Adding or replacing knobs on cabinets & dressers

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?

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