Cabinet Hardware Placement Guide

Cabinetry Hardware Examples

When designing a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, or built-in cabinetry, every detail is intentional—from the grain direction of the wood to the texture of the backsplash. One important detail that helps to tie the design together is the cabinet hardware. 
 
Cabinet pulls and knobs are not just functional, but they are an integral part of the overall interior design expression of the space. Additionally, hardware placement and orientation can be a careful balance of ergonomics, proportion, and visual harmony. While hardware might feel like a decision that can be overlooked, it plays a critical role in both the function and overall aesthetics.

Form Meets Function

First and foremost, cabinet hardware needs to function properly for the users: 

• Knobs tend to work best for cabinet doors. They’re easy to grip and operate with one hand. 

• Pulls (Handles or Cups) are ideal for drawers, especially wider ones. They distribute the force needed to open them and offer a cleaner, more modern look when used consistently.

When considering the placement of hardware on cabinetry, keep the height and reach of the primary users in mind. 

Cabinetry Hardware Examples

Placement Rule of Thumb

The general rule of thumb for knob and pull placement on cabinet doors and drawers are: 

• Upper Cabinet Knobs:  

  • Install 2.5” to 3” from the bottom corner of the cabinet door 

  • Install 2.5” to 3” in from the opening side edge, centered on stile 

• Lower Cabinet Knobs:  

  • Install 2.5" to 3" from the top corner of the cabinet door 

  • Install 2.5” to 3” in from the opening side edge, centered on stile 

• Pulls on Drawers (Standard):  

  • Center vertically and horizontally for drawers under 12" 

  • For drawers 12” wide or less, one centered knob or pull works well 

• Pulls on Drawers (Wide):  

  • For drawers 24” wide, consider using two pulls (placed roughly 1/3 in from each side) to distribute force and prevent warping.  

• Pulls on Cabinet Doors 

  • Install pulls vertically 

  • Install 2.5" to 3" in from the edge, on the opening side, similar to knobs. 

• Appliance or Built-In Panels  

  • If your design includes integrated panels for refrigerators or dishwashers, we opt for larger, sturdier pulls to match the scale and weight of these doors.  

Of course, these are starting points. The style of the cabinetry: shaker, slab, inset, overlay—can influence final decisions, along with personal preference.

Edmonds Rehabilitation, Captured by Anastasiya Homes

Importance of Placement

The right placement of cabinet hardware can make your space feel intuitive and comfortable to use. Poorly positioned hardware, on the other hand, can lead to awkward motions, uneven wear, or simply disrupt an otherwise cohesive design. 
 
Think of cabinet pulls and knobs as jewelry for your cabinetry — not only do they need to look good, but they also need to feel right in your hand every single day. 

Style Matters

Hardware style plays a role in placement too. Oversized pulls, for instance, may need to be slightly lower or higher than standard for proportional balance. And when using mixed finishes or contrasting metals, hardware placement is implemented to create intentional rhythm or symmetry across the space. 

Modern and minimal designs might lean toward horizontal pulls on upper cabinets, while traditional kitchens often stick with classic knobs and vertical pulls.

Cougar Mountain Custom, Captured by Anastasiya Homes

Mock-Ups are Your Friend

One of our favorite tricks? Painter’s tape! We use it to mockup different hardware sizes and placements directly on the cabinetry before drilling a single hole. It’s a simple step that helps clients visualize and fine-tune placement with confidence. There are also cabinet hardware jig templates that have an adjustable drill guide to get perfect alignment and consistency throughout your project.

Final Thoughts

Hardware placement is the final design touch of your cabinetry. It’s the first thing people touch—and it speaks volumes about the design thought behind the project. Whether you prefer minimal edge pulls, elegant brass knobs, or statement black pulls, placement will make all the difference in how they feel and function. 

If you're planning a renovation or new build and want every detail to feel considered and cohesive, reach out. At H2D we specialize in turning everyday touchpoints into lasting impressions—right down to the very last knob.

Ready to reimagine your kitchen, laundry or bathroom? 
Feel free to contact us – we’d love to help bring your cohesive vision to life