Recommended hole spacing for the elderly's handles?

Finding the best handle spacing can make everyday furniture safe and convenient for elderly family members. Small choices can greatly improve grip and balance.

The best hole spacing for elderly handles is at least 128mm. This allows for a wide, easy grip and reduces joint pressure, making use safer and more comfortable. Wider spacing up to 160mm-192mm can be chosen to match hand size and furniture dimensions.

As people age, they often lose grip strength and finger flexibility. Handles with narrow hole spacing of 64mm or 96mm can be hard to use for those with weaker hands. When I help select handles for older clients, I focus on wide spacing (128mm+) to give each hand enough space. This allows the whole hand to wrap around and hold on easily, making cabinet doors and drawers less likely to slip or cause a loss of balance.

What is standard handle hole spacing?

Asking about standard sizes is a great starting point. Industry standards exist for a reason—they can help guide your first choices.

The most common handle hole spacings are 64mm, 96mm, 128mm, 160mm, and 192mm. For elderly use, 128mm and above is safest. This fits most furniture designs and provides enough space for stronger, more stable grips.

When a customer asks me for standard specs, I always mention these mainstream options. Small cabinets and drawers sometimes come with 64mm or 96mm handles, but these are best for younger users or low-stress furniture. For elderly-friendly furniture, most modern wardrobes, side tables, and large drawers use 128mm or even up to 192mm. The 128mm hole spacing hits a sweet spot: it offers balance between space, grip, and style. Here’s a simple reference table I often use:

Most elderly users get the most benefit with 128mm or more. That wide grip area reduces accidental slips and doesn’t require much strength.

What is the 1 3 rule for cabinet handles?

It’s easy to get lost in measurements, but simple rules can help. The “1 3 rule” is a useful method for handle placement.

The 1 3 rule means placing handles about one third from each end of a drawer or cabinet door. This provides balance, support, and a comfortable pull, especially with double-hole long handles.

When I explain this to others, I show them on a standard drawer front. For example, if a drawer is 600mm wide, you divide by 3—so the handle center lands at 200mm from each side, centered on the panel. This technique looks clean, feels natural to pull, and gives better leverage even for heavy drawers or solid wood doors. With 128mm or longer handles, this also lines up the handle with where your hand naturally reaches.

Here is a quick visual guideline:

This rule ensures the handle works well for people of all ages, while for older users, it can especially help them stay steady while opening and closing furniture.

Where to drill holes for cabinet handles?

Drilling holes in the right place ensures handles both look good and work safely for seniors. Mistakes here can mean awkward or uncomfortable pulls.

Holes should be drilled to match the selected spacing (128mm+ for elderly), centered horizontally, and positioned vertically for an easy grasp—usually about two-thirds up on doors and centered on drawer fronts.

When I prepare to install handles, I measure carefully. For drawers, I usually mark the center of the panel, then mark handle holes equally spaced on either side. For cabinet doors, I find a spot that is easy to reach—often about 60-80mm from the door edge and two-thirds of the way up. For elderly users, it’s important not to place handles too high or too low, which can make bending or stretching difficult. Longer, double-hole handles should always be level and straight, since an off-center handle can make heavy doors harder to open and add strain to weak hands.

Best practices I follow:

• Use a template or guide for repeat accuracy
• Double-check measurement before drilling
• Ensure handle is not blocked by other furniture on opening

This planning avoids costly mistakes and keeps pets, kids, and seniors safe.

How wide should a drawer be for two pulls?

Sometimes, a single wide handle may not be enough, and two pulls may be needed for very large drawers to keep them balanced and easy to open.

Drawers at least 900mm wide are best suited for two pulls. Each pull should be installed symmetrically about one third from each end, making heavy drawers easier to manage.

When someone asks about this, I think back to furniture for elderly couples with big wardrobes or living room cabinets. If a drawer is very wide—from 900mm to 1200mm or even more—one handle in the middle can be hard to reach or control. Two pulls spaced with the 1 3 rule make each side accessible and easy to pull, reducing twist or side-sliding that can tire weak hands and arms. Choose sturdy handles, ideally 128mm+ spacing for each, so both users can grip comfortably. Here is how I usually lay out the spacing:

Wide drawers with heavy loads—like linens or cookware—are much safer for seniors when opened this way, preventing slips or heavy lifting accidents.

Conclusion

Choosing handles with 128mm+ spacing and thoughtful placement helps elderly users stay both safe and independent.