What is the rule of thumb for cabinet knobs?

Author: Walton Bashirian  |  Last update: Monday, March 17, 2025

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.

What is the proper placement for cabinet knobs?

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.

What is the 1/3 rule for cabinet hardware?

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.

How do I know what size cabinet knobs to buy?

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.

What is the rule of thumb for cabinet hardware?

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 Knobs and Pulls - 8 IMPORTANT installing Tips

What are the rules for cabinet knobs?

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.

What kitchen hardware is in style in 2024?

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.

Are 1 inch knobs too small for kitchen cabinets?

Small Knobs (1/2" to 1" Diameter): These are perfect for small drawers, doors, and cabinets.

What size handle for 36 drawer?

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.

What hardware looks best on shaker cabinets?

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.

What is the trend in kitchen cabinet hardware?

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.

How to choose knobs and pulls for kitchen cabinets?

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.

Should cabinet hardware match throughout the house?

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.

How to mix knobs and pulls on kitchen cabinets?

A few designer tips for mixing and matching like a pro:
  1. Create rules for consistency. ...
  2. Limit your styles to one of each hardware type – one pull, one knob. ...
  3. Choose matching finishes. ...
  4. Get both styles in the same hardware line. ...
  5. Choose a finish that coordinates with the permanent fixtures in your kitchen.

What size drawer pulls for 30 inch drawers?

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 is the best placement for handles on shaker cabinets?

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.

What is the most popular cabinet handle size?

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″.

What is the rule of thumb for cabinet pulls?

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.

Are 3 inch cabinet pulls too small?

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.

What is the best size for cabinet knobs?

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.

What color hardware for white kitchen cabinets in 2024?

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.

What is the best cabinet knob placement?

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.

What kitchen style never goes out of style?

10 Timeless Kitchen Trends That Will Never Go Out Of Style
  • White cabinets. Photo by Boss Design Center. ...
  • Marble counters. Photo by Knockout Renovation. ...
  • Stainless-steel appliances. Stainless steel is a sleek (and safe) choice in the kitchen. ...
  • Shaker-style cabinets. ...
  • Subway tile. ...
  • Open shelving. ...
  • Kitchen islands. ...
  • Hardwood floors.

Is brushed nickel out of style in 2025?

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.

What cabinet hardware is outdated?

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.

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