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. Your eyes follow the length of the pull up the height of the door or across the width of the drawer.
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.
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.
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. Look for ones that run between 6 and 12 inches.
Each pull should be about 1/6 the size of the drawer width. So if you have a 36 inch drawer, then you would want two 6 inch pulls spaced out on the drawer front.
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.
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.
While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width.
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.
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.
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.
Cup bin pulls are a great option for kitchen cabinets. They have a timeless look that can complement a variety of decor styles, they are easy to grip and use. If you're looking to update the hardware on your kitchen cabinets, consider using cup bin pulls for a simple and classic look.
For standard size cabinetry (dimensions of 12″ - 36″) the most common knob size is 1 ¼”. If you either have small hands, small cabinetry (dimensions under 12″) or are taking a more minimalist approach to your design, you may choose a smaller cabinet knob.
The most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
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.
Black hardware provides your home with a timeless aesthetic. This classic color will never go out of fashion, ensuring that your home will always look stylish. Additionally, black hardware easily complements other colors and styles, making it simple to find pieces that will enhance your current decor.
Creating a Timeless Look Through New Interior Doors & Hardware. Choosing hardware is a small decision that makes a big difference. By opting for classic finishes like matte black, brushed nickel, warm brass, or oil-rubbed bronze, you're investing in the lasting beauty of your home.
A flat, polished edge or eased edge is a common choice for kitchen countertops. It is clean, simple, and modern-looking and the profile fits well with shaker-style cabinets.
Knobs are ideal for upper cabinets and smaller drawers, while pulls are better suited for lower cabinets and larger drawers. This is because pulls provide a firmer grip and can better handle the weight of heavier items stored in lower cabinets.
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.
For pulls (having two screws) on upper cabinets, the pull should be centered horizontally on the door stile and the bottom hole should be placed 2-1/2” up from the bottom of the door. For lower cabinets the upper hole should be placed vertically, 2-1/2” down from the top of the door.
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.
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.
Standard Drawers (about 12″ – 36″)
Standard-sized drawers can use any of the following pull sizes: 3” (one or two), 4” (one or two), 96mm, and 128mm.