How to Choose Cabinet Handles: Hole Centres, Size and Finish

New cabinet handles can refresh a kitchen, wardrobe or chest of drawers without replacing the furniture. The useful starting point is the fit: a handle that looks right still needs to match the fixing holes, leave room for your fingers and clear neighbouring doors. This guide explains what to measure before choosing a style.

1. Measure hole centres, not just the handle length

For a replacement pull with two fixing points, measure from the centre of one existing screw hole to the centre of the other. Write the result in millimetres. This is the hole-centre measurement, also called fixing centres or mounting-hole spacing. It is different from the overall length of the handle.

For example, a handle can extend beyond its two mounting points, so a 128 mm fixing spacing does not mean the handle itself is 128 mm long. GTV’s product specifications list overall length and mounting-hole spacing separately. Compare the fixing measurement first, then check the total length and projection.

The brushed-steel bar cabinet pull has several length options, with fixing centres listed in the additional information. Do not assume the number in a length selector is the hole spacing. If the correspondence for your chosen option is unclear, confirm it before ordering.

2. Decide between a knob, bar pull and edge pull

A knob normally uses a single fixing point. It is worth considering when replacing an existing knob or when you want a small visual detail on a compact cupboard. Changing from a two-hole pull to a one-hole knob may leave an unused hole visible; check the front before buying.

The Bergamo cabinet knob is listed with a 32.5 mm diameter and 30.5 mm height, and comes in a choice of finishes. Its product page states that a fixing screw is supplied. Diameter tells you the size of the visible knob; it is not a measurement of screw spacing.

A bar pull gives a longer gripping area and a visible feature across a door or drawer. An edge pull sits at the edge of the front and creates a different appearance and fitting arrangement. The HEXA aluminium edge pull offers length and colour selections. Check its mounting arrangement and the space around the front rather than treating it as a direct replacement for every face-mounted pull.

3. Check grip space and opening clearance

Look beyond the photograph. Check how far the handle projects, where your hand will sit and whether a longer grip is practical for the people using the furniture. A small knob and a long bar can feel very different on a heavy drawer.

Open the door or drawer fully and inspect nearby walls, appliances and other handles. This is especially useful at kitchen corners. Use the stated dimensions to check the available space, and try one handle first if you are uncertain about comfort or clearance across a whole run of cupboards.

4. Choose a finish that suits the whole room

Compare the handle with hinges, taps, lighting and any hardware you are keeping. Chrome, brushed steel, matt black and gold tones create different effects. A finish name alone does not guarantee an exact colour match between different ranges or brands.

Decide whether you want the hardware to blend into the front or stand out. Keep the choice consistent across a kitchen run, or use a planned combination of knobs and pulls. If matching an existing finish is important, check a sample before buying the full quantity. Follow the manufacturer’s care guidance rather than assuming every metal finish tolerates the same cleaner.

5. Count the pieces and check the fixings

Count doors and drawers separately, including any wide drawer where your design uses two handles. Check the pack quantity on each listing: a product photograph showing several sizes or colours does not necessarily mean they are sold as a set.

Even where screws are included, check that their length suits your door or drawer-front thickness. Before drilling new holes, confirm the fitting instructions and measurements for the exact handle. Check alignment across neighbouring fronts before making permanent changes.

A quick checklist before ordering

• Existing hole centres measured from centre to centre.
• Overall length, projection and grip space checked separately.
• Mounting style and door-opening clearance confirmed.
• Finish, selected size, pack quantity and variant availability checked.
• Front thickness and suitable fixings confirmed.

Browse the cabinet handles range once you have your measurements. Select the exact variant on its product page to check current price and availability before adding it to your basket.

Further reference: GTV’s handle specification example shows mounting-hole spacing and overall length as separate dimensions.

For more practical buying guides, return to Guides & Advice.