What Size Bar Pulls Should You Use for Kitchen Cabinets? (Complete 2025 Guide)

Hey DIYer! Wondering What Size Bar Pulls You Actually Need?

Same. Shopping for cabinet hardware sounds fun… until you’re 40 tabs deep and still confused about pull sizes 😩.

But don’t worry — we made it stupid simple with charts, cheat codes (hi, 1/3 rule 👀), and all the 2025 style tea.

FYI: longer pulls = ✨sleek ✨ and easier to grab.

Whether you’re mid-reno or just replacing crusty knobs, this guide’s got you. Let’s size those pulls like a pro

Table of Contents

TL;DR — Quick Cabinet Pull Size Guide

Not in the mood to read the whole post? Here’s your fast-track to choosing the right pull size based on your cabinet width:

Cabinet Width	Recommended Pull Length
Less than 12″	1″ to 3″ pulls
12″ – 24″	3″ to 5″ pulls
24″ – 36″	6″ to 10″ pulls
36″ – 42″	10″ to 14″ pulls
42″ and up	12″ to 16″+ pulls

🧠 Pro Tip: Longer pulls = more modern, more grab-friendly — especially for larger drawers and doors.

How to Choose the Right Size Bar Pulls for Cabinets?

Okay, so you’ve measured your cabinets — now what? Here’s how to actually pick the right pull size:

Follow the ⅓ Rule:
For a balanced look, your pull length should be about one-third the width of the drawer or door.
Size Up for Full-Width Vibes:
Want a more modern, dramatic look? Go bigger — especially on wide drawers. Oversized pulls are trending hard in 2025.
Match the Pull to the Cabinet Type:
- Small drawers (12″ or less)? Use 1″–3″ pulls.
- Medium cabinets? Stick to 3″–6″.
- Large base drawers or pantry doors? Go with 8″–16″+.
Standard Pull Lengths:
Most pulls come in sizes between 1″ to 20″. Just don’t overdo it — oversized pulls on tiny cabinets look off.

How to Measure for Cabinet Pulls Like a Pro?

Here’s how to get it right before drilling holes into your cabinets (no pressure 😅):

Center-to-Center (C2C) Measurement:
This is the space between the screw holes. Super important when you’re replacing old pulls — measure C2C, not the total length.
Understand Hole Spacing:
Standard spacing for most pulls is 3″ (aka 76mm). But longer pulls can be 5″, 6″, or even more. Always check the specs before buying.
Use a Hardware Template:
These little plastic guides are life savers. They help you mark consistent hole placements and avoid lopsided installs.
Replacing Old Pulls?
If your new pulls have different spacing, grab a pull retrofit plate or fill in the old holes with putty + touch-up paint.

Knobs vs. Pulls — Which One Should You Use?

Still debating between knobs and pulls? Here’s a quick breakdown to help you pick what actually works best for your cabinets:

Feature	Knobs	Pulls
💰 Cost	More budget-friendly	Tend to cost more
✋ Grip	Smaller + less ergonomic	Easier to grab (great for all ages)
🔧 Best for	Upper cabinets, small drawers	Wide drawers, pantry doors
🔩 Install	Uses 1 screw (quicker to swap)	Needs 2 screws (more secure)

🔄 FYI: Mixing knobs and pulls in one kitchen? Totally fine. Just keep the style and finish cohesive for that polished look.

Top-Rated Bar Pull Styles Trending in 2025

Not sure what style to pick? Here’s what’s hot (and functional) this year:

Matte Black – Sleek, bold, and works with literally every cabinet color.
Brushed Brass / Soft Gold – The warm-toned upgrade that screams designer kitchen.
Chrome or Stainless Steel – Still popular in minimalist or industrial kitchens.

By Style:

Modern T-Bar Pulls – Straight, clean lines. Great for flat-panel or slab cabinets.
C & D-Shaped Pulls – Traditional but timeless. Works with classic cabinet doors.
Edge Pulls – Hidden and handleless look. Super modern, best for contemporary kitchens.
Tab Pulls – Minimalist but can be tricky to grab. Better for light-use drawers.

🎨 Pro Tip: Choose a finish that complements your faucet and lighting fixtures for a cohesive vibe.

Where to Place Cabinet Pulls and Knobs?

Placement matters more than you’d think — it affects both looks and ease of use. Here’s a quick placement guide:

Cabinet Doors

Knobs: Place on the opposite side of the hinges, around 2.5″ – 3″ from the edge.
Pulls: Mount vertically near the opening edge, same height as you’d place a knob.

Drawers

Small Drawers (under 24”): Center the pull or knob horizontally and vertically.
Large Drawers (over 24”):
- Use two pulls for balance
- Or center one oversized pull

Shaker Cabinets

For drawers: Place pulls on the rail or centered in the panel
For doors: Pulls or knobs go on the corner of the top rail

Tall Pantry Doors & Fake Drawers

Pantry Doors: Long vertical pulls work best, mounted center-height or edge-aligned
Fake Drawers (like under the sink): Add pulls just for aesthetics, align with other drawers

📐 Template Hack: Use a hardware jig to mark placements consistently — especially helpful if you’re DIYing your whole kitchen.

FAQs – Bar Pull Size For Kitchen

What size pull is best for 36” cabinets?

Go for 6” to 10” pulls to keep things balanced and easy to grip.

Can I mix knobs and pulls in the same kitchen?

Totally! Just keep the finish and overall style cohesive.

Do all cabinet pulls need to be the same size?

Nope. Match pull size to cabinet size. Uniform sizing can look sleek, but function comes first.

Should pulls match the faucet?

Not a rule, but matching finishes = designer vibes. Mix if you’re confident in your style.

What’s the standard hole spacing for cabinet handles?

Most common is 3 inches (76mm), but longer pulls go 5″, 6″, or more.

Are cup pulls still in style in 2025?

Yep, especially in farmhouse, coastal, and traditional kitchens. Just don’t mix them with super modern fixtures.

Final Thoughts — Pull Size Isn’t Just Aesthetic, It’s Functional

Alright, let’s land this plane ✈️ — TL;DR: Stick to the 1/3 rule if you’re unsure, size up those pulls for big drawers (trust, your hands will thank you), and don’t be afraid to mix knobs and pulls for that cool, layered vibe.

Think about who’s actually opening these cabinets — bigger pulls = easier grip for literally everyone.

And hey, the right hardware doesn’t just look good, it makes life easier. So pick what fits your kitchen flow. Style + function?

That’s the real win. 💅🛠️