Cabinet Handle Size Guide for Drawers, Doors and Wardrobes

Once you know your hole spacing (see our guide on how to measure hole spacing), the next question is size: how long should the handle be? The answer depends on what it is fitted to. A handle that is too small looks lost on a wide drawer, and one that is too big overwhelms a small cupboard.

Simple proportion rules

• Drawers: a handle about one third of the drawer front's width usually looks balanced. On narrow drawers it can be up to about half the width.
• Wide drawers: on drawers wider than about 75 cm, consider two handles placed roughly a quarter and three quarters of the way across, or one long handle.
• Doors: a handle or knob sits near the edge opposite the hinges. Tall doors suit a vertical handle.
• Small cupboards: knobs or short handles look best and are easier to place neatly.

Quick reference

These are starting points. Your own cabinets and taste matter more than any table.

Where to position handles

• Drawers: centred left to right, and centred or slightly above the middle vertically.
• Base cabinet doors: near the top corner, opposite the hinge side.
• Wall cabinet doors: near the bottom corner, opposite the hinge side.
• Distance from the edge: about 5 cm from the corner is a comfortable, common position.
• Use a template: cut a small piece of card with the hole positions marked, so every handle lands in exactly the same place.

Knob or handle?

Knobs are neat on small doors and drawers, but they offer less grip. Handles are easier to pull with wet or full hands and suit larger and heavier fronts. Many kitchens use knobs on doors and handles on drawers for a consistent, practical look. Browse our cabinet knobs and cabinet handles.

Check the clearance

Before you commit, hold the handle against the door and check that it will not knock against a neighbouring door, an appliance or a corner cabinet when it opens.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a longer handle than the one I have now?

Only if the hole spacing matches, or you are prepared to drill new holes and fill the old ones. A longer handle with the same hole spacing will fit the existing holes.

How many handles does a wide drawer need?

For very wide drawers, two handles spread evenly are easier to use and keep the drawer from twisting as it opens. One long handle can also work if it is centred.

What size handle is best for a wardrobe door?

Longer handles of around 160mm to 256mm hole spacing, fitted vertically, are a popular choice because they are easy to grip and look proportionate on tall doors.