on the top rail for easier handling of heavy drawers
Slab Drawers
- Center on shallow drawers
- Near top for deeper drawers for optimal function and style
Final Considerations
- These guidelines are flexible and can be adapted to personal taste
- Check out our Projects to get some inspiration
- Use painter’s tape to preview hardware placement
- Clearly communicate placement preferences to your installer
If you’re not sure what to choose or have additional questions, please contact our team. We can guide you through the selection process to make sure you get the most out of your kitchen renovation.
Main Image Credits:
- Builder Sixth Avenue Homes @sixthavenuehomes
- Photographer Property Vision @propertyvision
