Choosing the Right Position for Kitchen Door Knobs
Gemma Welch
When planning a kitchen, base cabinets do a lot of the heavy lifting—both visually and practically. While door style and finish often take centre stage, the position of your door knobs plays a surprisingly important role in how the kitchen looks and feels to use every day.
There’s no single “right” answer, but there are several well-established options. Understanding them will help you choose a placement that suits both your kitchen style and how you live in the space.
Corner Placement: The Classic Choice
Placing the knob in the top corner of a base cabinet door is by far the most traditional and widely used option. Typically, the knob sits a consistent distance in from the side and down from the top of the door.
Why it works:
Timeless and familiar
Easy and intuitive to use
Complements Shaker and classic door styles
Works well in both traditional and transitional kitchens
This placement has endured for good reason—it feels natural to the hand and visually balanced, making it a safe and elegant choice.
Inline with the Top of the Shaker Panel
A more design-led variation is positioning the knob inline with the top rail of the Shaker panel, rather than purely from the cabinet edge.
Why it works:
Creates a strong visual relationship with the door design
Looks intentional and well-considered
Popular in bespoke and hand-crafted kitchens
This option subtly elevates the cabinetry by referencing the door’s proportions, but it does require precision to ensure consistency across all units.
Positioned Further Down the Door
In more contemporary kitchens, knobs are sometimes positioned lower on base cabinet doors, moving away from the traditional corner placement.
Why it works:
Adds a modern, relaxed feel
Can visually elongate tall base doors
Works well with simple, slab-style or pared-back Shaker doors
While less conventional, this approach can look striking when used consistently and paired with minimalist hardware.
A Note on Ergonomics and Consistency
Whatever placement you choose, comfort and consistency should guide the final decision. Knobs should feel natural to reach for, especially on doors used frequently. Once a position is chosen, it’s important to apply it consistently throughout the kitchen to avoid a cluttered or accidental look.
A helpful tip is to mock up positions with masking tape before drilling—seeing and using the placement in real life often confirms the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Knob placement on base cabinets is a small detail that makes a big difference. Whether you prefer the timeless appeal of corner placement, the refined look of aligning with Shaker rails, or a more modern lower position, thoughtful positioning enhances both the beauty and functionality of your kitchen.
As always, pairing considered placement with high-quality knobs ensures your cabinetry not only looks beautiful on day one, but continues to do so for years to come.
Practical Considerations to Keep in Mind
While aesthetics matter, function should always come first. Before committing, consider:
Handedness: Make sure the knob feels natural to reach for
Door size: Larger doors may need a slightly adjusted position
Consistency: Keep placement uniform across the kitchen
Testing first: Use masking tape to trial positions before drilling
Taking the time to test placements can save costly mistakes later.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “correct” position for kitchen door knobs—but there is a right position for your kitchen. Whether you lean towards classic corner placement or a more modern alignment, thoughtful positioning will elevate the overall look and make your kitchen a pleasure to use every day.
As with all kitchen details, choosing quality hardware and placing it with care ensures your design remains timeless, practical, and beautiful for years to come.