Why Measuring Drawer Pulls is Important
Measuring drawer pulls correctly is essential to ensure a perfect fit and seamless installation. The right measurements prevent unnecessary drilling and make upgrading your cabinet hardware hassle-free. Whether you're replacing old pulls or installing new ones, precise measurements ensure your drawers look balanced and professional.
Drawer Terminology and Composition
A drawer is composed of several key components: the face, box, slides, and often a pull or knob. The face, or front panel, is the visible part of the drawer, often designed to match the surrounding cabinetry. Behind it, the box provides the storage space, guided by slides for smooth operation.
Drawer Pulls Importance
Drawer pulls are more than just functional accessories—they are essential for the usability and style of the drawer. They provide an ergonomic grip for easy opening and closing, protecting the face from wear and fingerprints. Additionally, pulls serve as a design element that can enhance the overall aesthetic, tying together the look of a room and elevating the visual appeal of cabinetry.
Understanding Center-to-Center Measurements
The center-to-center measurement is the distance between the screw holes of the pull and is the most critical dimension to know. This measurement, typically in inches or millimeters, determines whether the pull will fit existing holes or if new ones need to be drilled. Standard center-to-center sizes are 3 inches (76mm), 5 inches (128mm), and 6 inches (152mm), but always measure your current hardware to confirm.
Steps to Measure Drawer Pulls
To measure drawer pulls, first, remove the existing pull and measure the distance between the screw holes. If there are no existing holes, decide on the placement and mark the spots using a ruler or template. For a new installation, ensure the pull's size matches the drawer's proportions—smaller pulls for narrow drawers and longer pulls for wide ones. Always double-check your measurements before drilling or purchasing.
How to Measure Drawer Width
If the drawer is already installed, pull it out fully and measure the width between the edges of the drawer’s sides for the exterior width. Note that down on your iPhone or a sticky.
What are the standard sizes for Drawers?
They come in a wide range of sizes depending on what they are going to be used for and what type of cabinetry they were crafted to be used with.
We are primarily concerned about the width dimension.
Kitchen drawers usually come in 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, 30, 36, and 48 inches.
- Narrow drawer are typically 9 to 12 inches wide.
- Standard sizes are typically from 12 inches to 36 inches wide.
- Wide Drawer are typically 48 inches.
Custom sizes are possible, but the above are the most common.
Guidance on Drawer Width to Pull Width
This is NOT a perfect science, it's more of an art. We've analyzed recommendations from various interior designers and hardware guides to create some comprehensive rule of thumbs to make it easier for you.
- Drawer pulls (handles) should be approximately 1/3 of the overall exterior width of the drawer or longer.
- For most drawers and a typical aesthetics, pulls should not exceed 1/2 of the overall exterior width.
- For a more modern look you can use one long cabinet pull (2/3 of the overall drawer length) to create an ultra modern aesthetic.
Pull Width for 9 inch drawers
We recommend 3 inch pulls for smaller 9 inch drawers. These are typically drawers that hold utensils or small kitchen utilities.
Pull Width for 12 inch drawers
We recommend 96mm (3.78 inch) pulls to 4 inch pulls for 12 inch drawers.
Pull Width for 15 inch drawers
We recommend 5 inch pulls for 15 inch drawers.
Pull Width for 18 inch drawers
We recommend 6 inch pulls for 18 inch drawers.
Pull Width for 24 inch drawers
We recommend 8 inch pulls for 24 inch drawers.
Pull Width for 30 inch drawers
We recommend 10 inch or 12 inch pulls for 30 inch drawers.
Pull Width for 36 inch drawers
We recommend 12 inch pulls for 34 inch drawers.
Choosing the Right Drawer Pulls
Once you've measured, select a pull that complements your drawer's size and style. Modern designs may call for longer pulls, while traditional setups often use shorter ones. Consider the finish, material, and shape to ensure the pulls enhance your cabinetry's aesthetic while fitting perfectly with the measured dimensions.
