Replacing drawer handles is one of the quickest ways to refresh a kitchen, cupboard or piece of furniture. The most important part is getting the measurements right before you order or make any new holes.
Use this simple guide to measure your existing hardware, choose a comfortable position and plan the fitting of your new leather drawer pulls.
Start by checking the existing holes
First check whether your chosen pull uses one fixing hole or two. For a two-hole handle, open the drawer or door and measure from the centre of one fixing hole to the centre of the other. Measure in a straight line, rather than measuring from the outside edges of the handle. For a single-hole pull, check the existing hole’s position and compare the fixing requirements with the product details.
Write the measurement down and compare it with the fixing details on the product page. If your new pull has a different fixing arrangement, check whether it will cover the old holes or whether the furniture will need to be repaired before fitting.
Measure the available space
Look at the width and height of the drawer front or cupboard door. A pull should feel in proportion to the furniture, with enough clearance around it to use comfortably.
For a narrow drawer, a compact leather pull can look balanced. On a wider drawer or a run of kitchen cabinets, a longer or more noticeable style may give the furniture a stronger visual anchor. You can compare different shapes in the handmade leather drawer pulls collection.
Decide where the pull should sit
For drawers, handles are usually positioned centrally from side to side and top to bottom, unless the furniture design calls for a different arrangement. On cupboard doors, consider whether the pull should sit closer to the opening edge or in a more traditional central position.
Use a pencil and a paper template to test the position before drilling. Stand back and look at the furniture from normal room distance. This small check can prevent a surprising amount of frustration.
Check the fixing details
Leather drawer pulls can use different fixing arrangements depending on the design. Before ordering, read the product information carefully and check the stated dimensions, fixing method and any installation notes.
If you are fitting handles to thick furniture, make sure the supplied or chosen fixing is suitable for the thickness of the drawer front or door. If you are unsure, measure the panel and ask for advice before making a hole.
Fit one pull before doing the whole room
When you are updating several drawers or cupboards, fit one pull first. Check that it feels comfortable, sits at the angle you expected and works without catching on nearby doors or trim.
Once you are happy with the first one, use it as your reference point for the remaining furniture. A simple template can help keep the height and spacing consistent across a row.
Choose a style that suits the project
Loop pulls add movement and a softer handmade feel. Flat leather handles keep the look neat and minimal, while compact stubby pulls suit smaller pieces and simpler furniture.
For a streamlined option, explore the flat leather drawer handles. For a smaller statement, see The Stubby handmade leather drawer pulls.
Take your time with the measuring
The best fitting starts before the drill comes out. Measure existing holes, check the product dimensions, consider the furniture thickness and test the position with a template. A few minutes of planning will help your new leather drawer pulls look intentional and feel good to use.