Choosing Drawer Pulls
The right drawer pull should provide a comfortable way to open the drawer while also complementing the proportions and style of the furniture.
Because drawer pulls are highly visible, even relatively small changes in shape, size or finish can significantly alter the appearance of a kitchen, dresser or piece of bespoke cabinetry.
When choosing drawer furniture, consider the drawer width, pull dimensions, fixing arrangement, required grip and preferred architectural finish.
Traditional Drawer Pulls
Traditional drawer pulls work particularly well on painted timber kitchens, dressers, chests, wardrobes and period-style furniture.
Decorative shapes and finishes such as Aged Brass, Bronze, Black, Beeswax and Pewter can introduce character while complementing traditional cabinetry.
They can also be coordinated with cupboard knobs, cabinet turns and decorative cabinet hinges throughout the same room.
Art Deco Drawer Pulls
An Art Deco drawer pull provides a more decorative and architectural alternative to a simple cabinet handle.
Geometric detailing and strong proportions make these pulls particularly suitable for period-inspired interiors as well as contemporary furniture where the hardware is intended to become a feature.
Both standard and hammered Art Deco designs are available, allowing different levels of texture and detailing to be introduced into the cabinetry.
Hammered Drawer Pulls
A hammered drawer pull has a deliberately textured surface created through hammering rather than a completely smooth finish.
This gives the hardware a more individual, handcrafted appearance and works particularly well with natural timber, painted cabinetry and traditional interiors.
Hammered finishes can also provide additional visual depth when combined with aged brass, bronze, black or pewter tones.
Concealed Drawer Pulls
A concealed drawer pull provides a more discreet grip than a projecting bar or knob.
The fitting is designed so that much of the pull is visually integrated into the drawer front, helping create a cleaner appearance while still providing an accessible gripping point.
Traditional concealed designs such as Regency-style pulls can work in both period and contemporary interiors depending on the chosen finish.
Brass Drawer Pulls
Brass drawer pulls remain one of the most versatile choices for cabinet furniture.
Polished Brass provides a brighter decorative appearance, while Aged Brass and Satin Brass offer softer alternatives.
Brass can work particularly well with painted timber cabinetry and can also be coordinated with door handles, cupboard knobs, hinges and other architectural ironmongery within the room.
Black & Pewter Drawer Pulls
Black drawer pulls provide strong contrast against light painted cabinetry and natural timber.
Pewter and Pewter Patina offer a softer grey metallic appearance and work particularly well in traditional, cottage and period-inspired schemes.
These darker finishes can also be carried across cabinet hinges, cupboard knobs and handles for a coordinated furniture specification.
Choosing the Correct Drawer Pull Size
The size of the pull should be considered in relation to the dimensions of the drawer.
A small decorative pull can work well on narrow drawers and compact furniture, while a larger drawer may benefit from a wider or more substantial handle.
Before drilling, check the overall pull dimensions, fixing positions and available gripping area.
If replacing an existing fitting, also measure the current hole positions so that you can determine whether they can be reused.
Fixing Drawer Pulls
Different drawer pulls use different fixing arrangements.
Some traditional pulls are face-fixed with matching wood screws, while others use machine screws passing through the drawer front.
Before installation, check the drawer-front thickness and supplied fixing type.
Where several pulls are being fitted across a kitchen or piece of furniture, using a drilling template can help keep the hardware consistently aligned.
Drawer Pulls vs Cupboard Handles
Drawer pulls and cupboard handles overlap considerably in function, but different styles can suit different parts of the cabinetry.
Cup pulls and decorative drawer pulls are particularly popular on drawers, while longer pull handles are often used on cupboard doors and wide drawers.
Many kitchens combine several styles while keeping the same finish or design family throughout.
Coordinating Cabinet Hardware
Drawer pulls can be coordinated with cupboard knobs, cupboard handles, cabinet turns and decorative cabinet hinges.
Using related finishes and proportions across these fittings can create a much more considered kitchen or furniture scheme.
This is particularly useful where traditional hardware is intended to become a visible design feature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drawer pull?
A drawer pull is a piece of hardware fitted to the face or edge of a drawer to provide a gripping point for opening it.
Drawer pulls are available in traditional, contemporary and decorative designs.
Are drawer pulls the same as drawer handles?
The terms are often used interchangeably.
“Drawer pull” commonly describes decorative or traditional fittings, while “drawer handle” may also include longer bar and cabinet handles.
What size drawer pull should I choose?
Choose a size that is proportionate to the width and weight of the drawer and comfortable to grip.
Always check the individual dimensions before drilling.
Can drawer pulls be used on kitchen drawers?
Yes. Drawer pulls are commonly used on kitchen cabinetry, especially where a decorative or traditional appearance is required.
Can drawer pulls be used on furniture?
Yes. They are suitable for many dressers, wardrobes, chests, sideboards and bespoke furniture pieces, provided the fixing arrangement suits the construction.
What is a concealed drawer pull?
A concealed drawer pull provides a recessed or discreet gripping area rather than a strongly projecting handle.
It can help create a cleaner cabinet appearance.
Can I mix drawer pulls and cupboard knobs?
Yes.
Using drawer pulls on drawers and knobs on cupboard doors is a very common approach. Matching the finish or design family helps the combination look intentional.
What finish should I choose?
Traditional interiors often work well with Aged Brass, Bronze, Black, Beeswax and Pewter, while Satin Brass, Chrome and Nickel can suit cleaner contemporary cabinetry.
Need Help Choosing Drawer Pulls?
The correct pull will depend on your drawer dimensions, furniture style, fixing arrangement, required grip and preferred finish.
Roundtower Hardware supplies a wide range of drawer pulls in Ireland, including traditional, Art Deco, hammered and concealed designs for kitchens and furniture.
Browse the collection online or contact our team if you need help coordinating drawer pulls with cupboard knobs, handles and other cabinet hardware.
