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.
According to this rule, the length of the pull should be approximately one-third the width of the drawer or cabinet door. This creates a visually pleasing ratio that complements the overall design while maintaining functionality. For example, on a 30-inch-wide drawer, a 10-inch pull would follow the 1/3 rule.
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.
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.
And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
Ceramic Knobs
“[Ceramic knobs] are pretty common in older homes, but because they were so popular decades ago, they'll make your home feel a bit stuck in the past,” Cole adds.
There is no right or wrong size to choose, but we do recommend choosing pulls that have at least a 3-3/4" center to center (the distance between the screw holes). This size looks pleasing on most cabinets, while still being large enough to grip comfortably. 5" - 6.5" pulls are also an excellent choice.
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.
Hardware Placement on Cabinet Doors
Both knobs and pulls are almost always centered horizontally on the door stile (the frame piece that runs vertically). Some companies place knobs a little higher or lower on the stile than others, with the range typically between 2″ and 4″ from the bottom or top edge of the 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
On cabinet doors pulls are typically installed in a vertical position with the bottom hardware hole 2 to 3 inches from the bottom of the door front. Center the pull on the stile or frame of the door.
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.
Oversize Drawers (36″ or larger)
For larger drawers, consider investing in longer-length stainless steel pulls such as 6”, 8”, 10” or even 12”. Another alternative to this is by using double smaller pulls, such as two 3” or two 5” pulls.
L-Shaped. The L-shaped kitchen is one of the most popular layouts because it's super functional and can be adapted for almost any sized space. As the name implies, an L-shaped layout features cabinetry and appliances along two adjacent walls, creating an obvious triangle path between work zones.
Knobs can be placed on both cabinetry doors + drawers. Mounted on the door stile, cabinet knobs are placed on the opposite side of the door hinge + typically 2-½” to 3” from the bottom corner of the door for upper cabinets. While on base cabinets knobs are usually placed 2-½” to 3” from the upper corner of the door.
We have custom cabinetry by Killowen Cabinet Company, our marble is from Bedrosians Tile and Stone, and our hardware is from Armac Martin!
Bar pull handles, knob handles, and T-handles are among the most popular due to their modern designs and stylish appeal. They bring a fresh look to a kitchen update while aligning with trendy styles.
Many ask, should kitchen faucets match cabinet hardware? and luckily, there is not a strict rule to follow. It's all about personal preference, harmony, and balance.