We find that cabinet pulls with an overall length of 4-5 inches are a good choice for standard-sized cabinets doors. Depending on the pull style, the pulls in this size range tend to have hole spacing from 3 inches to 5 inches.
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.
It depends on the size of the drawer. Standard base and wall cabinets are usually between 12 and 36 inches. If this is the case, it's typical to use 3- or 4-inch pull handles. If your cabinets are larger than standard, you'll need larger pulls.
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.
When shopping for knobs, you will want to consider not only your design preference, but also how the knob functions. For standard size cabinetry (dimensions of 12″ - 36″) the most common knob size is 1 ¼”.
For standard size cabinetry (measurements of 12″ – 36″) the most well-known pull sizes are 3", 4", 96mm, and 128mm centre-to-centre (starting with one screw gap then onto the next).
The standard size for a door knob diameter is either 2 3/8 inches or 2 3/4 inches and these knobs will usually fit doors that are anywhere between 1 3/8 inches to 1 3/4 inches thick.
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).
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. On drawers and pull-out cabinets, drawer pulls and knobs are typically centered on the drawer front.
The Center-to-Center of any drawer pull is the distance between the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. Measuring the center-to-center of the drawer pull is key in determining what new drawer pulls and knobs will fit and whether you'll need to drill new mounting holes or fit into existing ones.
If you're looking for an affordable option that is easy to install and use, cabinet knobs might be the way to go. However, if you want hardware that is easier to clean and less likely to get in the way, cabinet pulls might be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and what will work best for your space.
If you will have knobs on doors and drawers, stick to the same size or larger on drawers. Wood knobs can go slightly larger than metal knobs, as they are intended to be more robust and are visually lighter than shiny metal. Drawers wider than 18″ need two knobs/pulls, whereas drawer narrower need only one.
Having a false drawer handle adds continuity and are more visually appealing than having a bald-faced drawer. Although having a drawer handle on a false drawer does not increase storage space, many enjoy the look of having all of their drawer faces with knobs or handles.
MIXING HARDWARE STYLES
Choose a single finish. It's much easier and safer to mix different shapes of knobs and pulls in one matching finish. Think about the number of drawers and doors. It can be easier to make multiple styles of hardware work in a larger kitchen with many doors and drawers.
Sleek Modern Pulls. Slim and sleek pulls are still the most popular cabinet hardware style. Modern bar pulls, whether tubular or square are top sellers, and for good reason. They look great on most cabinets, come in many finishes, and are a flexible design choice.
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.
Pulls tend to be pieces of cabinet hardware that are mounted on the cabinetry at two points. Pulls are much wider than knobs and are designed more with form in mind, allowing the user to wrap their fingers comfortably around the piece of hardware. Most modern pulls are cylinders or rectangular prisms.
Bar Pulls -
Bar pulls generally are characterized by having a long bar, attached by one or two points to the cabinet, that is used as handle to opening a cabinet door or drawer. These tend to be the most common type of pull we see.
A simple, subtle arch or bend in a cabinet pull provides some interest to the overall design without being too bold. The extra space created by the arch pull also allows for easier gripping. The Cosmas 2363 series of cabinet pullsperfectly blend modern and traditional.
Consistent Size Throughout
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.