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.
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.
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 length of the pull is important as it needs to be proportional to the size of your drawers or cabinet. It is recommended for you to get a pull that is no longer than one-third of the height of the cabinet door and no longer than one-half of the width of the drawer.
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.
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″.
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.
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.
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.
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.
TIP: Standard cabinet sizes are in 3” increments. I.E.: 27”, 30”, 33”, 36”, etc. In general, your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size.
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.
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.
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.
On drawers, pulls often look best when you follow a 1:3 ratio – choose a pull that's about one-third as wide as the cabinet drawer face.
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.
And, when in doubt, unlacquered brass and polished nickel are both timeless, failproof finishes that work with every interior design style.
Drawer pulls can be expensive due to several factors: Material Quality: High-end materials like solid brass or custom finishes increase cost. Design: Intricate or designer pulls often come at a premium. Brand: Established brands may charge more due to reputation and quality assurance.
So if you have a 36 inch drawer, then you would want two 6 inch pulls spaced out on the drawer front.
The length of the pull is important because you want it to be proportional to the size of your cabinet or drawers. We recommend a pull that is no longer than one-third of the total cabinet door height and no longer than one-half of the total drawer width.
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.
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.
Kitchen drawers usually come in widths of 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, or 36 inches. The most common sizes for general storage are 18 to 24 inches. Wider drawers, like 30 or 36 inches, are perfect for storing larger items like pots, pans, and dishes.
Cabinet & Drawer Experts from Summit Cabinets
In the end, false handles are really a matter of taste and preference, and you may want consistency and extra space to hang things. Some may like them, some may not, it's all up to you.