Kitchen Decisions: Where to Place Your Cabinet Hardware
November 7, 2019
Your cabinets are installed, your appliances are hooked up and your kitchen is almost complete! You or your kitchen and bath designer have chosen the perfect hardware to complete your design. Now comes one of the last kitchen decisions – where to place your cabinet hardware. While it ultimately comes down to personal preference, we’ve compiled our recommendations for optimal placement of cabinet hardware.
Knobs
Knobs are one of the most versatile hardware options. They are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, finishes and styles. Knobs they can be used on upper cabinets, lower cabinets and drawers. For uppers, knobs are typically placed between 2 ½ – 3 inches from the lower corner of the cabinet door. For lowers, knobs are placed 2 ½ – 3 inches from the upper corner of the cabinet door. For drawers 24” wide or more, we may recommend two knobs or pulls. For this application, divide the drawer into thirds and center the hardware in the left and right thirds of the drawer.
Pulls
Pulls are another popular hardware option that can be installed on both cabinets and drawers. The placement of the pull should be vertical and 2 ½ – 3 inches in from the corner of the door on both upper and lower cabinets. For drawers, pulls are installed horizontally in the center of the door. Our designers recommend a larger size pull on larger drawers and cabinets.
For a slightly different look, the hardware is centered in the middle of the top drawer only. For all the lower drawers, it is placed on the top rail.
Knobs and pulls can also be combined to add visual interest as shown throughout this blog.
Cup Pulls
Cup pulls are a popular hardware selection for traditional and transitional designs. They are a great way to add personality to your cabinetry or maybe they are just your style. Cup pulls are only installed on drawers, and like knobs and pulls, placing two cup pulls on a larger drawer will be more functional.
Recessed Pulls
Contemporary style cabinets are designed to have clean lines and a very sleek look. Recessed pulls are built into cabinet doors and drawers and can either blend in with the cabinetry or provide contrast to stand out.
Appliance Pulls
Appliance pulls are a great way to provide hardware continuity throughout the kitchen.
Placement of pulls on dishwasher and refrigerator panels should support the weight of the door and be comfortable for homeowners.
I was planning to redesign the kitchen from the last six months and finally, it began last week. While figuring out some styling and useful tips, your informative post appeared and it made my day. Thanks for sharing pro tips on the kitchen cabinet smart pulls.
Absolutely! It is our pleasure! We strive to be the very best resource in the Twin Cities for kitchen and bath design, beautiful custom cabinetry, and interior design. Best of luck with your kitchen project!