A good rule of thumb is for the pull to be about 1/3 of the overall drawer length. For example, an 18″W drawer would have a 6″ pull centered, a 12″ drawer would have a 4″ pull, etc. I think that using one long pull at the long drawers, instead of using two shorter pulls, also looks more custom and high-end.
Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
We recommend keeping it to a maximum of 3 sizes so as not to overwhelm your cabinetry. A small for smaller drawers or doors, standard size for the rest of the cabinetry and a large handle for larger cabinets such as full height pantry doors.
Decoding the 1-3 Rule: Simplicity Meets Elegance
Simply put: the pull length should be about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the drawer.
Mix It up or Keep It Simple
Although mixing cabinet hardware colors and finishes is possible, you can never go wrong coordinating them with appliances and light and plumbing fixtures. If you want to stir things up, consider mixing different styles or shapes of pulls and knobs in the same finishes and textures.
The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
Wendee often creates cohesion when mixing knobs and pulls by choosing versions that are either made from the same material or in the same style. For example, you could choose ornate brass pulls and pair them with brass knobs, or you could choose iron knobs and pair them with simple nickel pulls.
For standard size cabinetry (dimensions of 12″ – 36″) the most common pull sizes are 3”, 4”, 96mm, and 128mm center to center (from one screw hole to another). Standard knob sizes are 1 1/4″ or 1 3/8″.
The 1/3 rule in cabinet hardware is a design guideline that helps achieve balanced proportions when selecting drawer pulls and cabinet handles. According to this rule, the length of the pull should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door.
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 coordinating kitchen cabinet hardware, you'll want to make sure it goes well with the finish of your appliances and light and plumbing fixtures. This doesn't mean the cabinet hardware has to match the fixtures and appliances.
While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width.
Small Knobs (1/2" to 1" Diameter): These are perfect for small drawers, doors, and cabinets.
Ideally, your choice of handle size should complement the style of your cabinets. For example, modern cabinets often benefit from longer, sleeker handles that enhance their clean lines. Traditional cabinets may look best with shorter handles or even knobs that maintain the timeless charm of the design.
Cabinet Pulls Placement
And just like with knob placement, cabinets will look busy when the pull handles are placed flush with the door frame. When placing your pulls, remember that the 1'' to 4'' range (based on your personal preference) from the top or bottom edge of the drawer is the ideal placement.
Matching handles or pulls can bring together the styles so that they feel like they're meant to be together. Alternatively, if you want to play up the different styles, you could also do the opposite and use a unique style, shape, size, or color of hardware for each kind of cabinet.
When mixing handle sizes, it's crucial to maintain a sense of balance. Ensure that smaller handles are used on smaller cabinets and larger ones on pantry cupboards or bigger drawers. This proportional approach keeps the design cohesive and functional.
Using a pull that is approximately 1/3 the length of the drawer is a good rule of thumb. When in between sizes, size up.
When choosing between knobs and pulls for your kitchen cabinet hardware, consider cabinet pulls for a modern, sleek look. Pulls are also a great choice for big, heavy drawers. Opt for knobs for a more traditional feel and for use on cabinet doors.
Drawer pulls can be expensive due to several factors: Material Quality: High-end materials like solid brass or custom finishes increase cost. Design: Intricate or designer pulls often come at a premium. Brand: Established brands may charge more due to reputation and quality assurance.
The truth is there is no set rule on how long bar pulls should be – it is a matter of personal preference. If it's for a drawer, longer bar pulls can add a contemporary feel to the kitchen. However, using longer pulls depend on the width of the drawer.
Gold or Brass
Gold or brass hardware can add warmth and elegance to white kitchen cabinets. Their rich tones complement the white cabinets' clean, crisp look and make them stand out without being too overwhelming. Gold also symbolizes wealth and luxury, making it a popular choice for high-end kitchen designs.
If you have a brushed nickel faucet, matching cabinet hardware in the same finish can create a streamlined, elegant appearance. However, if you prefer a bit of contrast, choosing a different finish but keeping the style consistent can still maintain a unified look without being too matchy-matchy.
The most common size for cabinet pulls is three inches. This size works well for most kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. However, if you have larger cabinets or drawers, you may want to opt for a four-inch pull. And if you have smaller cabinets or drawers, you may want to choose a two-inch pull.
One of the standout trends for 2024 is the use of mixed metals. Combining different finishes like bronze, stainless steel, and black hardware can create a dynamic and visually interesting kitchen. Interior designers are increasingly favoring this approach to add depth and character to spaces.