An easy way to change the look of existing cabinets and drawers is to add decorative knobs and handles. With the wide variety of materials, designs, and sizes available, it’s an easy task to find the right hardware that not only adds functionality to your storage area, but also complements your room’s décor and reflects your personal style. Often the right choice of hardware can be used to bring various elements together and give the impression of a professionally decorated room.
Choosing the right knobs and handles isn’t the only area where personal style shows. Determining the location can also be an important part of not only the functionality, but also the design.
Pulls and handles can be mounted horizontally or vertically. Some people choose to install a handle or pull horizontally on the drawers and place the same hardware accessory vertically on the cabinet.
New drawer hardware can also be mounted individually, in the center of the drawer, or a pair of pulls or knobs can be installed on a wider drawer. Let your choice be governed by stability and personal attractiveness.
Once you have decided on the installation orientation of the new hardware, you will need to determine the ideal location for the handle. Make sure it is within comfortable reach of the user. Check to make sure there is adequate clearance from nearby appliances when the drawer or cabinet is open, so as not to cause damage.
Before drilling the first hole, imagine the symmetry of the finished design. Many rooms have different sizes of cabinets, drawers, and doors, and the visual effect of new hardware can be distracting and unbalanced if its placement is determined by the door dimension rather than the overall flow. For example, the cabinets above the stove and above the refrigerator are quite tall, and a door handle placed a third of the way from the bottom will not only be impractical for functionality, but may be unsightly due to its placement. .
A narrow drawer will look strange with two handles, although a wider drawer in the same room may require a double handle for added stability.
Fortunately, quality cabinet hardware offers the ability to choose a pattern and style that is available in handles, pulls, and knobs in a wide variety of sizes. Mixing and matching until you find the perfect combination will make the mount placement work for you.