Have you been trying lately to install knobs or handles on your kitchen cabinets, but it’s not as easy as it seemed? If so, this article is for you!
Being aware of where to put knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets can save you time, effort, and money as well. That’s why we’re here to help you get it right from the first go.
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If you don’t know where to start, we’ll put your mind at ease. We’ll show you where to install cabinet knobs and handles for a refreshing look while keeping their functionality in mind. All you’ve got to do is to read on!
Why the Location of Knobs and Handles on Kitchen Cabinets Is Important
Even though you won’t be breaking the law if you place your knobs and handles anywhere, there are standard locations for them on kitchen cabinets.
Selecting the appropriate place is especially important if you install the knobs and handles yourself. For example, you need to choose their placement according to your kitchen’s style, whether traditional or modern.
On the other hand, if you make a hasty decision, you might burden yourself with extra costs to remedy the situation.
Where to Put Knobs and Handles on Kitchen Cabinets: standard location
In case you’re keen on retaining a specific style in your kitchen, such as a traditional or modern one, let’s explore your options.
Traditional Placement
According to the traditional style:
-Place the knobs and handles in the corner of the face frame.
-Center the knob or handle between the two parts of the corner.
Centering knobs is easy, as you make just one hole in the corner of the frame. However, for placing the upper cabinet handles vertically, you center the lower part of the handle in the bottom inner corners.
As for the bottom cabinet handles, you should center the upper part of the handle in the upper inner corners of the frame. When you place knobs and handles this way, you’ll make them more reachable.
Modern Placement
If you’re interested in modern styles, do the following to put knobs or handles on your wall cabinets:
-When installing knobs, put the knobs adjacent to the edge of the horizontal frame or a bit higher.
-When placing handles, put the lower part of the handle adjacent to the edge of the horizontal frame or a bit higher.
If you’re installing knobs or handles on the base cabinet:
For knobs, put them adjacent to the edge of the horizontal frame or a bit lower.
As for handles, place the higher part of the handle adjacent to the edge of the horizontal frame or a bit lower.
Placement Measurements
Suppose you prefer using specific measurements:
For the upper cabinets, place the knobs on the stile 2½ to 3 inches from the door’s bottom corner.
On the lower cabinets, place the knobs on the stile 2½ to 3 inches from the door’s upper corner.
You should center the knobs on the cabinet drawers if their width is less than 24 inches.
If your drawers are wider than 24 inches, you may need to install two knobs.
Placing the knobs is easier than the handles because you drill just one opening. So, when you install handles vertically on the upper cabinet doors, follow these guidelines.
Place the lower part of the handle 2½ to 3 inches from the door’s bottom corner of the cabinets.
For the lower cabinet handles, place the upper part of the handle 2½ to 3 inches from the upper corner of the door.
You should center handles on the cabinet drawers, vertically and horizontally, or in the upper third of the drawer.
Placing knobs and handles this way makes them within reach.
How to Choose between Knobs and Handles
There are different types of knobs and handles that have different functions. Before selecting knobs and handles, you need to know where to put them. This gives you a better idea of what you’ll be looking for.
If you’d like to install the cabinet hardware using only one screw, knobs might be a very good choice. Moreover, knobs lend more style to your kitchen cabinets than handles do.
Adversely, handles require two screws each, but they make it easier for you to open a cabinet because their grasp is better than that of a knob.
Besides, bear in mind the size of your cabinets when selecting knobs or handles. This way, you’ll be able to choose the right and proportionate knob size or handle length.
How to Use Both Knobs and Handles on Kitchen Cabinets
Is it okay to use both knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets? Yes, it is. There’s no clear-cut rule for using them together, but there are general tips:
-You can use knobs for cabinet doors and handles for drawers.
-You should use handles for bigger cabinet doors and knobs for the smaller ones.
-You may use knobs for the upper cabinet and cup pulls for the lower cabinet.
It’s notable that using cup pulls in the upper cabinet won’t be a practical choice. This is because you’ll have to twist your fingers upward to open the cabinet doors or drawers.
How to Make Sure You’ve Chosen the Right Placement
When following the general guidelines for putting knobs and installing handles on your kitchen cabinets, it’s also important to put both efficiency and comfort in your perspective.
To make sure you’re doing it right, don’t fasten them right away. Instead, use reusable adhesive to try out your arrangement of knobs, handles, or both.
If you’re going to install the knobs and handles yourself, you might find it useful to get a cabinet installation template. This template will help you mark, drill, and mount the knobs and handles in no time.
If you already have knobs, you can try to renovate them with some spray paint.
Quick Recap
When installing the hardware of your kitchen cabinet, you need to add an elegant finishing touch without sacrificing functionality. That’s why you need to clearly plan where to put knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets.
We’ve focused on three placements for installing knobs and handles:
-Traditional Placement: Put them in the corner of the face frame, opposite the hinges.
-Modern Placement: Place them 2½ to 3 inches from the door corner, opposite the hinges.
-Measurements Placement: Place knobs or handles 2½ to 3 inches from the door corner of the cabinet.
Finally, you can always use both knobs and handles on your kitchen cabinets and incorporate your personal touch.
