In this article, we will explore what size is the right size handle, knob or pull for your kitchen cabinets.
Everyone wants to know “what size handle for my kitchen?”
Before losing it or throwing your arms in the air and ending up with something you hate, just breathe and take a moment.
Yes, at the end of the day it is a very personal choice. Don’t overcomplicate it.
The most common advice given is it has to be 1/3 of the length of the drawer. This is just a suggestion and by no means a rule. Many things come into the picture before choosing the size. And not all hardware comes in the size you need.
Understanding Kitchen Layout and Style
Before deciding on the size, you will need to take the style and layout. Your kitchen maybe in a small area so a “big” handle could be overpowering and take away from your new kitchen. If you have an expansive area, a bigger handle could tie in and set your kitchen off.
What style kitchen do you have? Modern, Traditional, Hamptons or something else. A cup pull for drawers and knobs for doors is popular for Traditional or Shaker style Kitchen cabinets but generally not so well suited to modern “flat” profile cabinetry. Cup pulls come in a few sizes but not in sizes suited to the 1/3 size of the overall length of most draws in kitchens today. Have a look around. These do not look out of place on Kitchens and can actual enhance the look. Most cup pulls used, are around 110mm long only.
This being said. There are some cup pulls that are very well suited to the modern flat cabinetry. Depending on the colour and style you have cup pulls work seamlessly and create a look to die for.
Now, let’s consider some factors of cabinet hardware:
Width of the product
The width of the product generally refers to the measurement top to bottom when installed. When you step back from the cabinets and look at the drawers you look at how much it will take up of the drawer. Cabinet Hardware comes in a variety of widths from 6mm to 140mm.
Style of Product
You’ll need to decide on what style or combination you are looking to select for your project. Do you want just handles or pulls or knobs? Do you want cup pulls and knobs? Would you want something different on your Pantry door?
Length of Handle Product
Not all products will come in the size you want so be prepared to change your thinking. Some talk hole centres and some talk overall length. There is a big difference as some handles have smaller hole centres with much of the product extending past the hole centres. You may get asked to pick something with 224mm hole centres which could turn out to be to too long for your design. You are best to work on overall lengths as hole centres is more critical for installation.
What Handle size works?
Don’t over think it too much. The size that works is the size you like.
If you like the look of big handles then get big handles. If you don’t want the handle to take over the kitchen get smaller handles. A medium sized handle can be used on all cabinets without being obtrusive. Cabinet knobs are practical and minimal. They all work. It just depends on what you prefer.
Our thoughts:
Yes. The 1/3 rule works but not in all cases.
Pick a product or products you like then worry about sizes.
For Hamptons style a cup pull for drawers and knobs for doors (including the pantry door) work.
When using knobs alone, many people choose a slightly larger knob eg.38mm in diameter.
Cabinetry and Kitchens can look amazing with the right hardware.
Functionality
If you can grab it you can open it. A long handle does not always mean it will be easier to open. How long is a car door handle?
Long drawers – one handle or two? How often do you have something or someone in hand in the kitchen? Will you really use two hands? Using one hand with two handles/pulls or knobs will cause difficulties opening and could damage the hardware inside the cabinets.
Personal Preference
It is Personal. The space is yours not ours. At the end of the day you have to be happy and the one living with it.
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, when you ask What size Handle for my kitchen? The answer is, “there is no easy answer”. It really does depend on your cabinet style, functionality needs, and personal preference.
Ultimately, the right choice is the one you like that is functional and compliments your cabinetry. You do want the hardware to be right but you do not want it to to be the feature. Cabinet handles and Knobs will enhance your kitchen but the right choice for you will bring it life. So, take your time to explore the options on Bauer’s Hardware Collections and look for which one would fit into your space.
If you have any questions feel free to contact us. Or drop in and try the different options before you decide in our showroom.
