Cabinet Knob Placement You can place the knobs just above or below the corner of the cabinet door frame. For wall cabinets (cabinets placed above the counter space), it's common to see knobs placed 2'' to 3'' from the lower corner of the door panel, but most importantly, is based on your personal preference.
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.
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.
The "normal" rule is small surfaces use small hardware while larger surfaces use larger hardware. A typical size for base cabinets can run from 12" to 36" while upper wall cabinets are sometimes taller. Anything larger usually requires larger pulls from 6" to 12" center-to-center holes.
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.
Cabinet Knob Placement
You can place the knobs just above or below the corner of the cabinet door frame. For wall cabinets (cabinets placed above the counter space), it's common to see knobs placed 2'' to 3'' from the lower corner of the door panel, but most importantly, is based on your personal preference.
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.
Small Knobs (1/2" to 1" Diameter): These are perfect for small drawers, doors, and cabinets.
If a drawer is wider than 24 inches, you will want two pulls. 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.
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.
Classic cabinet hardware finishes such as chrome and brushed nickel will always be in style. In recent years, however, we have seen a surge in demand for warmer-toned metal finishes such as honey-bronze and caramel-bronze in addition to satin brasses, brushed golds, and polished coppers.
Use pulls on the drawers and knobs on the doors, or vice versa. Just make sure you choose one pull style and one complementary knob style, and stick with the same finish throughout the kitchen. Or, you can use one type of hardware throughout the kitchen for a clean look.
The simple answer is no. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to fixtures and fittings. Whoever said that because you have brass in one room, you cannot have chrome in another? In terms of home design, mixing and matching can be an artistic way to reflect your personal tastes in design.
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.
Centered on the Inset Panel: This is where you place the knob or pull handle on the center of the recessed drawer panel (the inset). This is the most common hardware placement on Shaker cabinets. Center of the Top Rail: You can place the knob or pull handle on the center of the top rail portion.
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″.
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 most common size for cabinet pulls is three inches. This size works well for most kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. However, if you have larger cabinets or drawers, you may want to opt for a four-inch pull. And if you have smaller cabinets or drawers, you may want to choose a two-inch pull.
Cabinet knobs are fine, and often used. 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.
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.
Cabinet Knob Placement on Doors
The general rule is to place a knob 2 1/2″ – 3″ from the corner of the door. For upper cabinets, install knobs in the bottom corners of the door. For lower cabinets, place them in the upper corners.
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.
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.