The Smart Trick To Use To Determine How Wide Your Drawer Pulls Should Be

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Everyone deserves an attractive, comfortable home, but struggling with a vision for what will look good can make any update feel more stressful. Sometimes, it's nice to just have a reliable rule to follow so we can know we're making a worthwhile design decision. If you're at the stage where you're weighing your options between different types of cabinet hardware and choosing what's right for you, there is a smart sizing hack to help make an amazing visual impact with your drawer pulls.

When you just can't decide which drawer pull size is best for your cabinet, use the rule of thirds, a common measurement rule for adding cohesion to your kitchen. Measure the width of your cabinet drawer, and divide it by three to get the ideal drawer pull width. Smaller drawers around 12 inches wide may benefit from a 4-inch pull, while larger drawers over 30 inches wide can use drawer pulls at least 8 inches wide. If you can't find pulls that are exactly one-third of the drawer width, err on the bolder side and size up. It's okay if some pulls are shorter than others due to different drawer widths, as long as the pulls are the same or complementary style. The important thing is keeping the look harmonious.

The one-third rule is easy to apply and almost a sure thing in any context. The best part, though, is that it isn't rigid. You can always go larger with your pulls for a dramatic, modern look. For this aesthetic, pulls can be up to three-quarters the width of the drawer. When updating to larger pulls, the old hole spacings may be too close together for the larger pulls. Drill new holes as needed, or consider inexpensive DIY drawer handles to customize to the right length. Another option could be adjustable versions, like these Franklin Brass Adjusta-Pull drawer pulls. With these, the stylish 5-inch bars can easily work with any hole spacing. It can help to cut strips of blue painter's tape to visualize the impact of different pull widths, picking the sizes that lend the perfect weight to complement your style.

A wider pull will also make it easier to operate a larger, heavier drawer. It isn't wrong to use the same size throughout, though you may need to double up on extra-long drawers, using two pulls on the ends rather than one in the middle. When using two pulls, simply divde the drawer front in two halves, and place a handle in the center third of both sides. For comfort, you can choose practically any pull at least 3 ¾ inches wide (from screw hole to screw hole) to fit the hand nicely.