Nothing ruins a beautiful kitchen faster than handles that are two sizes too small. Here's the sizing system professionals use — explained simply, with the exact mix most Indian kitchens need.
First: what "size" actually means
Handle sizes are measured centre-to-centre (CC) — the distance between the two screw holes, not the handle's full length. A "160mm" handle is usually around 200–215mm end to end. Every VDH product page lists both, so measure your existing holes before replacing handles: match the CC and you won't need to re-drill.
The one-third rule
For a balanced look, a handle should span roughly one-third the width of the drawer or door front. A 450mm drawer wants a ~160mm handle; a 600mm drawer carries 192–224mm beautifully. Undersized handles read as an afterthought; slightly oversized reads as intentional and premium — when in doubt, go one size up.
From our sales data: 160mm is the most-fitted size in Indian kitchens, followed by 128mm and 224mm. If you're unsure, a 160mm base with 224mm on wide pull-outs is the combination we see professionals order again and again.
The size-by-front cheat sheet
| Cabinet front | Typical width | Handle size (CC) |
|---|---|---|
| Spice pull-outs, small drawers | 150–300mm | 96–128mm — or a knob |
| Standard drawers & doors | 400–500mm | 128–160mm |
| Wide drawers, pull-outs | 600–900mm | 192–224mm |
| Tall units & pantry doors | full height | 288–896mm long handles |
| Wardrobe shutters | full height | 448–1000mm long handles |
Where knobs belong
Knobs aren't budget handles — they're punctuation. Use them on display units, glass shutters, spice drawers and anywhere a bar would crowd the front. The classic Indian kitchen mix is roughly 70% handles, 30% knobs, in one matched finish.
Mixing sizes without mixing styles
Kitchens need different sizes — but they should be the same design in the same finish. Pick one family, then take it in 160mm for drawers, 224mm for pull-outs and the knob for display units. That's exactly how our packs work: mix any sizes within a design, and every piece counts toward your 6, 12 or 18+ discount.
The five-minute checklist
1. Count your fronts: drawers, doors, pull-outs, talls.
2. Measure existing CC if you're replacing.
3. Apply the one-third rule per front.
4. Choose one design + one finish for everything.
5. Order the Sample Box before committing — finishes read differently in your light.