1. Why Hardware Size and Quality Matter

Hardware isn’t just functional — it’s the jewelry of your kitchen. The right pulls and knobs can elevate your cabinets from ordinary to exceptional, adding the perfect finishing touch.

When hardware is too small, it can feel lost; too large, and it can overpower the cabinet face. Choosing high-quality, hand-forged, or carefully crafted pieces over mass-produced options ensures your cabinets look polished, cohesive, and thoughtfully designed. The right size and quality bring both visual balance and everyday comfort to your space.

We interact with cabinet hardware every day, so it’s not just about looks — it’s about feel. Solid, hand-forged pulls have a satisfying weight and texture that mass-produced, hollow pieces simply can’t match. Every touch reminds you of the craftsmanship, giving your kitchen a sense of quality that’s both seen and felt.

2. Understanding Hardware Measurements

Before measuring, it helps to know the key terms you’ll see on product listings:

Overall Length

The total end-to-end length of a pull.

Center-to-Center (C2C)

The distance between the two screw holes. This is the most important measurement when replacing existing pulls.

Projection (Depth)

How far the hardware extends from the cabinet surface.

Diameter or Width (Material Thickness)

The thickness of the handle or knob.

Tip: When replacing hardware, always confirm the center-to-center measurement to avoid drilling new holes.

3. Choosing the Right Size for Your Cabinets

A general rule of thumb is:
Pulls should be about one-third the width of the drawer front.

• Small drawers (12″ wide or less): 3″–4″ pulls

• Medium drawers (12″–30″): 4″–8″ pulls

• Large drawers (over 30″): two pulls or longer handles, typically 12″–24″ or more for a bold statement

Different Approaches to Sizing

There are several schools of thought when it comes to hardware sizing, and each has its own design philosophy:

• The ⅓ Rule: Balanced and proportional — ideal for classic, transitional, or farmhouse designs.

• Oversized Hardware: Common in modern and industrial kitchens; spans half or more of a drawer front for a bold, architectural look.

• Minimalist Approach: Small or subtle hardware emphasizes simplicity and lets cabinetry take center stage.

• Consistent Size Throughout: Using the same pull length on all drawers creates a clean, cohesive appearance, especially in minimalist or Scandinavian-inspired spaces.

Design Note: Larger pulls create a bold, contemporary look, while smaller pulls and knobs lend themselves to classic or understated styles.

4. Mixing Knobs and Pulls

Combining knobs and pulls can balance usability with visual appeal:

• Knobs on doors, pulls on drawers is the most common layout.

• Keep finishes and styles consistent for a unified look.

• With custom or hand-forged pieces, mixing sizes within the same design line can add depth without feeling mismatched.

Pro Tip: Choose knobs and pulls from the same collection or metal finish to maintain intentional cohesion.

5. Use Tape to Get a Feel for Scale

• Use painter’s tape to mark potential handle positions on drawers and doors.

• Step back and view from different angles — the right size should feel visually balanced and comfortable to the eye.

• Tip: Tape multiple options at once to compare sizes side by side. This helps you see what works best before committing.

If you’re unsure which size or finish will work in your home, check out our Cabinet Hardware Sample Pack. It lets you see and feel real pieces before ordering.

6. Style and Proportion Tips

• Tall cabinets: Longer pulls emphasize height and elegance.

• Wide drawers: Oversized hardware makes them easier to open and adds a modern statement.

• Smaller cabinets or spaces: Keep hardware compact to avoid visual clutter.

• Consistent projection: Similar depths across all pieces create a cohesive feel.

Bonus Tip: For a timeless look, choose hardware that feels solid in the hand. Quality forged pieces not only look better but last for generations.

7. Custom Sizes from Element Hardware

Every kitchen is unique. That’s why we offer custom sizing on many of our hand-forged pulls and handles.

Whether you’re outfitting a farmhouse kitchen or a modern bath, we can forge hardware to your preferred thickness, length, texture, and finish.

Each piece from Element Hardware is individually hand-forged, giving you the perfect balance of form, function, and craftsmanship — built to last a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

Measuring cabinet hardware isn’t complicated once you know what to look for. The right size and proportion bring harmony to your space, complementing your cabinetry.

Take your time measuring, visualize your layout, and choose pieces that feel good in your hand — because the best design details are the ones you notice every day.

Explore Our Collection

Shop Hand-Forged Cabinet Hardware →
Discover handcrafted knobs and pulls made one at a time in Colorado — built to last for generations.