How to Install Cabinet Handles

Let me be honest with you—cabinet handles may look like a small detail, but they make a big difference in how your kitchen feels every single day.

If your cabinets don’t have handles yet, or you’re thinking about upgrading them, you’re already on the right track. The good news? Installing them is much easier than most people think.

I’ll walk you through it in the simplest way possible—just like I would for a family member.

Step-by-Step: How to Install Cabinet Handles

You don’t need to be a professional. Just take your time and follow these steps:

1. Measure First (This Matters More Than Anything)

Before drilling anything, measure carefully.

• Find the center or preferred position
• Mark it lightly with a pencil
• Double-check spacing

A small mistake here is what makes handles look “crooked”

2. Test Before You Drill

Hold the handle against the cabinet door.

Step back and look at it.

Ask yourself:

• Does it feel balanced?
• Is it comfortable to reach?

This 10-second check can save you from regret later.

3. Drill Slowly and Steadily

Use a drill bit that matches your screw size.

• Drill straight (not at an angle)
• Go slow to avoid chipping the finish

Tip: Put a piece of tape on the spot before drilling—it helps protect the surface.

4. Attach the Handle

• Insert screws from inside the cabinet
• Align the handle
• Tighten gently (not too hard)

Then give it a quick pull to test stability.

Done ✔

How to Choose the Right Cabinet Handles

This part is actually more important than installation. In fact, this is where most people go wrong.

1. Comfort Comes First

If it doesn’t feel good in your hand, you’ll notice it every day.

• Larger handles = easier grip
• Rounded edges = safer (especially with kids)

Always think about daily use, not just looks.

2. Pick a Style That Matches Your Kitchen

• Modern kitchens → black, matte, stainless steel
• Traditional kitchens → bronze, brass, ceramic
• Minimalist homes → recessed or hidden handles

You don’t need something fancy—just something that feels “right” in your space.

3. Don’t Ignore Quality

A cheap handle might look fine at first—but loosen over time.

Look for:

• Smooth finish
• Solid weight (not hollow feeling)
• Rust-resistant coating

This is a small upgrade that makes a big difference long-term.

Where Should You Install Handles? (Simple Rule)

This is where many kitchens go wrong—but it’s easy to fix.

✔ Upper Cabinets

Place handles near the bottom corner
→ Easy to reach without stretching

✔ Lower Cabinets

Place handles near the top corner
→ No need to bend awkwardly

Keep everything aligned—it instantly makes your kitchen look more high-end.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Drilling without measuring twice
• Installing at inconsistent heights
• Choosing style over comfort
• Overtightening screws (can damage doors)

A Designer’s Advice (From Me to You)

I always tell my clients this:

You touch your cabinet handles every single day—more than almost anything else in your kitchen.

So don’t rush this decision.

Choose something:

• Comfortable
• Durable
• Easy to live with

Not just something that looks good in a photo.

Final Thoughts

Installing cabinet handles is one of the easiest upgrades you can do—but also one of the most noticeable.

With the right placement and the right choice, your kitchen will feel:

• More polished
• More comfortable
• More “put together”

And honestly, that’s what a good kitchen should feel like.