Cabinet Hardware Guide: Knobs vs. Pulls (And Where to Place Them)

You spent weeks picking the paint color. You spent hours spraying the doors to get a glass-smooth finish (see our guide on Best Paint Sprayers for Cabinets). But now, you are staring at your beautiful, pristine cabinet doors with a drill in your hand, terrified of making a mistake.

Hardware is the jewelry of the kitchen. Pick the right style, and your cabinets look custom-made. Drill the hole in the wrong spot, and you have a permanent hole in your hard work.

If you are confused about knobs vs. pulls or frantically Googling "where to drill cabinet handles," this guide is for you. We break down the cabinet hardware placement guide rules that designers follow so you can get it right the first time.

The Great Debate: Knobs vs. Pulls

Before you drill, you have to buy. Which style fits your home?

1. Knobs (The Classic Choice)

• The Vibe: Traditional, Country, Minimalist.
  

• Pros: Cheaper (usually $1-$3 each); easier to install (only one hole to drill).
  

• Cons: Can catch on pockets; harder to grip for heavy drawers.

2. Pulls (The Modern Choice)

• The Vibe: Contemporary, Transitional, Industrial.
  

• Pros: Excellent grip (great for aging hands); protects the cabinet finish from dirty fingers.
  

• Cons: More expensive ($3-$10 each); requires drilling two perfectly level holes.

3. The "Designer" Rule (Mix & Match)

Can't decide? Do both. The most common designer trick is:

• Knobs on all Doors (swinging motion).
  

• Pulls on all Drawers (pulling motion).

The Golden Rules of Placement

Where exactly should the hardware go? Forget "eyeballing it." Here are the standard measurements used by pros.

For Upper Cabinets (Wall)

• The Rule: Place the knob or the bottom hole of the pull 2 to 3 inches up from the bottom edge of the door.
  

• Horizontal: Center it on the vertical stile (the frame piece), usually about 1 inch in from the edge.
  

For Lower Cabinets (Base)

• The Rule: Place the knob or the top hole of the pull 2 to 3 inches down from the top edge of the door.
  

• Why: This places the hardware comfortably within reach without requiring you to bend over too far.
  

For Drawers

• Slab Drawers (Flat front): Center the hardware both vertically and horizontally.
  

• Deep Drawers: If a drawer is wider than 24 inches, consider using two knobs (one on each side) or one extra-long pull (6-8 inches) in the center.

Shaker Cabinets: The Special Exception

Shaker-style cabinets (which have a recessed center panel) are the most popular style in 2025, but they are tricky for drawers.

The Dilemma: Do you put the handle on the narrow top rail, or in the center of the recessed panel?

The Solution:

• Top Rail: Place the handle here for top drawers. It is more ergonomic and prevents the "screw heads" from messing up your silverware drawer inside.
  

• Center Panel: Place the handle here for deep "Pot and Pan" drawers.

The Secret Weapon: Why You Need a Drilling Template

Do not—we repeat, do not—use a tape measure and a pencil to mark every single door. You will make a math error eventually.

You need a Cabinet Hardware Jig (Template).This is a simple plastic tool with pre-drilled holes. You hook it onto the corner of the door, drill through the guide hole, and move to the next door. Every single handle will be perfectly identical.

• Affiliate Highlight: The Kreg Cabinet Hardware Jig is the pro choice, but for a simple kitchen update, a cheap plastic Drill Template Guide works wonders.

Top Hardware Picks (That Look Expensive but Aren’t)

You don't need to spend $15 per handle at a boutique store. Amazon has high-quality multipacks that look identical to high-end brands.

1. The "Amazon Basics" Hidden Gem Believe it or not, the Amazon Basics Euro Bar Pulls are heavy, solid steel, and come in 10-packs or 25-packs.

• Best Finish: Satin Nickel or Matte Black.
  

2. The Modern Square If you want a sharper, more modern look, the Goldenwarm Black Square Pulls are a favorite among flippers and renovators.

3. The Classic Cup Pull For a farmhouse look on drawers, use the Cosmas Bin Cup Drawer Pulls.

Installation Step-by-Step

1. Buy Extra: Always buy 2-3 more knobs than you need. Screws strip, and finishes can scratch.
   

2. Use the Jig: Set your plastic template to the "3-inch" mark.
   

3. Mark with Tape: Put a piece of painter's tape on the door where you plan to drill. Mark the hole on the tape. This prevents the drill bit from sliding (walking) and scratching the paint.
   

4. Drill Front-to-Back: Keep the drill level.
   

5. Tighten by Hand: Use your Multi-Bit Screwdriver to tighten the screw. Do not use a power drill for the final tightening, or you might crack the wood.

Final Verdict: Mix or Match?

Hardware is personal. There is no "wrong" answer, but consistency is key.

If you are nervous, stick to the Mix & Match method: Knobs on doors, Pulls on drawers. It is timeless, functional, and breaks up the monotony of a kitchen.

Grab your template, take a deep breath, and start drilling. You are one afternoon away from a kitchen that looks brand new.

FAQs

Q: What is the standard size for cabinet pulls? A: The most common standard size is 3 inches (76mm) or 3-3/4 inches (96mm) center-to-center (the distance between the screw holes). For modern kitchens, longer pulls (5 inches+) are trending.

Q: Should I put knobs or pulls on a pantry door? A: For tall pantry doors, a Pull is better. These doors are heavy and held by magnetic catches, so a pull gives you more leverage to open them than a small knob.

Q: Where do I put the knob on a Lazy Susan corner door? A: This is the trickiest door! You should place the knob/pull on the bi-fold door panel that opens first. Place it near the hinge of the bi-fold, not the center, to prevent binding.