How To Place Cabinet Knobs + Pulls
When it comes to your home, there are a handful of things that make a big, unexpected, dramatically-amazing impact that still manages to keep functionality front of mind. And girl, take it from me when I tell you that cabinetry hardware is one of them.
In my world of creating homes that feel so good you never want to leave –– it’s all about layering in the luxuries + the subtle details that help bring the aesthetics of a room together. So when we start talking about cabinets, hardware is that fabulous jewelry to your home’s best-dressed outfit.
In fact, cabinet hardware is actually one of the easiest + most cost-effective things you can do to instantly update a space.
Whether you’re selecting hardware for a brand-spankin’ new space, remodeling an existing one, or simply swapping out that run of the mill hardware for something fresh, new + fun, you want to make sure your final design selections are absolutely s-t-u-n-n-i-n-g.
Not to mention, cabinet knob placement — while not as glamorous, it’s equally important.
But before we get too far ahead of ourselves + start exploring how to determine the best cabinet knob placement or how to measure for installing them, let’s dive in + chat about some of the gorgeous cabinetry hardware options we get to make.
Because as much as I love ‘em, I’m pretty sure you didn’t find us by searching for Tacos... Darn.
TYPES OF CABINET HARDWARE
KNOBS
One of the most common types of cabinet hardware are knobs. I mean, what’s not to love about something that is suitable for both cabinetry doors + drawers or not to mention cabinetry hardware that’s easy to install since they only require a single screw.
That’s right, we speak a lot to the ladies in our tribe but for all you dear hubbies out there — we’ve got your back too. Admittedly though, I get giddy with excitement during this phase; Which means neither John nor our contractors ever get to indulge in the simplicity of this luxury *wink* but from time to time great design can also be accomplished easily.
All jokes aside, cabinet knobs have come a l-o-o-o-n-g way. Although most people immediately think of knobs in the traditional sense as being round or circular in shape, or in an expected ho-hum finish with no wow factor to them.
But I promise you...that’s not the case anymore!
Cabinet knobs can also come in a few other unexpected shapes like squares, hexagons or T-shaped. And to get even further away from that image of traditional knobs that popped into your head when I said cabinet knobs — they come in a wide range of finishes. Almost anything your heart desires from crystal to acrylic or various metals to leather or even wood.
Looking for cabinet knob placement? Keep scrolling boo, I got you!
PULLS
Another type of cabinet hardware is — pulls. Like knobs, they’re fabulous. They’ve got clean lines, they’re easy to grab a hold of + can really add that unexpected pop or sizzle to your home.
While in traditional design, knobs tend to be used for upper cabinets + pulls are used on lower cabinets… from where we stand our view of home should be a bit more relaxed. Less rules, more love.
But that’s not to say that when we’re knocked head over heels by cabinet pulls + the design calls for it, we’ll from time-to-time consider using them on both upper + lower cabinets as it creates a more modern look + feel.
So, what’s the trick with using pulls? While knobs are fairly consistent in size, pulls, on the other hand, come in a wide range of different shapes + sizes to go along with a bazillion other unique finishes. TIP: If you’re using pulls in your kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want to consider how big your cabinetry hardware needs to be so it feels proportionate with the door or drawer.
Worried about selecting the right size? Peep the guide below.
CUP PULLS
Well, aren’t these fairly self-explanatory? Cup pulls are a style of cabinetry hardware in which you can slip your fingers underneath the cup + grab a hold of the pull.
What makes cup pulls a great cabinet hardware choice is their timeless-ness. A look that’s versatile + blends well with a ton of different design styles. From farmhouse to transitional or even modern styles –– cup pulls add a subtle splash of yummy gorgeous-ness to any kitchen or bathroom drawer + we pair them with a cabinet knob for any of the doors.
TAB, EDGE, FINGER PULLS
Tab or edge pulls which are often lumped together + referred to as finger pulls, these guys are a great choice for anyone that’s looking to create a more streamlined, modern or contemporary look.
In fact, what’s unique about these finger pulls is the way they’re installed + how they are mounted to the cabinetry. While most cabinetry hardware, the screws are drilled all the way through the front of the door or drawer, tab or edge pulls actually mount to the top or bottom edge of your cabinetry (or to the backside.) Thus, there’s no hole drilled in the front of the cabinet door or drawer.
Minimalist by design, this style of cabinet hardware really showcases the craftsmanship of the cabinetry doors + drawers in a space. #TresChic!
PLACEMENT + POSITIONING OF CABINETRY HARDWARE
Now for the meat + potatoes of it all.
We’ve talked about the different types of cabinetry hardware + how it can become an absolute showstopper in your home but there’s still an itsy-bitsy detail to the finished product missing… that’s placement + positioning.
Because, if your cabinet knob placement is off, it can literally make or break the overall design of a space. Making an otherwise amazing room look — unattractive.
Typically, you only get one shot at placing your hardware correctly. But we also know that deciding the position for knobs + pulls on cabinets can be excruciatingly painful so as your interior design bff’s, we put together this fantastic guide to help you.
WHAT ARE CABINET STILES AND RAILS
Before we can dive any deeper into how to position or place your cabinetry hardware I need to make sure we're speaking the same language. Especially when it comes to the anatomy of your cabinets.
In fact, did you know that those horizontal pieces that make up the top and bottom of your cabinet door or drawer are called rails?
And stiles are the vertical pieces that make up either side of your cabinet door or drawer.
Last but not least, the panel is the inset piece that makes up the large center surface area of your door or drawer.
Which means that if you have a slab-style cabinet door or drawer front you won’t have any rails, stiles or panels because it’s a flat slab.
WHERE SHOULD CABINET KNOBS BE PLACED
DOORS
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.
DRAWERS
When it comes to cabinet knob placement for drawers under 24”, typically knobs are centered and installed perfectly in the middle of the drawer panel. For a bit more contemporary of a look you could consider positioning the knob in the center of the drawer horizontally but installing it the upper third of the drawers panel vertically.
If the drawer is 24” or wider, we recommend adding a second knob. TIP: To get the perfect look for your cabinet knob placement — divide the drawer into thirds and place the two knobs in the left + right portions (or thirds) of the drawer.
WHERE SHOULD CABINET PULLS OR CUP PULLS BE PLACED
The general rule for installing cabinet pulls or cup pulls is nearly the same as installing knobs on a cabinet. See I told you dear hubby, we like to keep things simple *wink*
DOORS
That said, with cabinet knobs (if you recall from above) they’re easy because there’s only one screw. However, when it comes to installing finger pulls or even cup pulls these types of cabinetry hardware typically have two screws –– otherwise they’d wiggle, rotate + probably damage your beautiful cabinets *yikes!*
So, where the heck do you drill your holes?
Welp, when it comes to upper cabinets the bottom screw should be in that 2-½” to 3” range above the bottom of the door. On base cabinets, it’s the inverse. The top screw should be placed 2-½” to 3” below the top of the door.
DRAWERS
When it comes to cabinet pulls placement for drawers under 24”, pulls are most often centered and installed in the middle of the drawer panel. This creates a really clean + high touch finishing look for your cabinetry.
Like with knobs, if the drawer is 24” or wider you can add a second pull. Again, divide the drawer into thirds and place the two pulls in the left + right portions (or thirds) of the drawer. That said, unlike with knobs — pulls come in a wide range of lengths so instead of simply adding two pulls (or even two knobs) you could choose to install one oversized pull that fits the width of your drawer but isn’t too big.
FYI — when it comes to appliances like refrigerators or dishwashers which are concealed with a decorative panel (called a cabinetry skin.) You can often find an appliance pull that’s the perfect size.
WHERE SHOULD TAB, EDGE OR FINGER PULLS BE PLACED
Installing tab, edge or finger pulls varies a tiny bit from how knobs or pulls are typically installed.
DOORS
We recommend that finger pulls be installed in line with the corner edge of the door.
Obviously, we’ll still be installing the cabinet hardware to the opposite side of the door hinge.
However, for upper cabinets, you’ll mount the finger pulls to the bottom corner of the door (all the way to the edge). While for base cabinets, the finger pull will be installed at the top corner of the door.
With a full cabinet that has two doors, the finger pulls will be so closely installed to the corners of the doors that (from far away) it’ll look like there’s one long piece of hardware adjoining the two doors. How about that for optical illusion?
DRAWERS
When it comes to cabinetry drawers — tab, edge or finger pulls should be installed to the top edge of the drawer. In most cases, for the best functionality long term, we recommend that the tab pulls be installed equally on center.
WHAT SIZE SHOULD YOUR CABINETRY PULLS BE
So, I know you’re wondering… how do I know what size cabinet pulls to select for my doors or drawers? And luckily, we’ve got answers.
Remember that great design always feels intentional + balance –– this is key! In other words, when considering doors (or drawers under 24”) pulls should be roughly ⅓ of the size of your drawer (size of drawer divided by 3). For a 12” cabinetry drawer you should use a 4” cabinetry pull.
But what if that feels too big? Every design challenge is unique so if you’ve done the math and a ⅓ of the size of your drawer simply seems too big try ¼ of the size (size of drawer divided by 4).
Remodeling + building a home is already full of decisions, overwhelming + stressful enough. The last thing you should worry about is making sure your contractor installs the cabinetry hardware perfectly –– like you want it.
From different types of cabinetry hardware, to how to determine the best knob placement + measuring tips for installation you’re armed with everything you need to know (when it comes to cabinetry) about making your home your very own guilty pleasure slice of heaven.
So, go on babe + make those cabinets of yours look marvelous!
Not to worry boo — we’re here. If you haven’t already, check out our 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home and when you’re ready to begin your transformational journey — let’s chat.