Cabinet Handle Placement Tips from Sydney Joinery Experts

Choosing the right cabinet handles is only part of the equation — knowing where and how to place them can completely change the look, feel, and function of your joinery. Whether you're renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or wardrobe, correct handle placement is essential for aesthetics and ergonomics. In this blog, Sydney's expert joiners from ICAD Joinery share practical tips to ensure your handle placement is both stylish and user-friendly.

Why Handle Placement Matters

Handle placement isn't just a design decision—it affects how easily you can use your cabinetry every day. Poorly positioned handles can lead to awkward movements or even damage to the joinery over time. On the other hand, well-placed handles make drawers and doors easier to operate and give your cabinetry a balanced, finished appearance.

It also plays a role in visual harmony. Even the most beautiful handles can look off if they're not aligned or installed consistently. That’s why ICAD Joinery takes a measured, customised approach for every installation in Sydney homes.

Standard Guidelines for Handle Placement

For drawers, a general rule is to place the handle horizontally and centred vertically. On smaller drawers, this could mean a single knob or pull, while wider drawers might benefit from two handles evenly spaced.

On cabinet doors, handles are typically placed vertically—about 50 to 75mm from the edge of the door. For upper cabinets, this means placing the handle on the lower corner; for base cabinets, the upper corner. This ensures natural reach and movement.

However, these guidelines aren’t fixed. At ICAD Joinery, we tailor each installation based on cabinet size, style, and client preferences to achieve a seamless finish that complements the space.

Handle Styles and Their Impact on Placement

The type of handle you choose—knobs, bar pulls, lip pulls, or edge pulls—can affect placement. For example, bar pulls usually need a longer, central alignment on drawers, while minimalist lip pulls are installed on the top edge and require precision for a sleek look.

Knobs offer more flexibility and are often used for smaller doors and drawers. However, their placement should be uniform across cabinetry to maintain a consistent appearance. Our Sydney clients often opt for mixed hardware styles, and in such cases, our experts ensure they’re placed in a way that feels cohesive.

Custom Joinery Needs Custom Placement

Off-the-shelf rules don't always work for custom joinery. At ICAD Joinery, we build cabinets tailored to your space, which means handle placement is also uniquely measured. We consider how your space is used, who uses it, and what kind of function your cabinets serve.

For example, in laundry renovations, we may position handles higher to prevent bending, while in a family kitchen, we ensure the height suits all members. Our Sydney clients value this level of personalisation, and it’s one of the many reasons custom joinery is such a smart investment.

We also take into account the finish and grain of the joinery. Some timber patterns call for centre alignment, while others look better with edge-mounted handles. It’s all in the detail.

Installation Tips from Our Sydney Joinery Team

- Use a template or jig to ensure consistency across multiple cabinets.
- Always measure twice and drill once—precision is key to clean installations.
- Check cabinet swing and drawer pull directions before final placement.

Our team also recommends laying out the handles with painter’s tape first. This lets you visualise the final result before making any permanent changes. It’s a small step that can save major regrets later.

And finally, always trust a professional. A skilled joiner ensures perfect symmetry, exact placement, and a flawless result that elevates your entire renovation.