Zanda Mayfair

Australian handles are generally measured by "hole centres", the distance between the two screw holes, measured centre to centre. Common sizes include 96mm and 128mm for kitchens, and 160mm becoming increasingly popular in modern builds. As a general guide, the 1/3 rule works well: your handle length should be roughly one-third the width of the door or drawer. So a 600mm-wide drawer suits a handle around 160–200mm, while smaller drawers under 300mm work best with a shorter 70–100mm pull or a knob.

Both have their place, and many homes use a mix of the two. Handles offer a larger, more comfortable grip, making them ideal for drawers and heavier daily use. Knobs are simple to install, easy to clean, and suit cabinet doors or lower-traffic areas where a subtler look is preferred. A common approach is to use handles on drawers and knobs on doors, giving your kitchen, bathroom or laundry a considered, tailored finish.

Yes, and many homeowners do this to create a seamless, considered flow throughout the house. That said, it's important to factor in environment: bathrooms and laundries are exposed to higher humidity and moisture, so finishes like solid brass with a PVD coating, stainless steel, or quality powder-coated options will hold up better than raw or untreated materials over time.

Measure your existing hole centres by checking the distance between the centre of each screw hole, then choose a new handle with matching hole centres. If you'd like to switch to a different style or size, options like backplates, edge pulls, or handles designed to cover old holes make it possible to update your look without redrilling your cabinetry.

For a cohesive, well-designed home, cabinet handles are best chosen to complement your tapware, sink and appliance finishes. Matte black handles pair beautifully with matte black tapware for a contemporary look, while brushed nickel or brushed brass options suit warmer, Hamptons-style spaces. If your appliances are stainless steel, brushed nickel or stainless handles will tie the room together. It's worth considering your whole space, kitchen, bathroom and laundry, for a consistent finish throughout the home.