• Home
    • Who Am I?
    • Our Story
    • Contact
  • Life
    • Tom’s Corner
    • Travels & Day Trips
  • Cottage Life
  • Policies
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Testimonials
  • Home & Garden Ideas
    • Your Garden
  • Giveaways
    • Giveaway Rules
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

Raise Your Garden

Musings on the Seedier Side

  • Composting
  • Easy Garden DIY
  • Garden Tips
  • Lawn & Landscaping
  • Must have plants
  • Pest Control

October 8, 2020 in Cottage Life· Easy Garden DIY

Adding or replacing knobs on cabinets & dressers

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of my links, I'll make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
adding or replacing knobs on cabinets
Rustic yellow knob brings pizzazz to any cabinet!

At times, I find it’s the simple things in life that satisfy me most. Adding or replacing knobs on cabinets and dressers. Bingo!

Sure, it’s amazing to tackle humongous projects. But small changes make a big impact, too.

Knobs for instance. Knobs are wonderful inventions. Not only are they practical, but they can be equally pretty.

And the selection these days! The sky is the limit. I found myself agonizing at Hobby Lobby the other day over the decision of which knobs to buy.

So whether you call them knobs, pulls or handles here’s why you should consider adding or replacing a few knobs on your cabinets and dressers now.

Adding knobs helped create viusal appeal to my kitchen cabinets.
Adding knobs helped create visual appeal to my lackluster kitchen cabinets.

Knobs~ their story….

It wasn’t until after the American revolution that knobs really became a “thing.”

Why? Because The United States started to produce it’s own finished goods rather than importing them from England. This helped launch old-fashioned innovation with American manufacturing.

The earliest door knobs were made from a variety of materials and not all of them functioned with just a simple turn. Initially, pressed and cut-glass door knobs were popular.

China or ceramic knobs were mainly imported from France and England until the first U.S. patent was granted for making door knobs out of potter’s clay. Cast-metal knobs were introduced around 1846.

Wooden knobs were common at the time to but were phased out as composite metal knobs were introduced. The main body of these new metal door knobs was made out of iron or steel and covered entirely or in part with a veneer of bronze or brass.

Finally, decorative door hardware, including knobs, emerged after the Centennial Exposition of 1876 during the Victorian era. A time when ornate architecture was seeing a revival. So hardware was relied on for its functionality as well as its decorative potential.

Yellow and teal knobs have a rustic and farmhouse look
Worn yellow and turquoise knobs give off a rustic farmhouse vibe

New knobs spice up old kitchen cabinets

Our kitchen cabinets in our cottage lacked knobs. Not the end of the world but every time I tried opening a cabinet I found myself pulling on a knob that wasn’t there.

Then it hit me. Add a few knobs Laura. Besides, I only needed 6 knobs so it’s not like it would be a killer expense.

You can buy knobs anywhere but since I was going the chic, crafty approach I headed straight to Hobby Lobby.

I’m not gonna lie. I love Hobby Lobby. The selection of knobs far exceeded my expectations. I struggled forever waffling between going the red or yellow knob path.

In the end, I went with the yellow route and have zero regrets about these shabby chic yellow knobs with a hint of turquoise. Wow, that’s a tough word to spell.

Adding knobs were are pretty as they are functional
Adding vintage looking yellow and teal knobs function just as well as they look!

Simple DIY with adding or replacing knobs

Within hours of arriving at the cottage, Tom had my knobs up and running. Moreover, I find they function just as well as they look.

Prior to installation, I kept pulling at knobs that simply weren’t there. A tad frustrating when I’m in a hurry and just want to grab a few plates out of the cabinet for breakfast.

And maybe you already have knobs, pulls or handles on your cabinets. But are they are ugly? Dated? Sad and pathetic looking?

Is it time to reinvent those cabinets or dressers with brand new knobs? Yes please! Besides not being tons of work, anyone can do it. You don’t have to be strong, talented or crafty. Heavy duty tools are not required.

You just need taste and a few minutes of time.

adding and replacing knobs with this snark and scuba diver knob
Shark knobs don’t bite!

Adding or replacing knobs on cabinets & dressers

So now that I’m delving into knobs, my appetite is just getting whet. Next projects will include adding featured knobs to the kids dressers.

Our dressers are all hand-me-downs. Antiques of sorts that have been kicking around the family for awhile.

New furniture is expensive which is why we never buy it. Beyond that, it’s not made as well these days. Old furniture has character and interest not found in the particle board furniture of today.

So when you replace knobs on an old piece of furniture, you are giving it new life. Perhaps it’s safe to say you are personalizing it too since you can find knobs that satisfy the interests of all.

I found shark head and dinosaur knobs for my son that he will love! For my daughter’s there are all sorts of pink and purple knobs to make their fairy rooms even more pretty.

Knobs with farm animals creates a rustic kitchen
Farm animals for your rustic country kitchen!

The options are endless when adding or replacing knobs!

You can buy knobs, pulls or handles anywhere. But I found the selection at Hobby Lobby to be stupendous! Not one to shy away from color and glam, knobs are to be found in every hue.

You can always use a 40% off coupon or keep checking their ad until they are marked 50% off. I actually stopped as Hobby Lobby at the time I am writing this post and they were 50% off.

The only problem is that the stock can be low. Zero fun if you need 8 knobs but they only have 7 left. Major bummer.

Knobs with red create much interest
Red knobs anyone?

New knobs require no paint!

I love projects that give instant pizzazz but aren’t work intensive. Paint is an incredible invention. It can dramatically change a piece of furniture.

But folks, I’m exhausted these days. Three kids, two dogs, a cat and two residences to deal with have left me feeling tired and worn out. And this remote learning deal with kids only going to school part-time is tough!

I keep telling Tom it’s “must needs” these days. I only want to tackle what has to get done, all else will have to wait.

Painting these cabinets white would be awesome. Or maybe blue. But not now. Not this year.

For now, I am super content and happy with my new yellow and turquoise knobs with that rustic farmhouse flare I was seeking!

Yellow knobs come in an array of colors!
Yellow knobs come in an array of colors and varieties!

Fall is a fun time for “tiny” projects

So I love fall when the zest of summer has finally calmed down and I can tackle small projects that make me happy.

Agree?

What “tiny” projects are on your to-do list this fall?

116 Comments

Previous Post: « Decorating for fall with Desert Steel pumpkin luminaries! Winner gets 2! (ARV $114) 2 winners~
Next Post: Thrills & Chills with Nags Head Hammocks Contemporary Adirondack Chair set giveaway! ARV $780! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Tandy | Lavender and Lime says

    October 9, 2020 at 6:27 am

    A friend of mine has those vintage looking knobs in her kitchen – and each one is different. I absolutely love the look and would do it at home if we had cupboards 🙂

    Reply
    • randy vincent says

      December 5, 2020 at 3:19 pm

      great

      Reply
  2. Lisa says

    October 9, 2020 at 12:12 pm

    Funny that you mention getting new knobs. We are doing just that – – replacing 30+ year old knobs and pulls with new ones along with some other renovations in our kitchen! I love the look of the ones you put on your cabinets! They look great! Take care! Lisa

    Reply
  3. Cheryl Larimer says

    October 14, 2020 at 2:03 pm

    I LOVE all those knobs and can’t wait to see all your cabin projects!

    Reply
  4. Lori says

    November 30, 2020 at 6:18 am

    These knobs are fantastic. Very colorful and full of designs. The farm animals are a brilliant idea.

    Reply
  5. Joanna says

    December 4, 2020 at 7:15 pm

    Great idea if your hardware is outdated or ugly!

    Reply
  6. John Dickson says

    December 4, 2020 at 7:53 pm

    Love this site

    Reply
  7. Richard Schott says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:01 pm

    That’s something I’m planning on doing.

    Reply
  8. Chris Civitello says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:08 pm

    Not sure, I had plenty of other big projects to do!

    Reply
  9. Belinda Rowden says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:28 pm

    I love the old knobs, so vintage.

    Reply
    • Laura Watson says

      December 9, 2020 at 5:19 am

      So do I

      Reply
  10. Audrey says

    December 4, 2020 at 8:33 pm

    Cute idea

    Reply
  11. JOHN KENNEDY says

    December 4, 2020 at 9:14 pm

    Another great idea to change things up! Thanks

    Reply
  12. Diane Warstler says

    December 4, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    How I love the idea of replacing my tired old hardware with these beautiful and interesting knobs!

    Reply
  13. Kari Judd says

    December 5, 2020 at 1:05 am

    I love all the Different Styles and Colors Galore on replacing knobs on cabinets & dressers!

    Reply
  14. ellen beck says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:36 am

    It is always amazing with how something so simple can make such a huge change. I like the yellow.

    Reply
  15. GT says

    December 5, 2020 at 4:05 am

    Very creative. I’ve wanted to try to paint or make some artwork for my walls.

    Reply
  16. Liz Kilcher says

    December 5, 2020 at 10:42 am

    changing knobs can make a big difference

    Reply
  17. Donna Evans says

    December 5, 2020 at 11:27 am

    I go to yard sales and flea markets and collect old knobs to replace the modern ones

    Reply
  18. cynthia says

    December 5, 2020 at 1:42 pm

    love vintage

    Reply
  19. Janis says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:48 pm

    I never knew that there were such unique knobs back in the day.

    Reply
  20. David M. says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:49 pm

    How festive and fun project to inject life into your home.

    Reply
  21. Lorie ONeil says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:50 pm

    WOW I love the look of these vintage knobs…great idea!

    Reply
  22. Laura Bethurem says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:52 pm

    I just love the cabinet door knob ideas…too cute 🤗

    Reply
  23. Teresa Bivings says

    December 5, 2020 at 2:57 pm

    Love all of your articles they have great tips Thanks

    Reply
  24. Nancy says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:11 pm

    Decorative knobs really add panache to cabinets and furniture.

    Reply
  25. Diane Sabatini says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:12 pm

    Love this and on my way to find some cute knobs.

    Reply
  26. tesa shelton says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:26 pm

    I need to start collecting and replacing, as my kitchen is pretty drab.

    Reply
  27. Monica M says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    We replace the knobs on our cabinets all the time, makes all the difference in the way the cabinets look!

    Reply
  28. Angela Simmons says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:39 pm

    We added inexpensive handles to our plain builder’s grade oak cabinets. Nothing fancy because we were cash poor after buying our home. I was amazed at how much it spiffed them up. Even stranger, when neighbors visited it took them a minute to figure out what we’d done.

    Reply
  29. Chad Boyd says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:41 pm

    An easy way to change the look of your kitchen for sure!

    Reply
  30. Linda says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    That is a great idea! Guess I know what I have planned next!

    Reply
  31. paula burnham says

    December 5, 2020 at 3:58 pm

    love the different knobs

    Reply