Wardrobe Handle Height From the Floor: What Is the Right Height?

Wardrobe handles that are too high are awkward to reach, and handles that are too low make you bend every time you open the door. Getting the height right takes a few minutes of planning and makes the wardrobe more comfortable for years. This guide explains where to fit handles on wardrobe doors and drawers.

The short answer

For an adult wardrobe, the centre of the handle is usually fitted between 900 and 1100 mm from the floor, which is roughly hip to waist height. About 1000 mm is a comfortable middle point for most people. For a children's wardrobe, lower the handle to around 700 to 900 mm so it is easy to reach.

Hinged wardrobe doors

• Vertical handles on tall doors work well. Fit them near the opening edge of the door, with the centre of the handle at your chosen height (about 1000 mm is a good start).
• Horizontal handles are usually placed on the side of the door away from the hinges, at the same height.
• Keep the handle a small distance in from the door edge, typically about 50 mm, so your fingers do not catch the edge and the handle does not look cramped.

Wardrobe with two doors that meet in the middle

If both doors have handles, fit them at exactly the same height and at equal distance from the centre gap. Even a few millimetres of difference is noticeable on a large wardrobe. Mark both doors with the same measurement from the floor before you drill.

Wardrobe drawers

• Centre a single handle on the drawer front, both left to right and top to bottom.
• For a wide drawer, use two knobs or a longer handle so the drawer opens evenly without twisting.
• For a deep drawer, you can place the handle slightly above the middle so it is easier to grip.

Sliding wardrobes

Sliding doors usually need recessed or low-profile pulls, since a handle that sticks out can catch on the other door. Keep the same height guide, about 900 to 1100 mm, and check that the handle fits within the sliding track clearance before ordering.

How to mark the height accurately

1. Fit the flooring first. Measure from the finished floor, not the raw floor, or every handle will end up too low.
2. Decide on your handle centre height, for example 1000 mm.
3. Measure that height from the floor and mark it on a strip of masking tape stuck to the door. This keeps the pencil off the finish.
4. Use a paper template with the two screw holes marked at the correct hole spacing, then repeat the same template on each door.
5. Drill a small pilot hole first, check the depth against the thickness of the door, and fit the handle.

Our step-by-step guide on how to install cabinet handles and knobs covers drilling and screw length in more detail.

Choosing the handle

Wardrobe doors are large, so a slightly longer handle usually looks balanced. Browse our cabinet handles for two-hole handles and our cabinet knobs for drawers and smaller doors. Every listing shows the hole spacing, so you can match it to your drilling template.

Frequently asked questions

What height should wardrobe handles be from the floor?

For adults, the centre of the handle is usually fitted between 900 and 1100 mm from the floor. Around 1000 mm suits most people.

How high should handles be on a kids wardrobe?

Lower handles, around 700 to 900 mm from the floor, let children reach them easily. You can move to a higher position as they grow.

Should wardrobe handles be vertical or horizontal?

Vertical handles suit tall wardrobe doors, and horizontal handles suit shorter doors and drawers. Both work well as long as they are fitted at a comfortable height and lined up on every door.

How far from the edge should a wardrobe handle be?

About 50 mm from the door edge is a common starting point, so the handle is easy to grip and does not look crowded against the edge.