When designing or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, the details matter, and cabinetry hardware is a crucial element. Knob placement might seem like a minor decision, but it has a significant impact on both the functionality and aesthetic of your space. Proper knob placement ensures ease of use while enhancing the visual appeal of your cabinetry. This guide will walk you through the essential principles of knob placement, offering practical advice and avoiding common pitfalls to help you achieve a polished and professional look.
The placement of knobs on cabinets and drawers follows a few standard guidelines designed to ensure both functionality and consistency in appearance. Here are some basic principles:
- Height Considerations:
- For upper cabinets, knobs are usually placed 2.5 to 3 inches from the bottom corner of the door. This placement is generally comfortable for most users and maintains visual balance.
- For lower cabinets, knobs should be placed 2.5 to 3 inches from the upper corner of the door. This ensures easy reach and consistency with upper cabinet placement.
- Centering on Drawers:
- On standard drawers (up to 24 inches wide), the knob is typically centered both vertically and horizontally on the drawer front.
- For wider drawers (over 24 inches), consider using two knobs or pulls, spaced evenly across the drawer. This not only balances the design but also distributes the pull force evenly.
- Alignment:
- Ensure that knobs on adjacent cabinets or drawers align horizontally for a cohesive and orderly appearance.
These guidelines provide a strong foundation, but the specifics can vary depending on the style of the cabinetry, the size and shape of the knobs, and personal preferences.
Upper Cabinets:
- Single-Door Cabinets:
Place the knob on the lower corner, about 2.5 to 3 inches from the edge. This placement makes the knob easy to reach and operate while maintaining a balanced look. - Double-Door Cabinets:
Place the knobs on the lower corners of each door, about 2.5 to 3 inches from the edge. Ensure that both knobs align horizontally with each other. This symmetry is visually pleasing and functional.
Lower Cabinets:
- Standard Lower Cabinets:
For lower cabinets with a single door, place the knob on the upper corner, about 2.5 to 3 inches from the edge. If the cabinets have double doors, place the knobs on the upper corners of each door, ensuring they align horizontally. - Large or Full-Height Cabinets:
For taller lower cabinets, such as pantry or broom cabinets, consider placing the knob slightly higher (around 4 inches from the edge). This placement makes the knob more accessible and functional.
Drawers:
- Small Drawers:
For drawers up to 24 inches wide, center the knob both horizontally and vertically on the drawer front. This ensures balance and ease of use. - Medium to Large Drawers:
For larger drawers, consider using two knobs, spaced evenly across the width. If using pulls instead of knobs, they can be centered horizontally on the drawer front or placed closer to the top edge for a more modern look.
These recommendations help ensure that the knobs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the specific type of cabinetry.