All pulls or pulls and knobs on cabinets

12 years ago

last modified: 12 years ago

I am trying to decide if I should install only pulls on my cabinets and drawers (positioned vertically on doors and horizontally on drawers) or if I should use pulls for drawers and knobs on doors? Is there a rule for what is more appropriate or is this strictly a matter of taste? What's the more contemporary way? My cabinetry is quite traditional in style and currently has NO pulls or knobs but I would love to modernize and update the look.
Also, I have one self close (soft close) drawer under my cook top and not sure what size pull I should use. It is 36" wide. Or should I use two knobs instead?

Featured Answer

PRO

User

12 years ago

Hello ritalu,

Definitely a mix of knobs and pulls, but you can use the pulls both horizontally and vertically and toss a few knobs in on drawers as well. Keeps it interesting! Two knobs on the under the cook top drawer with a larger section in the middle when installed. Take a look at a few Houzz examples for inspiration:

Kitchen Update · More Info

The Abbott · More Info

Shingle Style- Kitchen · More Info

Better Homes & Gardens Featured Kitchen · More Info

Best of luck with your decorating and please let us know if we can be of any assistance,
Elizabeth Cabell, ASID, CID
Cabell Design Studio

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Comments (6)

User
12 years ago
last modified: 12 years ago
Using two knobs means always having to use both hands to open the drawer, otherwise you risk too much stress on the side of the drawer. Whatever you choose, pulls/knobs or a combination, remember to make sure they are sized proportionately to the width of the drawer or door and are comfortable to operate. There aren't rules about size, but for a modern look figure about one third the width of the drawer as a minimum.
ritalu thanked User
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njschaefer78
12 years ago
I personally love the look of vertically mounted pulls on cabinet doors.
ritalu thanked njschaefer78
meliwhip
12 years ago
I have also been wrestling with this question. I decided to do a combination of pulls and knobs and am now trying to figure out what size pulls to get. Are there 'rules' or guidelines with respect to pull size vs. drawer width? I have lots of drawers in my kitchen, some of which are very wide. Who knew that such a minor detail would require so much thought? This one has surprised me. Thanks for any help!
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PRO
Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
12 years ago
We used pulls and knobs. Knobs on all the doors and pulls on all the drawers. 30" drawers got two pulls, not because they needed it but because we thought it looked better. I went through a bunch of kitchen magazines and online photos and the majority used both, generally like we did.
ritalu thanked Creative Visual Concepts, Kevin Strader
kadodi
12 years ago
We are currently building a custom home and the cabinets have been installed. The cabinet maker said that my drawers open better from the center, so he recommended one pull vs two. But I'm also wondering what is the right length for the drawers? If you put on the wrong size, then you have to worry about filling the holes. They are expensive as well so I would like to get it right the first time.