Well-placed handles and knobs can add character to cabinets and drawers while making them comfortable to use. Whether you are updating a kitchen, bathroom or a piece of furniture, use this guide to plan your layout before drilling.
1. Plan your design
Consider the style you want, how the furniture is used and how the fittings relate to the room. Are you looking for a modern, classic or vintage-inspired look? Do you want the handles to stand out or blend in?
2. Choose a practical position
There is no single decorative layout that suits every cabinet. A position around 2.5–5 cm from the edge can be a starting point when planning kitchen handles and knobs, but it is not a structural specification or a guarantee of strength. Follow the furniture and fitting manufacturers' mounting requirements.
Check the size and projection of each handle. Doors and drawers must be able to open without the handle hitting adjacent fronts, walls or fittings, particularly at corners.
Base cabinets
On a plain drawer front, a handle can be centred or positioned nearer the top. On a door, possible layouts include a central position, top centre or near the upper opening edge opposite the hinges. Consider both horizontal and vertical orientations and test whether the position is comfortable.
Tall cabinets
Drawer handles can be centred or placed nearer the top, depending on the front. On doors, a central position or a position along the opening edge may work. Choose a height and orientation that the intended users can reach easily.
Wall cabinets
Handles are often placed near the bottom of the door, either centrally or towards the opening edge. On a tall cabinet with two doors stacked vertically, handles can be positioned near the adjoining edges: low on the upper door and high on the lower one, opposite the hinges.
3. Measure, align and mark
Once you have chosen the layout, measure and mark every fixing point carefully. Consistent alignment can help a run of cabinets look balanced.
A drilling template can help repeat the position of handles and knobs. For a centred handle, mark the centre of the front and align the template with it. For an edge position, use the template's edge guide as instructed.
The template described in the original guide covers c/c measurements from 32 mm to 320 mm. Check the current product specification and select the holes matching the handle's screw-hole centres, not its overall length. Verify the marks against the actual fitting before drilling; a template does not replace careful measurement.
See our handle installation video and installation guide for more help.
4. Check everyday usability
Before drilling, test whether the proposed position is easy for the intended users to reach and grip. Consider the furniture's contents as well: access to cupboards holding hazardous items should not be determined by convenience alone.
Compare different placements before making permanent holes. Explore brass handles, black handles, porcelain handles and kitchen handles, or choose from brass, porcelain, furniture and black knobs.
Read more about choosing handles and knobs, or try our guide to making your own coat rack.
