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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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?
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 🙂
great
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
I LOVE all those knobs and can’t wait to see all your cabin projects!
These knobs are fantastic. Very colorful and full of designs. The farm animals are a brilliant idea.
Great idea if your hardware is outdated or ugly!
Love this site
That’s something I’m planning on doing.
Not sure, I had plenty of other big projects to do!
I love the old knobs, so vintage.
So do I
Cute idea
Another great idea to change things up! Thanks
How I love the idea of replacing my tired old hardware with these beautiful and interesting knobs!
I love all the Different Styles and Colors Galore on replacing knobs on cabinets & dressers!
It is always amazing with how something so simple can make such a huge change. I like the yellow.
Very creative. I’ve wanted to try to paint or make some artwork for my walls.
changing knobs can make a big difference
I go to yard sales and flea markets and collect old knobs to replace the modern ones
love vintage
I never knew that there were such unique knobs back in the day.
How festive and fun project to inject life into your home.
WOW I love the look of these vintage knobs…great idea!
I just love the cabinet door knob ideas…too cute 🤗
Love all of your articles they have great tips Thanks
Decorative knobs really add panache to cabinets and furniture.
Love this and on my way to find some cute knobs.
I need to start collecting and replacing, as my kitchen is pretty drab.
We replace the knobs on our cabinets all the time, makes all the difference in the way the cabinets look!
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.
An easy way to change the look of your kitchen for sure!
That is a great idea! Guess I know what I have planned next!
love the different knobs
I have old cabinets in the garage and this would really spruce them up!
What a great way to decoration to your kitchen.
The knobs can make a world of difference in how something looks. Very useful posting!
Changing knobs makes all the difference!
Need to replace some knobs
it is amazing what changing hardware like the handles / knobs can do
They are so cute! I love to change ours up it brightens things up
Definitely something all single mothers should know how to do.
I didnt realize it could make suck a difference one little change
Such a simple change makes a huge difference.
my wife would love these vintage knobs for sure
Sometimes out with the old to make it easier
I’m working on putting up art and photos this winter. Might take a look at my cabinet knobs too!
Changing knobs can give a chest of drawers a whole new look. It is super easy to do this.
Getting ready for a kitchen cupboard remodel and losing it over the doorknobs! LOL
Thanks for the helpful info, I love these knobs and I have mentioned to my husband we need to make some of our own due to the fact I can not find any I like in stores or they do not fit. I recently was given an antique dresser set that came with no knobs and let me tell you we had a time just finding basic knobs due to the age. We could not do handles nothing would fit, we finally found some knobs but when we got to the last bed side table the stud was not the same size, we had to go buy more studs and the bed side tables were the same it was like the wood used for the drawers was thicker
A great family project.
My kitchen needs a facelift… I don’t think new knobs will do the trick but I love the ideas that you have shared.TY !
Remodeling my bathroom is on my to do list for this coming fall.
Changing out knobs can make such a difference, especially when I can find the exact shape, color, and material that will accent the piece.
I replace knobs all the time. It really makes a difference and gives a whole new look.
I change mine with cool ones at times it irritates the others in the house though .
Great idea
This is so true and very helpful!
👍
It’s my first time visiting this website and it is awesome 😊
Putting different knobs on things is so much fun!
It’s amazing what just replacing knobs and handles can do to change up a look! Just fabulous!
love changing outlook
We replaced our bedroom doorknobs with glass ones from an old house
We just did this also in our kitchen! What a difference! Thanks!
I love how such a little change can create a whole new room!
We just refinished a dresser and I myself was in Hobby Lobby seeking knobs. What a selection. And they can be used for many projects also.
Looks nice. Good idea.
thank you
Very interesting!!
Changing knobs can sure make a difference!
These are some great tips. I like all the different knobs.
Beautiful idea!You could really make things so unique by just changing the knobs.Thank you for the great idea. I will try to incorporate into something in my home.
I just changed my cabinet knobs and it did make a world of difference
New knobs always give it a new look. We cleaned up the hinges also and it made them look like new cabinets.
Painted my vintage knobs. And it gave them new life. Beautiful
replacing knobs is such a simple way to give a room a real facelift!
I’ve done this many times over the years. You can really change the look of cabinets and dressers.
Your new knobs look great!
I loved all things vintage what a fantastic idea.
Kool ideas, can’t wait to try.
After reading this, I will be mixing up the knobs and handles on my furniture.
This is a project that we need to tackle in our kitchen. We’ve needed knobs on the kitchen cabinets forever.
I replaced my knobs on my kitchen cupboards a couple years ago. They look entirely different. It’s amazing what a small change can make.
Save the Earth!
This information is very helpful! Thank you!
I like to change knobs and handles, it helps to give a new and different look and helps to spruce up cabinets, dressers ans doors.
I refinished a dresser, years ago. Sanded down the top. Painted it. Then, the leaves carved in it, I painted green. Put flower knobs on there. Still have it.
Fun and whimsical look and by changing the knobs little goes a long way
It’s funny how one small change makes such a huge difference! Love the variety of knobs!
I love vintage knobs. When added to modern kitchens or bathrooms, the combination of the old and the new gives such a great look – in my opinion.
Great advice
I can spend hours looking at cabinet jewelry. Great post!
I meant to add that the colorful ones really can change the look of the entire room.
Thank you for this… its great!
This has to be done every now and then, thanks for sharing.
I love how much new pulls can make a difference
I really like the red knobs you show in the one group. Knobs can be like jewelry for cabinets.
Vintage knobs are a collectors delight.
I need to do this to a TV stand I recently bought.
Gotta say, I’m not really a knob fan.
It surprising how changing a small detail such as adding/replacing knobs on cabinets and dressers can transform a space. Great tips!
So many options these days!
This is a great idea! I’m working on updating my balcony deck.
I have a few cabinets I’d like to do this to.
Love the tips!
I love handles I’ve bought them even when i have nothing to put them on. They are like the jewelry on drawers and doors so I’m always looking for unusual ones like these .
Little changes can really make a big difference!
Getting ready to clean dressers and closets. I’ve been thinking about changing my knobs for some time now and there are so many options so I’ll be adding that to my diy list. Thank you!
What cute knobs I have thought about it as our kitchen is old and would add beauty
I love the rustic yellow one! Very cool and creative!
replacing knobs and painting the doors on cabinets makes all the difference
I recently changed out the knobs on my kitchen cabinets. It really brightened up the cabinets and the kitchen. Great ideas!
I love the variety that is available. I stayed with more traditional brass knobs and handles but there was a huge variety in the designs.
I Love the variety! Especially the animal ones!
We are doing a complete kitchen makeover and I am excited to try a “new look” with our cabinets
These add such beautiful pops of color!