What Size Drawer Needs a Drawer Pull?

Size

• Drawer pulls are especially useful for drawers wider than 27 inches or taller than six inches. Also consider the style of the drawer and ease of access. A built-in drawer with beveled edges is very difficult to open without drawer pulls because the drawer lies flush with the wall. A drawer with a lip may not need a drawer handle because your fingers fit neatly under the lip for access.

Materials

• Consider the weight of the drawers and their construction when selecting drawer pulls. For example, a lightweight kitchen drawer constructed with smoothly rolling casters may not need drawer pulls. An old heavy dresser drawer that tends to stick when you open it definitely needs drawer pulls, regardless of its size.

Aesthetics

• Drawer pulls give furniture or cabinets a finished look, depending on the style of the furniture. Sleek, modern furniture may look best without a pull, but an attractive handle dresses up traditional or country styles. Drawer pulls can reinforce a theme, as well. For example, bright drawer pulls painted in primary colors add punch to a painted child's dresser.

Recommendations

• Drawer pulls can represent a considerable investment, especially if you are outfitting a large kitchen or bathroom with lots of drawers. Home improvement stores typically sell high-end drawer pulls, but may also offer similar selections priced for the budget-minded. Metal drawer pulls are usually more durable than glass or plastic pulls. To install drawer pulls, position one pull in the center of the drawer. Use two drawer pulls if the drawer is wider than 27 inches.