Size & Measuring Guide
Hardware Measuring Guide
Hardware should feel intentional, neither oversized nor lost in the space it sits within.
This guide simplifies the process so you can choose with confidence, no matter the room or fitting.
1. Measuring Principles
Proportion Over Scale
The most common mistake is choosing hardware based on how it looks in isolation rather than how it relates to the surface it’s mounted on. A 300mm pull might look refined on its own, but feels oversized on a 400mm drawer front.
A reliable starting point: cabinet handles should occupy between one-third and two-thirds of the drawer or door width.
Centre-to-Centre vs Total Length
The most misunderstood measurement in cabinet hardware. When we list a handle as 128mm, that refers to the distance between the two fixing holes, not the overall length of the handle itself.
The total length will always be longer (often by 30-50mm). Always measure the existing hole spacing on your cabinetry, not the old handle’s total length.
Regional Standards
Cabinet hardware sizing conventions vary by region. Below are the most common centre-to-centre measurements you’ll encounter.
Fixing Centres & Supplied Hardware
All meraki. cabinet hardware uses industry-standard M4 threaded fixings. We supply screws in 25mm and 35mm lengths with every handle and pull, covering door thicknesses from 16mm to 30mm, typical for UK and EU cabinetry.
North American cabinetry typically uses ⅝” to 1″ thickness (16-25mm). For thicker drawer fronts or when mounting through tiled surfaces, you’ll need longer screws. Measure the total thickness and add 10-12mm for secure thread engagement.
2. Cabinet Handles & Pulls
This is where proportion matters most. Cabinet handles are touched multiple times a day, and their size relative to the drawer front affects both visual balance and ergonomic comfort.
Choosing Size for New Installations
For new cabinetry or when you’re willing to drill fresh holes, use the one-third to two-thirds rule. This ensures handles feel proportionate without dominating the cabinetry.
Projection Depth for Comfort
Projection — how far the handle stands off from the surface — affects both comfort and clearance. Most cabinet pulls project 25-40mm (1″-1.5″), which provides enough space for fingers without handles clashing when drawers are opened in adjacent runs.
For cabinetry positioned close to walls or in tight galley kitchens, opt for handles with lower projection (25-30mm / 1″).
3. T-Bars & Knobs
Measuring Diameter & Projection
Knob diameter typically ranges from 25mm to 40mm (1″-1.6″). Smaller knobs feel refined on cabinet doors and suit period properties or minimalist schemes. Larger knobs provide better grip on frequently used drawers.
Projection matters more than diameter. A knob that projects 35mm+ provides comfortable grip but may clash with adjacent doors or walls. Measure clearance between cabinetry and nearby surfaces, you need at least 50mm (2″) total space.
Spacing Multiple Knobs
When using two knobs on a wide drawer front, position them roughly one-quarter of the way in from each edge. On a 600mm (24″) drawer, that places them approximately 150mm (6″) from each side.
4. Door Lever Handles
Door furniture requires more precise measurement than cabinet hardware because you’re working with standardised latch and lock mechanisms. Standards vary significantly by region, so understanding your local specifications is essential.
For comprehensive guidance on selecting door hardware, see our complete door lever guide.
5. Hinges
Measuring Hinge Dimensions
Hinges are measured by the length of the leaf when open. UK and North America primarily use imperial sizing, while EU increasingly uses metric equivalents.
Placement & Spacing
Standard practice positions the top hinge 150-200mm (6-8″) down from the top edge, and the bottom hinge 200-250mm (8-10″) up from the bottom edge.
For taller or heavier doors, add a third hinge centred between the two, or positioned slightly below centre. This prevents sagging and reduces strain on the frame.
6. How Finish & Size Interplay
The relationship between hardware size and finish isn’t purely aesthetic, it affects how the brass reads in different lights and spaces.
Satin Brass has a muted, almost matte quality that appears softer when used on larger forms like long cabinet pulls or wide backplates. On smaller hardware — knobs, compact levers — the same finish reads bolder because there’s less surface area to diffuse the light.
Polished Brass reflects more light and shows fingerprints readily, which makes it better suited to lower-contact areas (upper cabinet knobs, decorative hooks) rather than high-traffic door levers or kitchen drawer pulls.
Antique Brass develops character over time, which works beautifully on pieces that see daily use. The patina forms unevenly on smaller hardware, creating depth, while larger pieces age more uniformly.
If you’re mixing hardware sizes across a space, keep finishes consistent, this allows the eye to connect the different scales as part of a coherent system.
For detailed information on how each finish ages and how to care for brass hardware, see our comprehensive Finish & Care Guide. If you’d like to see the finishes in person before committing, order our sample finish swatch set to test how they look in your lighting conditions.
7. Common Questions
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