When choosing the drawer hardware, trying to determine the length of stainless steel pulls to use can be frustrating. At Arthur Harris, we understand that if your hardware is sized appropriately, it will make all the difference in functionality and style. To make this process simpler, we’ve created a written drawer pull size chart for you to reference when choosing your drawer pulls.
Understanding Lengths of Hardware Pulls
Hardware pulls require the correct proportions, which make all the difference in how polished and professional they end up looking. Whether you are adding hardware to brand new cabinets or updating the hardware on older cabinets, it’s critical to keep in mind both inches and millimeters so you can fit the pulls properly.
There are several phrases commonly used in reference to product specifications for you to keep in mind when picking out hardware:
Projection
This phrase refers to how far the pull extends from the surface of your drawer after it’s been installed.
Center-to-Center
This is a standard industry measurement that refers to the distance between the two screw holes, from the center one screw hole to the center of the other.
Diameter
When measuring a drawer pull, this phrase refers to the thickness of the bar you grab on the pull. As you’re deciding on hardware, pay close attention to this distance as you want to ensure your hand comfortably fits in the space.
Overall Length
This measurement refers to the distance from one end of the pull to the other end and should always be larger than the ‘Center-to-Center’ measurement.
How to Measure Drawer Pulls
It’s time to measure your drawers to determine the size of pulls you’ll need to buy. Luckily, you can easily choose from common pull sizes using the standard drawer pull measurements noted above. The only true exception to this rule is if you have pre-drilled drawers, in which case you’ll need to buy hardware that fits the existing measurements.
Small Drawers (about 12” x 5”)
When measuring for smaller drawers, use a singular 3”, 5”, or 12” pull. For even smaller, more specialized drawers that may be more narrow (dimensions under 12”), it might be beneficial to use a T-pull handle rather than bar pulls to align with the appropriate size.
Standard Drawers (about 12″ – 36″)
Standard-sized drawers can use any of the following pull sizes: 3” (one or two), 4” (one or two), 96mm, and 128mm.
Oversize Drawers (36″ or larger)
For larger drawers, consider investing in longer-length stainless steel pulls such as 6”, 8”, 10” or even 12”. Another alternative to this is by using double smaller pulls, such as two 3” or two 5” pulls.
Tips for Choosing Drawer Pull Sizes
1. Stay Consistent
If you have a variety of sizes of drawers in the same area, the best way to keep a clean look is by staying consistent with pull sizes. Even if your drawers have different heights, try to use the same length pull for all of them to keep the space from looking too cluttered.
2. When in Doubt, Go Longer
Long drawer pulls tend to be heavier-duty, which not only makes them ideal for larger or heavier drawers but also gives off a more polished, high-class feel to your space.
3. Have Fun With Design
Drawer pulls are an inexpensive, easy way to freshen up your space and give it the personality it deserves. The most important advice we can offer aside from making sure your measurements are correct is to have fun with your design!
Using our written drawer pull size chart as a reference, you can go forward confidently when deciding on and installing pulls for your drawers. Contact the experts at Arthur Harris today or request a quote for any of our selection of drawer pulls and home hardware.