Choosing the right decorative hardware for your cabinets requires a balance between functionality and style. The knobs and pulls you select will effortlessly tie your space together when coordinated with the relative scale of your cabinet doors and drawers. But how do you decide on the proper size of hardware to use?
While there are no strict rules to follow, the number of options can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why Top Knobs has created a comprehensive guide to ensure your hardware perfectly pairs with your cabinetry.
Before pulling out your measuring tape, it’s important to note some key terms when it comes to measuring knobs and pulls:
- Overall Length: The distance from one end of the pull to the other end
- Center-to-Center: The industry standard for measuring pulls, the distance from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other screw hole
- Diameter: Refers to the width of a knob orwidth of the thickest portion of a pull
- Projection:How far the pull or knob sticks out from the surface of the cabinet once installed
Now that you are familiar with the terminology and you can properly measure, let’s review how to proportionatelypick hardware for your cabinets.
Knobs
Knobs are the most versatile hardware options. Available in a broad range of styles and finishes, standard size knobs range between 1-2 inches in diameter and will complement cabinet doors of any size.
When arranged on drawers less than 16 inches in width, we recommend installing one knob directly at the center. As for drawers larger than 16 inches, two knobs should be installed. For a symmetrical appearance, measure the drawer into thirds and set the knobs in the center of the two outer portions.
Pulls
Pulls come in a variety of styles and lengths, which can prove to be daunting when selecting proportionately sized hardware. Bar Pulls are traditionally measured center-to-center andthey should not exceed1/3 of the length of a cabinet door or width of a drawer.
Pulls 3-7 inches in length will sit the most comfortably on doors less than 24 inches tall. Cabinet doors 24-36 inches tall are best adorned with pulls 7-12 inches long, while cabinets taller than 36 inches such as pantries, built-in appliances and pullouts should be accompanied by pulls longer than 12 inches.
When fixed on drawers one pull 3-5 inches in length should be installed in the center at the center of a drawer less than 16 inches wide. Drawers 16-32 inches wide are best embellished with two smaller pulls 5-7 inches in length or one larger pull 9-12 inches long. Any drawer broader than 32 inches will require a pull longer than 12 inches.
Cup Pulls and Tab Pulls
Cup and tab pulls will follow the same sizing recommendations as bar pulls however, their placement will vary.
Due to their size and configuration, cup pulls are commonly reserved for drawers and are positioned at the top center or directly in the center. When installed on drawers, tab pulls should be placed along the top center of drawers. On upper cabinets, tab pulls are either installed vertically on the opening of the doors or horizontally on the very bottom.
Appliance Pulls
Appliances pulls are the perfect way to match your appliances and oversized cabinet doors with your decorative hardware. Appliance pulls are available in a variety of sizes from 12 to 30 inches. They should be placed on cabinet doors taller and drawers larger than 36 inches.
Want more design tips? Read our placement guide for a comprehensive look into positioning your hardware.
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FAQs
Cabinet pulls give a sleek visually appealing look to cabinet doors and drawers. What usually looks best is a pull length that is about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the cabinet drawer. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer.
What is the best knob size? ›
For knobs, 1-1/4" is always a safe bet. For a minimalist look, size down. For an impressionable oversized appearance, choose something larger.
Are top knobs high quality? ›
Top Knobs offers the industry's most extensive line of premium quality cabinet, drawer, and bath knobs, pulls and other hardware, created to suit all tastes and styles. The beautifully designed and easy to navigate catalog features all of Top Knobs extraordinary cabinet hardware collections.
How to choose kitchen hardware size? ›
While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width. Small Drawers that are 12” or less typically work best with a pull that is 3” to 4” long or a knob that is 1” in diameter.
What size pulls for 36 inch cabinets? ›
Cabinet doors 24-36 inches tall are best adorned with pulls 7-12 inches long, while cabinets taller than 36 inches such as pantries, built-in appliances and pullouts should be accompanied by pulls longer than 12 inches.
Should you mix cabinet pulls and knobs? ›
Mixing different styles creates visual interest throughout the Kitchen and adds character. This is especially important in a large Kitchen where you don't want the cabinets to look too repetitive. It is also so important to consider the function of each cabinet when selecting the hardware.
Are 1 inch knobs too small for kitchen cabinets? ›
What size should my knobs and pulls be? Start by accounting for the length of your cabinets. For smaller nooks, like spice pull-outs or slim doors that hide cutting boards, go with knobs that are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Otherwise, knobs that are between 1 ¼ and 1 ⅜ inches will suffice.
What is the most popular door knob style? ›
Read on to explore the primary finishes of door hardware that have proven to be timeless.
- Matte black. Matte black is a stylish finish that adds a modern, dramatic touch to a house. ...
- Satin nickel. ...
- Satin chrome. ...
- Polished brass. ...
- Oil rubbed bronze. ...
- Aged bronze. ...
- Brushed nickel.
Brass brings a warmth and lustrous elegance, effortlessly aligning with the timeless design aesthetic. Nickel offers a touch of modernity in both satin and bright nickel.
What are the best cabinet knobs for seniors? ›
Upper Cabinets
As you get older, it also can become more difficult to grip knobs vs handles on kitchen cabinets and doors. Replacing knobs with lever-style or 'D' handles makes gripping easier for everyone. These types of handles can be installed on cabinetry, appliances, and the doors leading into the room itself.
Black Door Hardware: Bold and Sophisticated
Continuing its popularity into 2024, black door fittings are set to maintain their favored status among architects and interior designers. Black door hardware is a symbol of both sophistication and bold design, perfectly suited for making a striking statement.
What size kitchen knobs are best? ›
SIZE
- Small Drawers (300mm wide or less) – Pull between 80-100mm length, or cabinet knob between 20-30mm diameter.
- Medium Drawers (300mm – 750mm) – Pull between 120-200mm length, or cabinet knob between 30- 40mm.
- Large Drawers (750mm + longer) – Pull between 120-200mm long, or cabinet knob between 30-40mm.
Cabinet knobs should be installed on the side opposite the hinges. The general rule is to place a knob 2 ½ to 3 inches from the corner of the door. For upper cabinets, install knobs in the bottom corners of the door. For lower cabinets, place them in the upper corners.
Do door knobs need to match kitchen hardware? ›
Does door hardware have to match? Door handles, fixtures and fittings, and other hardware don't have to match exactly, but they should blend together to make a harmonious space. If you want a cohesive aesthetic, select hardware that's a similar colour to the finish on your fixtures and appliances.
What is the rule of thirds for cabinet pulls? ›
Stick with the rule of thirds for multiple pulls on a drawer. This means dividing the drawer into thirds and placing the pull hardware horizontally in the center of each left and right section. Another option with heavier and larger drawers is to use a larger cabinet pull to cover more of the drawer front.
What is the proper cabinet pull placement? ›
For pulls (having two screws) on upper cabinets, the pull should be centered horizontally on the door stile and the bottom hole should be placed 2-1/2” up from the bottom of the door. For lower cabinets the upper hole should be placed vertically, 2-1/2” down from the top of the door.
What is the ADA requirement for cabinet pulls? ›
Designed for inclusivity, all pulls have a minimum opening width of 4" and a minimum opening depth of 1" (based on typical door/drawer facing dimensions), allowing them to be operated with one hand but without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.
How many knobs per drawer? ›
Most drawers only require one knob or pull. For extra-long drawers (over 2 feet) that will have heavy contents, it can be both visually pleasing and practical to have two knobs or pulls.
