Choosing specific placements for your kitchen cabinet handles may seem like a small, insignificant detail; however, it can have a huge impact on the feel, appeal and function of your space. Having a specific handle placement is crucial for improving ergonomics, ensuring your cabinets are practical and creating an overall enhanced finish. 

It is essential for an optimised kitchen to understand where to place handles on kitchen cabinets, whether you are doing a quick diy or a full kitchen renovation. That’s where we come in: at Lark & Lark’s, we have expert knowledge on how to cover every aspect, from handle placement on different styles of cabinets, common mistakes to avoid, expert tips on achieving a perfected kitchen, as well as specific design rules which will help you along the way.

Why Does Handle Placement Matter In A Kitchen? 

Kitchen cabinet handles are ultimately one of the most used elements in your home, meaning poor placement can make cabinets awkward to open, disrupting the natural flow of your space. More so, having handles placed in inadequate spaces can cause unnecessary wear. By positioning your kitchen handles in a well-positioned spot, you can be assured of improved accessibility, easily elevating your kitchen’s aesthetic. 

Handle placement - and the style of the handles themselves -  is a significant aspect of helping to define a kitchen’s style. For Traditional Kitchens, handles tend to be used as decorative pieces in order to complement their classic style, whereas with most Minimalist Kitchens, precise and consistent placement tends to create a more structured appeal. 

When planning for your kitchen cabinet handle placement, it is important to balance functionality with visual appeal. Correct placement can help to reduce strain on wrists, whilst also ensuring that doors/drawers are able to open smoothly. By discussing ways to improve your kitchen’s flow and practicality through your handles, you can be assured of comfort and style in no time. 

The Standard Rules For Kitchen Cabinet Handle Placements

Whilst there is no ‘correct’ way to place your kitchen handles, there are many industry standard procedures which can provide a reliable starting point. 

Upper/Wall Cabinets

For Wall-Mounted Cabinets, it is typical that handles would be placed towards the bottom corner of the door, making them easy to reach without strain. Typically, this would be the opposite side of the hinge placement. 

This placement helps to create a comfortable access point, whilst still keeping your cabinets clean and consistent. For a standard placement, you should: 

• Try to place the handle 2-3 inches above the bottom edge of the cabinet door. 
  
  

• Ensure that you have aligned the handle vertically, parallel to the door’s edge. 

Lower/Base Cabinets

With Base Cabinets, we would typically try to mirror the upper wall units by placing the handles at the top corner of the cabinet door. Once again, these handles would be placed on the opposite side of the hinge placement. By placing the handles at the top of the unit, this will help to reduce the need to bend down excessively, and give easy access where needed without strain. 

By creating a symmetrical image with your lower and upper cabinets, you can create a balanced and professional finish that will enhance your kitchen’s appearance. For a standard placement, you should: 

• Try to place the handle 2-3 inches below the top edge of the cabinet door. 
  
  

• Ensure that you have aligned the handle vertically. 

Drawer Units

For Drawer Fronts, the placement typically depends on the size and style of the unit. However, with drawers, consistency is key to creating a polished finish. 

Many Modern Kitchens use the same style of handle across all of their units to create a cohesive look, meaning consistent placement is essential. However, if Traditional Kitchens are more your style, a variety of styles may be more appropriate to your taste. 

For a standard placement, you should: 

• Centre your handles horizontally on the drawer fronts. 
  
  

• For larger drawers, position your handles slightly above the centre line to create an easier grip. 

The Differences Between Vertical/Horizontal Handle Placements

Many homeowners struggle to decide whether or not their handles should be vertical or horizontal based on their cabinetry. Whilst there is no set answer, it is important to question the cabinet type and design preferences you may have to make an informed decision. 

Vertical Handles

Vertical handles are the typical choice for cabinet doors, specifically upper/lower cabinets. They are chosen due to these simple factors: 

• Vertical handles can emphasise height in your units, helping your kitchen to feel and appear taller. 
  
  

• They are universal across all styles of kitchen, emphasising your aesthetic, whether you have a traditional, modern or minimalist kitchen.
  
  

• They can provide a natural grip when properly aligned with the door. 

In modern and contemporary kitchens, vertical handles - especially Long Bar Handles - are a staple for adding a touch of sophistication and a polished finish to the space. 

Horizontal Handles

With horizontal handles, they are typically used purely for drawer fronts; however, they are becoming increasingly more popular for use on cabinet doors for a modern and industrial finish. They are chosen for these simple factors: 

• Horizontal handles can highlight width in your space, creating clean and crisp lines. 
  
  

• They are universal across kitchen styles, especially minimalist styles. 

In traditional kitchens, vertical handles are used to add timeless appeal to the space by adding texture to the room, such as with our D-Handles. 

Handle Placements Based On Different Kitchen Styles

The overall aesthetic of your kitchen will play a massive role in deciding where to place your kitchen cabinet handles. Depending on the style of your kitchen, there are various ways you can complement the style with your handles, for a clean or contemporary finish. 

Modern Kitchens

One of the major appeals for Modern Kitchens is how they favour clean and symmetrical lines, making handle placement a precise and minimal addition. For a typical approach to modern kitchens, we would recommend:

• Stick to clean styles, such as long bar handles. 
  
  

• Align handles consistently across all of your cabinets.
  
  

• For a streamlined look, place your handles close to the edge of the cabinet. 

Although many modern aesthetic lovers may be opting for Handleless Kitchens, if you are set on avoiding push-to-open mechanisms in your contemporary kitchen, it is essential to have accurate placement for a cohesive look. 

Traditional Kitchens

For lovers of the traditional, Shaker Kitchens, it is important to balance both simplicity and elegance. Handle placements should be practical for use, whilst also enhancing the classic style of your home. For a typical approach to traditional, shaker kitchens, we would recommend:

• Position the handles centrally within the shaker frame.
  
  

• Maintain consistent spacing throughout your cabinets. 
  
  

• Try using cup-handles for drawers, and knobs for upper/lower cabinets for a varied approach. 

Although shaker-style kitchens allow for a more flexible approach to consistency in style, it is still important to keep uniformity throughout your placement for the best results. 

Handles vs Knobs

Depending on the style of kitchen you are working with, the type of handle you opt for is important for enhancing it to its fullest potential. 

Cabinet Knobs

Knobs are typically placed on the corners of the cabinet doors, 2-3 inches from the edge. They are usually centred vertically on the door panel for a streamlined look. 

In terms of installation, knobs are typically much easier to install, making them a popular choice for traditional cabinetry. 

Cabinet Handles

Cabinet handles tend to require more precision than knob-style handles, as they must be aligned consistently and accurately measured. If the placement of a handle is slightly off, it can affect both the appearance and the functionality of the cabinet. 

Handle Placement For Integrated Appliances

If your kitchen has integrated appliances, such as a dishwasher, washing machine or fridge-freezer, handle placement requires extra attention for precise and functional use. 

• Align the appliance’s handles with the cabinet handles. 
  
  

• Make sure to match the handle height and the orientation.

Maintaining consistent handle placement across your appliances can help them to seamlessly blend throughout your kitchen's design. 

Supporting Accessibility

When deciding on your kitchen handle placement, ergonomics should always be a top priority. For example, for shorter users, lower handles may be more suitable, whereas higher placements can reduce bending. If accessibility is a high priority for you, considering D-Handles may be the best option to ensure that your handles are easier to grip and access. 

When choosing your accessibility needs, consider the following: 

• Who will be using the kitchen most often?
  
  

• What are the height differences between the users?
  
  

• Do you have mobility issues that require extra accessibility needs?
  
  

• Will children need to access your cabinets?

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Choosing The Placement of Kitchen Cabinet Handles

Although these mistakes may seem simple to avoid, even the smallest error can affect the overall finish and quality of your kitchen, spoiling the overall aesthetic and even the usability.

Take these common mistakes into consideration for a smooth finish: 

• Do not ignore hinge positions: try to balance where your hinges lie, with where your handles lie.
  
  

• Always test your handle placement before drilling: avoid having to fill or damage your doors by testing the placement of your handles first. Create mock-ups with tape or a template before committing, as an easy way to test that each of your holes will be in the correct place across the cabinets. 
  
  

• Do not place your handles too close to the edge of the door: this may cause discomfort when trying to access them and can throw off the overall polished look of your kitchen.
  
  

• Always check the handle heights across your cabinets: once you have decided on your placement, ensure that it is consistent across each unit, as even the slightest change can be obvious. 

How Do I Measure and Install My Cabinet Handles Correctly?

Measuring your cabinet handles correctly is essential for providing professionally finished results, and is a simple step that can be done with ease. Take your time during installation to ensure that costly mistakes and uneven handles are avoided.

1. Choose your handle size, style and orientation.
   
   

2. Carefully measure and mark consistent reference points. 
   
   

3. If you have a cabinet handle jig, use this to accurately mark your drill holes, or use a template.
   
   

4. Always double-check alignment before drilling. 
   
   

5. Drill your screw holes carefully. 

Finding Your Perfect Placement

Knowing where to put knobs and handles on kitchen cabinets is a crucial step to achieving a kitchen that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By consistently following placement guidelines, you can ensure your cabinet handles are enhancing your cabinet's design, rather than detracting from it. Always make sure to consider your kitchen’s design style when choosing your handles, and prioritise accessibility and ergonomics where needed. 

Whether you prefer sleek, modern kitchen handles or classic, traditional knobs, with precise planning and installation, you can make your kitchen stand out in the exact way it deserves. By putting in the correct amount of consideration for your handle placement, you can tie your kitchen together with ease. 

Notice the benefits of ergonomically placed kitchen cabinet handles every single day, by starting your upgrade journey now. For more information, feel free to speak to a member of our team to start planning your dream kitchen in style.