Where to Put Handles on Kitchen Cabinets for Everyday Use

Installing new handles on your kitchen cabinets can completely transform the look and feel of your kitchen. But where exactly should you place the handles for optimal functionality and aesthetics? Proper handle placement is essential for creating a kitchen that is convenient and comfortable to use every day.

From standard placement guidelines to customizing for your space and preferences, we'll cover everything you need to know for smart handle placement.

Basic Rules of Thumb for Handle Placement

While you can get creative with handle placement, there are some general guidelines to follow:

Standard Handle Height

The standard placement for cabinet door handles is installing them centered vertically at 36 inches above the floor. This puts handles at a comfortable, ergonomic height for most users. For drawers, center handles horizontally at the same 36-inch height.

If you have particularly tall or short household members, adjust this standard height accordingly. Handles placed too high can strain your shoulders, while handles too low can cause back discomfort when bending.

Consistent Handle Spacing

Maintain a consistent spacing between multiple handles on the same cabinet front. Center individual handles equidistant from the outer cabinet edges and other handles. Having evenly spaced handles creates a clean, balanced look.

A good rule of thumb is to allow at least 2 inches of clearance on all sides of a handle. This provides plenty of finger room to easily grip the handle.

Alignment with Cabinet Doors

When installing handles on doors, align them horizontally with the door joints or stiles. Visually, having handles perfectly lined up with cabinet door frames creates a more seamless, integrated look.

For drawer fronts, align handles horizontally with the top drawer edge for a clean, consistent appearance.

Avoid Interference with Operation

Be mindful that handles should not interfere with the operation of cabinet doors and drawers. Ensure ample clearance so that handles do not bump or catch on adjacent cabinets when opening.

Adjusting for Different Cabinet Door Styles

Where you place handles can vary slightly depending on the type of cabinet doors you have.

Full Overlay vs Partial Overlay

On full overlay cabinet doors that completely cover the cabinet frame, align handles with the door stiles or center them evenly across the door panel.

For partial overlay doors that expose some of the cabinet frame, align handles with the visible vertical cabinet frame for a more integrated look.

Inset Cabinet Doors

With inset cabinet doors that sit flush within the cabinet frame, avoid installing handles too close to the inner edge. Allow adequate clearance so the handle doesn't hit the face frame when opening the door.

Centering handles on inset doors often provides the best balance and accessibility.

Drawers and Knobs

For shallow drawers, opt for small round knobs instead of long pulls to avoid interfering with drawer operation. Place knobs evenly spaced across the top drawer edge or centered horizontally.

On very wide drawers, two evenly spaced knobs can provide needed grip points while allowing ample hand clearance in the center.

Door-Less Cabinets

For open cabinets without doors, pay special attention to handle clearance and alignment. Without a frame for reference, precise measuring and leveling are essential.

Adjusting Handle Height for Ergonomics

While 36 inches is the standard, you may need to adjust handle height depending on who will be using the kitchen most.

For Accessibility

Lower handles to 34 inches or even 32 inches above the floor for household members who use wheelchairs or have trouble reaching up high. This improves independence and access.

For Tall Users

Raise handles to 42 inches or higher above the floor to reduce stooping and strain for very tall household members. The added height minimizes back discomfort.

For Children

Lower handles on lower cabinets or drawers to 30-32 inches above the floor for easy access for kids. Customize your kitchen for convenience at any age.

Consider dual height handles, with a second set of handles installed lower for children to reach. This allows the kitchen to grow with your family.

For the Primary Chef

Take into account the primary chef's height and needs. Optimize handle placement for the member of the household who will use the kitchen most often.

Horizontal Handle Placement Factors

Proper horizontal spacing is also key for handle function and visual appeal.

Drawer Sizing

Scale handle size and placement to the drawer front. Center a single handle on small, narrow drawers. Use two evenly spaced handles for wider drawers for balance and easier access.

Upper vs. Lower Cabinets

Don't overlook ergonomics for upper cabinets! Opt for handles sized for easy gripping, not tiny knobs. Place handles near the bottom of upper cabinet doors for convenient access without over-reaching.

Pull-Outs

On pull-out cabinets and drawers, install handles horizontally in line with stationary cabinet fronts for a streamlined look. Position handles where they can be easily grasped when cabinets are extended.

Avoid handles that protrude too deeply on pull-outs, as these could catch on adjacent cabinets when sliding in and out.

Corner Cabinets

Pay special attention to handle clearance on corner cabinets, allowing ample room to open doors fully. Center handles on the panel or align with the outer cabinet edge.

Appliance Garages

Handles centered horizontally provide the best leverage and clearance for retractable appliance garages. Ensure handles are positioned comfortably for raising and lowering.

Aesthetic Factors for Placement

Beyond function, handle placement also impacts the overall visual design of your kitchen. Consider these aesthetic factors when deciding where to place handles:

Focal Points

Use handle placement to create focal points, like placing statement hardware on cabinets framing the stove or sink. Draw the eye where desired.

Symmetry & Balance

Strive for a symmetrical, balanced layout. Pair handles horizontally across the top and bottom of double cabinets for visual harmony. Maintain alignment along the entire cabinet run.

Mixing Styles

When combining handle styles, align them neatly in consistent horizontal rows for a cohesive look. Vary textures and finishes while keeping spacing consistent.

Kitchen Flow

Consider how handle placement can complement kitchen workflow. Locate handles conveniently in high-traffic areas for efficient access.

Visual Weight

Use larger statement handles to anchor heavier elements like ovens or dishwashers. Smaller handles recede visually on lighter cabinets.

Handle Installation Tips for Precision

Use careful measuring, leveling, and drilling to install handles in precisely the right spots:

Pre-Drill Holes

Drill pilot holes before installing screws to prevent splitting cabinet doors or drawers. Use a drill guide for accuracy.

Use a Template

Make a template to ensure accurate handle spacing and alignment across multiple cabinets. A DIY template helps get spacing just right.

Double Check Alignment

Look from every angle to check for optimal handle alignment before tightening screws. Small variations become obvious.