Amerock, a leading cabinet-hardware manufacturer, carries more than three dozen widths, ranging from 21⁄2 " to nearly 19", but 3" pulls account for about 60% of today's total offerings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Determining Your Handle Size For older kitchens, the most common replacement size we encounter is 96mm, while in more modern kitchens, we see a lot of handles with a 160mm centre-to-centre spacing. As a general rule, longer handles tend to be more expensive as they require more material for production.
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 most popular hardware finishes are satin or matte black, brushed or polished brass, and copper.
One of the most popular types of handles for kitchen cabinets is the bar pull handle, which is thin and sleek with a simple design.
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.
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.
Small Knobs (1/2" to 1" Diameter): These are perfect for small drawers, doors, and cabinets.
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.
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″.
If you are opting for different size pulls on your drawers and doors, we typically recommend sticking to about 3 different sizes. This gives you the variation for sizes, without overwhelming your cabinetry.
While there is no set rule, we generally recommend that the pull length is approximately 1/3 of the cabinet or drawer width.
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.
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.
For those who prefer a more subtle, understated look, brushed nickel and stainless steel finishes remain popular in 2025. These finishes are timeless, versatile, and easy to incorporate into almost any design style.