Selecting the right kitchen cabinet hardware is an important design choice that can make or break the look and feel of your kitchen. But knowing where to properly place and install that hardware is just as crucial. Proper placement of cabinet pulls, knobs, and hinges will ensure your kitchen is both functional and visually appealing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the key considerations and best practices for placing your kitchen cabinet hardware.
Introduction
The placement of your cabinet hardware – including knobs, pulls, and hinges – impacts both the aesthetics and functionality of your kitchen. You want hardware that complements your cabinet style and kitchen design, while also allowing cabinets and drawers to open and close with ease.
Follow the fundamental guidelines below for placing your hardware in optimal positions for convenience, style, and accessibility:
- Knobs & Pulls – Install in a comfortable, ergonomic position based on average hand heights. Place equidistant from edges and corners for balance.
- Hinges – Position hinges flush with frame edges for full cabinet accessibility and smooth motion.
- Drawer Pulls – Mount centered horizontally, and vertically aligned about 3 inches below the top of the drawer front.
- Door Catches – Discreetly position catches where doors meet for secure closure.
Of course, factors like cabinet style and hardware type call for nuanced placement tweaks. Read on as we dive deeper into ideal placement for common kitchen cabinet hardware.
Where to Place Cabinet Knobs
Cabinet knobs are a simple hardware option that work especially well for Shaker, country, and traditional style kitchens. Follow these guidelines for placing knobs in optimal and visually pleasing positions:
Height
- Mount knobs based on the average comfortable hand height – around 42 inches above the floor. This allows most users to easily grasp and open doors and drawers.
- For upper cabinets, install knobs slightly lower – around 36 to 40 inches high – for easy access.
- Place knobs higher, around 46 inches, on low base cabinets or drawers. Bending low can be uncomfortable.
- Consider the primary users’ height – adjust knob height accordingly for comfortable access.
Position on Door/Drawer
- Position knobs equidistant from top and bottom edges, centered vertically on the door or drawer front.
- Similarly, place an equal distance from side edges or corners. About 2 inches spacing on all sides generally looks balanced.
- Align multiple knobs on the same cabinet in neat rows and columns for visual consistency.
- Make sure knobs won’t collide with other doors or drawers when open.
Pairing with Pulls
- If pairing knobs with pulls on the same door, mount the knob first.
- Position pulls and knobs a minimum of 2 inches apart horizontally. This prevents awkward hand interference when grasping both.
- Consider combining pulls on lower cabinets or larger doors, and knobs on uppers or small doors.
Placement Guidelines for Cabinet Pulls
Cabinet pulls come in a range of styles – from simple recessed to dramatic hardware – to match any kitchen aesthetic. Follow these tips when installing pulls:
Height
- Again, mount pulls around 42 inches high on base cabinets for average hand comfort.
- For floors of varying height, keep pull height consistent relative to the floor rather than the cabinet top.
- Install pulls a bit lower, around 36 to 40 inches high, on upper cabinets for easy access.
- Tall pantries may call for slightly higher placement, up to 48 inches.
Position on Door/Drawer
- Horizontally, place pulls centered on doors and drawers for balance and ease of use.
- Position pulls 3 inches below the top edge of drawer fronts, vertically centered.
- Mount pulls 1 to 2 inches below the top of base doors and 2 to 3 inches below the bottom of upper doors.
- Make sure pulls won’t hit wall edges when opening adjacent to a corner.
Pairing with Knobs
- Position pulls and knobs at least 2 inches apart horizontally to allow grasping both easily.
- Typically, use pulls on lower cabinets or large doors for ergonomic leverage. Reserve knobs for uppers or smaller doors.
Hinge Placement Guidelines
Door hinges are one of the most important functional hardware components. Follow these fundamental guidelines when installing them:
Height
- Mount hinges evenly spaced down the cabinet side. Top and bottom hinges should be 2 to 3 inches from frame edges.
- Position middle hinges equidistant between top and bottom. Vary spacing for very tall cabinets.
- Make sure hinges are vertically aligned to prevent dragging or sagging doors.
Number of Hinges
- Use 2 hinges on doors less than 24 inches tall.
- Install 3 hinges on doors 24 to 48 inches in height.
- Add 4 hinges for very tall doors 48 inches or greater. The extra support prevents sagging.
Inset vs. Overlay Doors
- Inset doors with edges flush with the cabinet face typically require 3 to 4 hinges for full functionality.
- Overlay doors that sit on the face need just 2 to 3 hinges since less of the door edge attaches to the frame.
Full Accessibility
- Position hinges so doors can open fully without collision, at least 90 degrees.
- If space allows, 110 to 180 degree hinges are even better for complete interior cabinet access.
Optimal Placement of Door Catches and Coordinating Hardware
Don’t overlook the importance of small details like door catches and coordinating pieces. For seamless functionality:
- Discreetly install internal door catches on the inside upper corner of base and wall cabinets. Place where doors meet for secure closure.
- Make sure catch placement allows doors to open fully without catching.
- Position drawer glides for full drawer extension – don’t let them interfere with door motion.
- Use backplates behind knobs and pulls to protect the cabinet surface. Place them snugly against the door or drawer.
- When pairing knobs with pulls, make sure spacing allows comfortable grasping of both.
Special Considerations for Corner Cabinets
The unique pie-cut shape of corner cabinets calls for tailored hardware placement:
- Use large pulls rather than knobs for best leverage and ease of opening.
- Mount pulls on the diagonal face of the cabinet rather than the side.
- Place pulls toward the outer corner of the diagonal face, around 2 to 3 inches from the front edge.
- Install 180 degree hinges so doors can fully swing open in cramped corner spots.
- Add hinges to both door edges rather than just one side.
Range Hood Placement Best Practices
Another specialty cabinetry piece is the range hood. Proper placement is critical for ventilating cooking fumes adequately.
- Install range hoods at least 24 to 30 inches above the cooking surface for safety and maximum airflow.
- For downdraft range hoods, position the vent 6 to 12 inches behind the front edge of the cooktop.
- Ducted hoods work best when mounted on an exterior cabinet wall to facilitate venting outside.
- For island mounts, use hoods with a high CFM rating since vertically rising fumes are harder to capture.
Key Takeaways
The strategic placement of knobs, pulls, hinges, and other cabinet hardware impacts aesthetics, accessibility, and functionality:
- Mount knobs and pulls around 42 inches high for average hand comfort.
- Position knobs equidistant from cabinet edges. Pulls align centered horizontally.
- Install hinges flush with door edges to allow full motion.
- Place hardware for corner cabinets and range hoods especially carefully.
- Consider who will use the kitchen most when choosing optimal hardware height.
With these tips in mind, you can confidently place kitchen cabinet hardware in convenient, visually pleasing positions tailored to your unique space.
Frequently Asked Questions About Placing Kitchen Cabinet Hardware
Where should I put the knobs on kitchen cabinets?
For standard kitchen cabinets, install knobs horizontally centered and about 42 inches above the floor. This allows most users to comfortably grasp knobs with their wrist in a neutral position. Place knobs equidistant, about 2 inches, from vertical edges of doors and drawers. Make sure knobs align neatly in organized rows and columns.
Where do you put pulls on kitchen cabinets?
Position cabinet pulls horizontally centered on doors and vertically aligned about 3 inches below the top edge of drawer fronts. On base cabinet doors, mount pulls 1 to 2 inches below the top. For upper cabinets, install pulls 2 to 3 inches below the bottom edge. Keep pulls clear of adjacent walls and cabinets to allow full clearance when opening.
How do you space kitchen cabinet hardware?
Use a consistent scheme when spacing hardware. Place knobs or pulls 2 inches minimum from vertical edges of doors and drawers. Maintain at least 2 inches horizontal space between paired knobs and pulls on the same door or drawer. Vertically, keep pulls 3 inches from the top of drawer fronts and 1 to 3 inches from cabinet door edges.
How many hinges should kitchen cabinets have?
Most standard overlay cabinets only need 2 to 3 hinges. Use 2 hinges for doors under 24 inches tall. Add a third hinge for doors up to 48 inches. Very large or heavy doors over 48 inches may require 4 hinges for adequate support. Inset cabinet doors often need at least 3 to 4 hinges since more of the door edges attach directly to the frame.
What is the standard placement for kitchen cabinet handles?
The consensus standard is to install handles and knobs horizontally centered on doors and drawers. Place them vertically about 42 inches above the floor – a comfortable height for the average person to easily grasp and open. Handles should be positioned 2 inches minimum from vertical edges for proper clearance. Drawer pulls align 3 inches down from the top.
How high should I install kitchen cabinets?
A general guideline is to mount wall cabinets 18 inches above the countertop and base cabinets 24 inches high. This leaves ample room for backsplash, countertops, and appliances. Optimal height also depends on factors like ceiling height, user ergonomics, and ADA compliance. Taller or shorter users may benefit from adjusted heights.
Should hardware match throughout the kitchen?
Matching hardware can create a unified, streamlined look. But eclectic mixed hardware also lends charm in vintage or intentionally mismatched kitchens. Mixing metals, like brass and nickel, works better than varied styles. For a custom look, match knobs and pulls on the same door. Or use the same knobs throughout for visual cohesion.
Where should range hoods be placed in relation to the stove?
For optimal smoke and fume extraction, range hoods should install 24 to 30 inches above the cooking surface. Downdraft vents work best 6 to 12 inches behind the cooktop edge. Ducted range hoods are more effective when mounted on an exterior wall. High CFM blowers help capture rising fumes on island vents.
How do you determine drawer pull placement?
Drawer pulls should install horizontally centered on the drawer front. Position them vertically so the bottom edge of the pull aligns about 3 inches from the top of the drawer front – just below most people’s knuckles for an easy, natural grip. Maintain at least 2 inches of clearance between the pull and adjacent drawer edges.
Where should catches go on kitchen cabinets?
Discreetly position sturdy magnetic catches or spring-loaded catches on the upper inside corner of cabinet doors, aligned vertically where doors meet. Catches on base cabinets and wall cabinets keep doors securely closed when shut. Make sure catches don’t interfere with full door swing clearance.
Conclusion
Strategic kitchen cabinet hardware placement enhances both aesthetics and functionality. Mount knobs and pulls at average hand height for universal comfort. Allow proper clearance from edges and between paired hardware. Install hinges for full cabinet access. Carefully position hardware on specialty cabinets and range hoods. With an eye for design and ergonomics, you can install beautiful, easy-access cabinet hardware tailored to your space.
