Guide for Hardware Positioning
Guide for Hardware Positioning
Ultimate Guide for Hardware Positioning
Changing out or adding new hardware can make an old cabinet look new again. So
choosing the hardware not only that you like, but that fits the style you are
trying to accomplish, is the first step in reimagining your space.
Once you have selected your hardware, give some serious thought to its
placement on the cabinets, doors or drawers. You may not have paid much
attention before, but the positioning of the drawer pulls, knobs, or finger
pulls on your cabinetry makes a huge difference in its overall look. If the
hardware is not well planned and thoughtfully placed, it can totally ruin your
design.
Also consider that your cabinets might bear the scars of older hardware,
leaving behind screw holes and other wear, so take that into consideration
when selecting new hardware that will either fit the same on center dimensions
or that will cover any old blemishes. To find the perfect hardware for drawer
pulls, edge pulls or knobs, to fit your existing holes, check our
center to center reference guide. Now, please enjoy our Ultimate Guide for Hardware Positioning to take your
design to another level!
TIP
A general rule of thumb with new cabinet hardware placement and pairing: when in doubt, consider specifying pulls for drawers and knobs for cabinet doors. This is obviously not always the case, but it’s an easy way to play it safe and still guarantee a professional look.
Parts featured above: DP6 and DP148
Before you start drilling holes, decide where you want your drawer pulls and
knobs to be placed. Get masking tape, a pencil, and a ruler. Masking tape is
very helpful because you’ll be able to mark the cabinets without damaging
them.
This simple, important step will guarantee your new pulls and knobs will be
installed exactly where they need to go. Remember, measure twice, cut once!
There are two general ways you can install knobs on your cabinetry:
1. You can align the cabinet knobs with the top of the door’s inside frame.
Parts featured above: DP1 and DP6
2. Or position the cabinet knob so it is centered with the top line of the door’s frame, like in the rendering below.
Parts featured above: DP1 and DP6
Of course, if you have really tall cabinet doors such as pantry cabinets or upper cabinets, you’ll want to give preference to longer drawer pulls that will accentuate the door’s size
Parts featured above: DP1
For larger, lower level drawers, the same appliance pulls can be used on multiple levels, but note the positioning. It may not function as easily when placed in the center of the drawer and may provide more leverage from the higher plane, especially with heavier storage drawers. Remember, function is still an important factor!
Parts featured above: DP148
BUT, if your cabinets have perfectly squared drawers, such as kitchen cabinet doors, you can place the hardware right in the middle of the drawer face as shown in the rendering below. This gives a harmonious balance, and the smaller lower drawer will still be operational with the center mounted drawer pull.
Parts featured above: DP1
Our last recommendation is for long and skinny drawers. Balance is key here, and there are two methods that work equally well. One option is to place one large drawer pull in the center of the drawer face. The second option is to divide the drawer into thirds and place two smaller drawer pulls out towards the sides, leaving open space over the center line so the design can breathe in spite of doubling up on the hardware.
Parts featured above: DP6 and DP148
These are some basic guidelines to get you started. The rest is up to you! Find your inspiration and refresh your space with some simple touch ups. If you like these tips Pin It to your board for later!
Related Articles:
