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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Decoding the 1-3 Rule: Simplicity Meets Elegance
It's possibly the golden rule in the world of drawer pulls. Simply put: the pull length should be about 1/3 the height of the cabinet door and 1/3 the width of the drawer.
Matte black kitchen hardware remains a top choice for 2024, continuing to dominate as a versatile and sophisticated option for modern kitchens. This sleek finish adds a touch of elegance that pairs beautifully with various cabinet colors and styles, and offers the perfect balance of boldness and refinement.
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″.
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.
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 it comes to installing cabinet door handles (either knobs or pulls), they are always placed on the opposite side from the door hinges. You'll specifically want to place them anywhere between 1'' and 4'' from the top or bottom edge of the door.
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.
The 36-inch wide drawer is one of the most spacious options available for kitchen cabinets. It can store almost anything, from large pots and pans to serving dishes or even bulky food containers. This drawer size is popular in large kitchens, where ample storage space is needed.
The traditional approach typically involves centred handle placement on the inset panel, about 2.5 inches from the bottom of the cabinet door. This classic placement creates a sense of balance and time-honoured elegance within the kitchen.
You can use two knobs or two pulls on the drawer. You'll want to follow the rule of thirds, which means dividing the drawer into thirds and placing the hardware in the center of each left and right section. Or rather than installing two separate pull handles or knobs, you can use one oversized pull handle.
What types of cabinet hardware finishes are popular right now? The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
CREATE VISUAL INTEREST
Combining different types of hardware adds layers to your design. You can pair different-sized handles or pulls with knobs to bring different depths to the space. This variety can make your kitchen feel more dynamic and engaging.
And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
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.
Keep Functionality in Mind: Make sure the pulls are easy to use and easy to grab. Consider how big they are and where you put them so they're practical for your needs. Go with What's Already There: Choose pulls that match or look good with your current cabinets, countertops, and appliances.
Shaker Style Cabinets
With clean, classic lines, Shaker is the most popular cabinet door style because it can work beautifully whether your aesthetic is modern, transitional, or traditional.
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.