Hardware is one simple way to transform your space. Whether you are replacing the dated ones for something new or picking hardware for a new place, you want to get it right. Because cabinetry usually is the focal point of any room, it should be nothing short of excellent. Although Cabinet hardware adds details and the overall design of a room, it should also be functional.
While picking hardware may be exciting, cabinet hardware placement is an intimidating task. Poorly placed hardware can make a room look off and cluttered. It is also a waste of money and time for do-overs. So, where do you begin? First, you need to get accurate information on hardware installation and placement. That is where we come in to give you a guide on how to place your cabinet hardware correctly. So let’s get to it.
Knobs or Pulls?
Before you start installing your cabinet hardware, it is vital to decide the type of device you desire to use. Is it knobs or pulls, or maybe both? Of course, you want your place to have the aesthetic appeal, but what of functionality? Functionality and appearance are critical purposes of hardware placement. Even though both knobs and pulls have the same function, they bring a different sense of style to a room. Using either of them depends on the kind of look you want to achieve in your space.
Traditional or Modern?
How do you want your space to feel? Is it a traditional or modern feel? Your answer determines which type of pulls and knobs that are suitable to use. Here are a few rules to use anytime you are installing cabinet hardware on different designs.
If you are on the traditional side, the standard rule is to place pulls on drawers and knobs on doors. You can never go wrong with this general guideline. However, you can break the rule for small spaces like bathrooms and small drawers.
Pull handles such as bin pulls also adds a traditional feel to space. They have smooth and soft edges with small details in the handlebar. Besides, the traditional pull handles bring together the classic style with the dark brass, rust, or dark bronze color. Based on your taste and preference, you can consider placing pulls and knobs to pull off a semi-modern design.
When it comes to modern style, there is a variety of options to choose from. For a fully modern space, choose sleek pulls. They are an excellent option for the look thanks to their flat-fronted style and T-bar style. Furthermore, the pulls come in different sizes and colors that compliment a highly modern look. Using mounting putty for temporary placement of the knobs and pulls in the cabinets, gives you an idea on how the final outcome will look like.
Door Designs
Have some basic knowledge of the different types of door designs before engaging in hardware placement. You may have noticed that cabinets have door panels, and some also have door rails and door stiles. These features act as a support system for the door panel. You can achieve any look, whether it is traditional, transitional, or modern style regardless of the kind of cabinet.
After choosing if you want to go with knobs or pulls or both, now is the right time to decide where exactly you want to install them on drawers and doors. Cabinet door handles are typically placed on opposite sides of the door hinges. It is advisable to install them anywhere between 1 and 4 inches from the bottom or top edge of the door. Again, you can add your preference as long as it is within this range.
Functionality plays a big part in cabinet placement. Otherwise, where is the sense in having a beautiful cabinet that you cannot open? The standard spacing from the edges makes it easy for people to reach the handles when opening or closing the doors. You can choose to place the pull handles either horizontally or vertically on the cabinet door. Here are tips to use depending on whether you are using knobs or pulls.
Cabinet Knob Placement
For a traditional look, you have several options of where to install the knobs if you are using them for the cabinets. For the original classic look, place the knobs at the lower corner of the door frame. When it comes to wall cabinets, you can set the knobs 2″ to 3″ from the lower side of the door panel. With this simple change, you can take the traditional cabinet look a notch higher.
However, for taller cabinets, put the knobs vertically on the center of the door panels instead of the lower corners. When doing this, keep your height in mind. You can also place your knobs 2″ to 3″ from the upper corner on the base cabinet doors depending on your preference.
Drawer Fronts Hardware Placement.
The number of knobs and pulls you are going to use depends on the size of your drawers. If the drawers are 24″ wide or more, consider doubling up on the pulls and knobs. You would only require to use a single larger pull that covers most of the drawer front. This provides more surface area to open from, thereby making it operational. Place pulls horizontally on drawers. However, for small drawers, you could place the knobs or pulls in both directions horizontally.
Drawer Front Hardware Based On Height
Usually, with the varying height of the drawer heights, the device is placed in the middle of the taller drawer front. But with a drawer front more than 12″, you should set the knobs and pulls towards its top part for easy opening.
Drawer Pull Placement
For pull handles in your drawers, you only need one pull handle per drawer because they are usually sturdy. But in case you are going to store bulky items on the drawers, you should consider using two pulls per drawer. Divide the drawer into thirds and place the pull handles horizontally at the center of each direction. There is also another option on heavy larger drawers. You can use larger cabinet pulls that cover more drawer front instead of two separate pulls. You can’t go wrong if you use the large handles that are anywhere from 1/3 to 2/3 of the cabinet. Using oversized pull handles is a great way to achieve a modern look.
Final Remarks
Correct Cabinet hardware placement is essential for functionality and aesthetic appeal. It requires thoughtful considerations, and using the right tools can make a significant difference. When handling cabinet hardware placement for the first time, there are a few mistakes that you should avoid. The most common mistakes are choosing style over function, rushing the projects, and using incorrect tools. We hope these tips help with your upcoming projects.
