Knobs on Uppers, Pulls on Lowers The first suggestion is to put knobs on all upper cabinets and pulls on all lower cabinets.
While in traditional design, knobs tend to be used for upper cabinets + pulls are used on lower cabinets… from where we stand our view of home should be a bit more relaxed.
Cabinet knobs are placed opposite of door hinges. On wall cabinets, knobs are usually placed 2-1/2” to 3” from the bottom corner of the door. On base cabinets, they are placed 2-1/2” to 3” from the upper corner of the door.
Cabinet Knob Placement
You can place the knobs just above or below the corner of the cabinet door frame. For wall cabinets (cabinets placed above the counter space), it's common to see knobs placed 2'' to 3'' from the lower corner of the door panel, but most importantly, is based on your personal preference.
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.
Classic cabinet hardware finishes such as chrome and brushed nickel will always be in style. In recent years, however, we have seen a surge in demand for warmer-toned metal finishes such as honey-bronze and caramel-bronze in addition to satin brasses, brushed golds, and polished coppers.
The standard height for upper cabinets from the counter is 18 inches, or 1 foot and 6 inches. They shouldn't be less than 15 inches away or more than 20 inches away.
For standard drawers, the correct cabinet knob placement is typically with knobs centered vertically, so they will be in the center of the panel. For extra deep drawers, you may install knobs centered in the top third of the drawer or on the top rail if you prefer. This creates a more contemporary 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. The right choice depends on your kitchen's style, the cabinet's functionality, and personal preference.
Small Knobs (1/2" to 1" Diameter): These are perfect for small drawers, doors, and cabinets.
To create a cohesive look, choose one pull style and one knob style. Don't mix different styles within the knob or pull category. For example, if you have a contemporary kitchen, you might select a sleek, modern bar pull for your drawers and pair it with a simple round knob for your cabinets.
The best handles for shaker style kitchen cabinets can depend on personal preference and the desired aesthetic, but popular choices include oil rubbed bronze cup pulls, tubular bar pulls, and matte black hardware. These options complement the classic look of shaker cabinets while adding a touch of modern elegance.
Pulls are generally considered more modern than knobs, especially when they are sleek and linear. Options like chrome cabinet pulls, gold bar pulls, and modern brushed brass cabinet pulls create a streamlined, contemporary look that suits modern and transitional kitchen designs.
And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
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. Large Drawers that are 30” to 48"will require a pull that is longer than 8" or a knob that is 1" in diameter or greater. Using two pulls or knobs for a large drawer also works great.
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.
Handleless kitchen cabinets are cabinets designed without traditional knobs or pulls, offering a sleek and modern appearance. They use integrated handles, finger pulls, rails, or push-to-open mechanisms to maintain functionality.
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. Pulls don't have to all be the same length as long as the pull design is the same.
Longer Lengths for Longer Drawers
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. Cabinet doors do not follow the 1/3 rule. Generally, pulls between 5 - 7" for uppers are a safe choice - go larger for a more contemporary look.
Your door handle, along with any latches, pulls, or locks, should be placed at least 34 inches from the floor and no higher than 48 inches from the floor. This gives you a bit of wiggle room on where to place your handles. However, it's important to note that you'll ideally be measuring from a finished floor.
Typically, with most designs, all of your other doors and drawers will have either a cabinet knob or cabinet pull, and leaving the false drawer empty may look incomplete. So, it seems right to add a pull to the fake drawer too and give the cabinets a balanced look.
Once installed over your base cabinets, the top of your wall cabinets will be at 84 inches, 90 inches, or 96 inches, respectively. This leaves 18 inches of space between your base cabinets and your wall cabinets (after the countertops).
Rigid thermofoil (RTF) is composed of thin layers of vinyl that are bonded to the MDF surface through high heat and pressure (via a large vacuum press). The result is a beautiful and durable product with the high-end look of real wood.
Lowe's offers a variety of custom cabinets and semi-custom cabinets from several different manufacturers to meet your style and construction preferences and exceed your every expectation. Shop KraftMaid cabinets, Shenandoah cabinets, Diamond cabinets and Schuler Cabinetry cabinets.