How to Position Handles on Kitchen Cabinets

Installing cabinet handles doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few easy measurements and some consistency, you can make your kitchen look clean, modern, and perfectly aligned. Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you place your handles the right way.

1.Handles that you like (Tips: You could buy handles on Amazon or direct from cabinet handle manufacturer)

2.Templates for positioning

First check whether you're working on a cabinet door or a drawer.

Doors and drawers follow different rules, so start here.

For cabinet doors, look at where the hinge is.

Handles always go on the opposite side of the hinge — that’s where your hand naturally reaches.

A super easy rule most people use:

👉 Place the handle about 2–3 inches in from the edge of the door.

This works for almost every modern kitchen style.

For doors that swing left or right:

1. Put the handle near the outer corner, not the hinge side.
2. Keep your measurement consistent across all doors.

For flip-up wall cabinets:

1. Put the handle near the bottom edge, so you can grab it easily from below.

For small or shallow drawers:

1. Just center the handle — super simple.

For taller/deeper drawers:

1. Don’t center it vertically.
2. Instead, place it a little higher, around the top third of the drawer.
3. → This makes opening heavy drawers much easier.

For extra-wide drawers:

1. You can use two handles, spaced evenly left and right.

Whatever measurement you choose (2 inches, 2.5 inches, 3 inches…),

👉 use the same rule on every door and drawer.

This makes the whole kitchen look clean and intentional.

Handles should feel comfortable for everyday use.

For tall pantry cabinets, place the handle at a natural gripping height, usually around your waist or chest level.

Before drilling holes:

1. Tape the handle in place
2. Step back
3. Look at it from different angles

If it feels right visually and easy to reach, then mark your holes.

Use a level or template so all handles line up perfectly.

A tiny misalignment becomes very noticeable on clean cabinet fronts.

Give everything a quick test pull:

1. Does it feel comfortable?
2. Is the height right?
3. Do all handles match each other?

If everything looks smooth and straight, you’re done!