Updated: October 25, 2025
Deciding What Size Knob or Pull to Get
You should installed brand new cabinets and drawers and now it is time to pick out some hardware but what size to get? This is a very crucial step when it comes to expressing the overall feel you would like in the room. You can have long handles on a drawer or 2 smaller handles or even a knob in the center of the drawer or 2 knobs. The options are endless so let us try to help you decide what works best for you!
What is the Norm?
The "normal" rule is small surfaces use small hardware while larger surfaces use larger hardware. A typical size for base cabinets can run from 12" to 36" while upper wall cabinets are sometimes taller. Anything larger than 36" usually requires larger pulls from 6" to 12" center-to-center holes. If a drawer is 18" or less, a single knob or handle should do the trick! Anything larger may require a longer pull or even 2 knobs/pulls depending on your decorating style.
Here is a General Guide to Start with Selecting a Pull Size
With the expanding footprint of cabinets comes the need for longer pulls. Using the overall length as a guide along with these tips will help you select what is best for you!
(image courtesy of amerock website)
Selecting the Right Size Pulls for Cabinet Doors
This first picture is an average size cupboard. As you can see, the 12" appliance pull looks too big for that size door and can feel overwhelming while the 3" handle pull may feel too small but not always. The 5" (128mm) handle pull is both functional and very pleasing to the eye. Remember, the longer the pull the taller the cabinet door will feel which can make the room feel more powerful instead of cozy.
This second picture is a taller cupboard. As you can see, the 12" pull looks perfect for that size door and the 3" handle pull is way too small and can look cartoonish. The 5" (128mm) handle pull is a little small but at the same time will work well too!
Then we have oversized cabinet doors which are very popular next to refrigerators, inside pantries but also next to bathroom vanities to hold towels. As you can see, the 12" handle is centered and a perfect size which the 3" pull looks a little small.
Selecting the Right Size Pull for Drawers
Drawers can be a little more tedious since you can have 1 or 2 pulls on 1 drawer. Lets start with the smaller drawers. As you can see, a 3" pull is perfect while all the other sizes seem to be a little too big but also a normal sized knob could also do to the trick.
Now if we go a little bit bigger we can go 2 routes. We can choose from different sizes and choose whether we want one pull in the centers or 1 one each side. This is more preference of what you like to look at and if you want to open the drawer with 1 or 2 hands. When you have 2 pulls, it is wise to pull it out straight with 2 hands otherwise you will pull it out on an angle which can ruin the drawer and the frame.
Last we have oversized drawers. This is very common to store appliances and/or pots and pans. The smaller pulls look abnormally small on such large drawers. For functionality, it is recommended to go one really larger handle centered or 2 rather larger handles because of the weight that is usually stored in these drawers.
The Final Verdict
In the end, just remember this is your home and if you don't have to follow the "guidelines" if you don't want to! Do what makes you happy as you are the one that has to look at it all the time.