Buying Guide
Guidance on selecting cabinet and door hardware with confidence — from proportion and finish to full-project planning.
Choosing the Right Size & Proportion
What size cabinet handle should I choose?
Handle size should reflect both the scale of your cabinetry and the overall style of the room.
For standard base and wall units, centre-to-centre measurements between 96mm and 160mm are most commonly specified. Larger drawers and tall pantry doors can comfortably accommodate longer pulls, which often create a more contemporary look.
Rather than focusing on trend alone, consider visual balance. A handle that feels proportionate to the drawer width will elevate the overall appearance of the cabinetry.
When specifying for a full kitchen, maintaining consistency in proportion is usually more important than selecting the longest available option.
What size handle suits 600mm drawers?
For 600mm drawers, handles between 128mm and 224mm centre-to-centre typically provide the best balance.
Shorter handles can appear understated and traditional, while longer pulls offer a cleaner, more modern aesthetic. In contemporary kitchens, it is increasingly common to use longer handles on wider drawers to emphasise horizontal lines.
If drawers exceed 800mm in width, some designers choose either an extended single pull or two smaller handles positioned symmetrically.
The key consideration is proportion rather than a fixed rule.
Should all handles be the same length?
Not necessarily — but they should feel visually related.
Many kitchens use one handle size for standard doors and a longer version of the same design for wide drawers. This maintains cohesion while allowing proportions to adapt to different cabinet widths.
Using entirely different styles across the same space can disrupt flow, whereas varying sizes within the same design family often enhances balance.
Consistency of finish is usually more important than identical length.
Can I mix knobs and pulls?
Yes — and it is often a refined approach.
A common combination is using knobs on cabinet doors and pulls on drawers. This introduces subtle variation while maintaining a cohesive finish.
The key is restraint. Keep finishes consistent and ensure the designs complement one another in profile and detail.
When mixed thoughtfully, knobs and pulls can add depth without overwhelming the space.
Do wider drawers need two handles?
For drawers above 800–900mm wide, two handles are sometimes specified to improve symmetry and weight distribution.
However, a single longer pull can also achieve a clean, contemporary look.
The choice depends on aesthetic direction:
- Two handles feel more traditional and balanced.
- One extended pull feels more modern and streamlined.
In either case, alignment across adjacent drawers is essential for a considered finish.
What is hole centre measurement?
Hole centre measurement refers to the distance between the centre points of the screw holes on a handle.
This measurement determines compatibility with pre-drilled cabinetry. Common sizes include 96mm, 128mm, 160mm and 192mm.
When replacing existing hardware, measure from the centre of one screw hole to the centre of the other. If installing new handles, selecting a consistent hole centre measurement across the project simplifies alignment and installation.
How many handles does a kitchen need?
The number of handles required depends on cabinet layout, drawer configuration and whether knobs or pulls are being used.
As a guide, a standard kitchen may require between 20 and 40 pieces of hardware when accounting for base units, wall cabinets and drawers.
Before ordering, it is helpful to review your cabinetry plan and count each door and drawer individually. Ordering for the full space at once ensures consistency of finish and proportion throughout the room.
Understanding Finishes
Will brass cabinet handles tarnish over time?
Brass is a living material and may naturally deepen in tone as it ages, particularly if unlacquered.
Many contemporary brass finishes are lacquered or sealed to slow oxidation and maintain their original appearance. Over time, subtle changes in tone can add character rather than detract from the finish.
If a consistent appearance is preferred, selecting a protected or satin brass finish offers durability while retaining warmth.
What is the difference between satin brass and brushed brass?
Satin brass typically has a softer, lightly muted sheen with a smooth surface. Brushed brass features fine directional texture, creating a slightly more tactile appearance.
Both finishes offer warmth, but brushed brass can feel marginally more contemporary due to its visible grain, while satin brass often suits transitional and classic interiors.
The distinction is subtle — proportion and overall cabinetry style will influence which feels most cohesive.
The key consideration is proportion rather than a fixed rule.
Are black cabinet handles durable?
High-quality black hardware is typically finished using powder coating or plated treatments designed for durability in domestic environments.
Matte black can show fingerprints more readily in high-traffic areas, while satin or textured black finishes tend to be more forgiving.
When specified thoughtfully, black hardware provides strong contrast and works particularly well in modern and minimalist interiors.
Can I mix finishes within one kitchen?
Mixing finishes can introduce depth and character when done with restraint.
A common approach is to maintain one dominant finish for cabinet hardware and introduce a secondary finish through lighting or taps. Within cabinetry itself, consistency generally creates a more considered result.
If mixing metals, ensure undertones complement one another — for example, pairing warm brass with darker aged finishes rather than cooler chrome tones.
Will cabinet handles match taps and fixtures exactly?
Exact colour matching across brands is uncommon, as manufacturing processes and materials vary.
Rather than seeking identical finishes, aim for tonal harmony. Warm finishes (such as brass or bronze) typically sit well together, as do cooler finishes (such as chrome or polished nickel).
Consistency in undertone is more important than exact shade.
How should cabinet hardware be cleaned?
Most cabinet hardware can be cleaned using a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive pads, particularly on lacquered or plated finishes, as these may compromise surface protection.
Regular, gentle cleaning will help preserve finish integrity over time.
Planning a Full Project
Should cabinet handles match door handles?
They do not need to match exactly, but they should feel related.
Maintaining a consistent finish across cabinet and door hardware creates visual cohesion throughout an interior. While handle styles may differ in form and scale, continuity in tone often results in a more considered overall impression.
In open-plan spaces, alignment between kitchen cabinetry and internal doors can be particularly effective.
Should I order spare handles?
Ordering a small number of spare pieces can be useful for future replacements or unforeseen changes.
While hardware from the same range is designed for consistency, minor variations can occur between production runs over time. Securing additional pieces at the point of specification helps maintain uniformity across the project.on rather than a fixed rule.
What if I need additional handles later?
Most designs remain available for ongoing purchase, subject to stock and range continuity.
If you anticipate future expansion or phased renovation, it is advisable to retain product references and finish details to ensure alignment with subsequent orders.
Planning ahead helps preserve consistency across rooms completed at different times.
Are finishes consistent across batches?
High-quality hardware is manufactured to maintain finish consistency; however, subtle tonal variation can occur due to material characteristics and production processes.
When specifying for a complete kitchen or interior, ordering the full quantity at once ensures optimal uniformity.
How do I plan hardware for a full renovation?
Begin by reviewing your cabinetry layout and counting each door and drawer individually.
Consider proportion across the entire space rather than selecting hardware piece by piece. Maintaining consistency of design and finish helps create a cohesive result, particularly in larger kitchens or multi-room projects.
Taking a measured approach at the planning stage simplifies installation and avoids the need for adjustments later.
Installation & Practical Considerations
Do cabinet handles include screws?
Cabinet handles are supplied with standard fixing screws suitable for most cabinet doors and drawer fronts.
If you are working with unusually thick cabinetry, alternative screw lengths can typically be sourced separately.
What cabinet thickness are the screws suitable for?
Standard screws are generally suitable for typical cabinet door and drawer front thicknesses used in modern kitchens.
If your cabinetry differs significantly from standard specifications, measuring panel thickness in advance will ensure appropriate fixings are selected.
Can cabinet handles be installed on MDF or painted cabinetry?
Yes. Cabinet handles can be installed on MDF, painted timber and solid wood cabinetry.
Care should be taken when drilling to ensure clean edges and accurate alignment, particularly on painted surfaces.
Can handles be repositioned later?
Handles can be repositioned, although this may require filling and refinishing previous drill holes.
For this reason, confirming placement and proportions before installation is advisable, particularly when specifying across multiple units.
Is professional installation required?
Many homeowners install cabinet hardware themselves using standard tools.
However, for larger projects or where precise alignment is essential, professional installation may provide added reassurance.