Sick of Ugly Kitchen Cabinets? Proper Knob Placement Makes All the Difference

Is your kitchen in dire need of a makeover but you don't have the budget for a full renovation? Are you sick of catching your clothing on poorly placed knobs or struggling to open cabinet doors? The placement of knobs and handles may seem like a minor detail, but it can have a huge visual impact on your kitchen's overall aesthetic. Proper kitchen cabinet knob placement is essential for both form and function when installing new hardware. The right positioning creates a streamlined, cohesive look while also maximizing ease of use. Read on to learn the fundamental guidelines for optimal knob and pull placement so you can finally have the gorgeous, functional kitchen you deserve!

This comprehensive guide will walk you through professional tricks for positioning knobs and handles on cabinet doors, drawers, and more. Gain the skills to avoid amateur mistakes and create a kitchen that looks like it was designed by an expert. We'll review common placement principles as well as pointers for customizing your hardware arrangement. With these tips, you can install your new knobs and handles with total confidence. Soon you'll be whipping up meals in a kitchen you can't wait to show off!

Getting Started with Kitchen Cabinet Knob Placement

Assessing Your Existing Kitchen Cabinets

Before choosing new knobs and handles for your kitchen, take time to evaluate your current cabinet situation. Pay attention to what's working well and what could use improvement. Do your existing knobs catch on clothing or make cabinets difficult to open? Are certain cabinets more frustrating to access than others? Take notes on the size, style, and functionality of each cabinet door and drawer. Decide whether you want to replace all hardware for a cohesive look or just upgrade problem areas.

Examine the finish and style of your present kitchen cabinets and hardware. For the most unified aesthetic, opt for new knobs and handles that coordinate with the overall look you currently have. You don't necessarily have to match the finish exactly if you want to add some personality. Just ensure the new hardware complements the existing element finishes like faucets and lighting fixtures.

Planning Your New Kitchen Hardware

Once you assess your cabinets, it's time to choose new knobs and handles. Select hardware that aligns with the size and style of your cabinet doors and drawers. Opt for dainty knobs for narrow drawers or minimalist cabinet fronts. Consider substantial handles for wider doors. Browse a variety of shapes and materials like round metal knobs, boxy wood pulls, or sleek black levers until you find options suiting your kitchen.

Take measurements of cabinet doors and drawers to determine how many knobs and pulls you need to purchase. Having this information ahead of time prevents mid-project shortages. When deciding on finishes, pick metal tones like brushed nickel or antique bronze that pair well with your kitchen decor. Purchase all the necessary hardware before beginning installation.

Removing Old Kitchen Cabinet Hardware

With your new hardware purchases ready, it's time to remove existing knobs and handles. Having a screwdriver on hand helps speed up this process. Carefully detach each knob or pull, keeping the accompanying screws for reinstallation. Take note of any unique placements you want to replicate, like an offset knob you've grown accustomed to.

Examine the doors and drawers for any leftover screw holes from previous hardware. Fill these holes with wood filler so they don't detract from the look of your new knobs. Lightly sand the filler smooth once dry. Use a degreaser or mild soap and water to wash and dry all cabinet surfaces, preparing them for fresh hardware installation.

Placement Guidelines for Kitchen Cabinet Doors

Upper Kitchen Cabinet Door Knob Placement

When installing knobs on upper kitchen cabinet doors, position them near the bottom corner on the opposite side from the hinges. Typically, upper cabinets are 12 to 18 inches deep. Installing the knob low and away from the hinge provides the best grip and clearance. This allows the cabinet door to open fully without hitting the hardware.

A general guideline is to place upper cabinet door knobs 36 to 42 inches above the floor. This standard knob height works well for most average-height individuals. If your kitchen is mainly used by taller or shorter people, consider adjusting the height accordingly. Just be sure not to position knobs too high or low. The goal is easy access without excessive reaching or bending.

Lower Kitchen Cabinet Door Knob Placement

For lower cabinets doors, a good general rule is to install knobs near the top corner opposite the hinges. Lower kitchen cabinets typically have depths around 24 inches. Placing knobs high on these deeper doors brings them within comfortable reach. Visually, having knobs near the tops of lower cabinet doors provides a balanced, uniform look.

As with uppers, standard placement for lower cabinet door knobs falls between 36 and 42 inches above the floor. This keeps hardware accessible for most users without being awkwardly high or low. The same guidelines apply in terms of adjusting for taller or shorter primary kitchen users. Just maintain symmetry across each set of lower cabinets.

Kitchen Cabinet Door Pulls and Handles

When using pulls and handles on cabinet doors, centering them horizontally on the door stiles tends to provide the most streamlined look. Door stiles are the vertical structural pieces along the sides. Centering pulls on these stiles prevents a cluttered appearance and allows doors to open without interference.

To find the ideal height for pulls and handles, apply the same general 36 to 42 inch guidelines used for knob placement. Be sure to position pulls at the same height across each corresponding upper or lower cabinet for consistency. Let the styles of your cabinet doors and hardware guide you in choosing the right combinations. Just remember--focusing pulls on stiles beats random door front placement every time.

Placement Tips for Kitchen Cabinet Drawers

Centering Kitchen Cabinet Drawer Knobs

Drawers present a bit different set of considerations for hardware placement. For a symmetrical, seamless look, install drawer knobs smack in the center--both vertically and horizontally. Centering drawer knobs also makes accessing contents easier without fumbling off to one side.

On average, centering knobs 3 to 4 inches from the top edge and each side edge of the drawer fronts works well. This provides adequate clearance to open drawers without catching hands on the hardware. As with doors, consider adjusting placement if drawers will be accessed by children or someone in a wheelchair. The central goal is an easy, comfortable grip.

Spacing Multiple Drawer Knobs

Kitchens often contain banks of drawers, like those under a cooktop or spanning a width of base cabinets. When dealing with multiple drawers, evenly spacing knobs across the entire span creates a continuous line. This unified aesthetic is more pleasing than randomly placed knobs at different heights.

For stacked rows of drawers, align knobs vertically for a seamless column effect. Unless you are intentionally mixing things up, consistency in spacing and alignment provides a tidy, polished look. Repeat the same knob placement on corresponding left and right drawer banks for symmetry.

Finishing Touches for a Cohesive Look

Mixing Knobs and Handles

While uniformity tends to look best, it's fine to mix knobs and handles in some applications. For example, you may opt for handles on lower cabinets and knobs on uppers. Or, use knobs on doors and pulls on drawers. Just be sure finishes complement each other. Combining brushed nickel knobs with oil-rubbed bronze pulls can work with the right cabinet style.

Varying size and shape also subtly adds interest. Consider combining round knobs with rectangular pulls or petite knobs with dramatic handles. Just don't go overboard with too many uncoordinated elements. The goal is an intentionally eclectic--but still cohesive--design.

Achieving Consistent Positioning

No matter the exact hardware used, taking steps to achieve consistent placement gives a professional look. Before securing knobs and pulls permanently, use pencil marks to indicate the ideal height and spacing. Tape measures and laser levels help get markings precise.

Temporary guides like small pieces of tape also aid consistent positioning between knobs. Step back frequently to check that everything looks evenly spaced and aligned. Taking a little extra time during installation prevents regrets later.

Like any decor project, installing kitchen cabinet hardware involves both science and art. Keep the standard guidelines for knob and pull placement in mind, but don't be afraid to tweak things to fit your space. Symmetry and cohesion typically look best, but creative flourishes give a kitchen personality.

Optimizing knob and handle placement impacts aesthetics and functionality. Putting our tips into action can help you avoid problems and achieve a stunning result. With your new hardware installed in all the right spots, you'll be eager to show off your transformed kitchen!