A kitchen or bathroom that is well thought out and carefully planned can help elevate a room’s design and add value to the entire home. Even the smallest of details, such as cabinet knobs, can make all the difference. Placing your knobs and pulls correctly can elevate a space and make it more inviting. But situating them improperly can make a room feel unbalanced.

Where do knobs go on cabinets? While this may not be the first question you ask when remodeling a space, this factor plays a major role in the overall design of your kitchen or bathroom. Here, Jaeger Lumber offers a quick guide and walks you through important details you need to know when installing knobs to your cabinets.

Importance of Proper Cabinet Knob Placement

Whether you’re choosing to freshen up your space by changing out your existing cabinet hardware or designing a new build, you should consider the placement of knobs or handles. The location you choose to install the hardware on your cabinet doors impacts more than just aesthetics. Proper placement of the knobs is crucial for function since various knobs and pulls are designed with different purposes in mind.

Different Types of Cabinet Hardware

When searching for cabinet hardware, you’ll find there are several options, each with a distinct style and function. Understanding these options and how they are used will not only make choosing your hardware easier but also tell you where they should be installed. Some cabinet hardware varieties include:

Knobs

Knobs are one of the most frequently used options when it comes to cabinet hardware. Many knobs feature a timeless and elegant round design, but there are an increasing number of choices for those who want something more unique.

Today, you can find cabinet knobs in just about any shape, such as geometric, hexagon, T-shaped, square, and cylindrical. Knobs are also no longer only metal. You can find them in almost any material, including glass, acrylic, crystal, natural stone, wood, and leather.

Pulls

Pulls are another popular cabinet hardware option. They offer excellent functionality since they are easy to grasp. Pulls come in many lengths and designs as well. The style of cabinet pulls can range from curved and classic to sleek and modern and everything in between.

If you elect to install pulls, it’s important to consider the size and length needed based on your cabinets. Pulls that are not the right size will make your cabinets look off or cluttered, which could ultimately diminish the aesthetics of the space.

Guidelines for Cabinet Hardware Placement

Now that we’ve discussed the different options available, it’s time to talk about placement. When installing your cabinet hardware, we recommend following these simple guidelines:

Doors

Cabinet knobs should be installed on the side opposite the hinges. The general rule is to place a knob 2 ½ to 3 inches from the corner of the door. For upper cabinets, install knobs in the bottom corners of the door. For lower cabinets, place them in the upper corners.

If you are installing pulls on your cabinet doors, they should be placed vertically. Use the same range of 2 ½ to 3 inches from the corner when installing pulls. For upper cabinets, the bottom screw should be in that range and the top screw will depend on the length of your pull. For lower cabinets, it will be the opposite.

Drawers

When cabinet drawers are less than 24 inches wide, it’s ideal to position a knob in the center. Generally, knobs are centered horizontally and vertically, placing them exactly in the center of the panel. For drawers more than 24 inches long, use two knobs to provide balance.

Pulls are installed horizontally on drawers. For standard pulls, follow the guidelines for installing knobs on drawers to achieve the perfect placement.

Learn More from the Experts at Jaeger Lumber

The right hardware coupled with the correct placement can create a pleasing aesthetic for your cabinets and the space in general. If you are unsure which cabinet hardware will best serve your space or where it should be installed, the experts at Jaeger Lumber can help. Since 1937, we have proudly served contractors and DIY homeowners throughout New Jersey. We specialize in custom baths and cabinetry to assist you in constructing the space of your dreams. Contact us today to discuss redesigning your space, including which hardware is great for a space and how to properly position it.