Kitchen Cabinet Knobs & Drawer Pulls

If you want to give your kitchen a new look on a very low budget, consider updating your kitchen cabinet knobs and drawer pulls. Even someone with no do-it-yourself experience can accomplish a new look in very little time, and the only tool necessary for this project is a screwdriver.

Decorating your kitchen cabinet doors and drawers with new knobs and pulls can give your kitchen decor a whole new look. But, with so many styles to choose from or even making your own, who knows where to begin? Read on to learn everything you need to know about choosing knobs and pulls and installing them in your kitchen!

Choosing the Right Knobs and Pulls

Kitchen cabinetry is available in many sizes and designs. The first step to selecting kitchen hardware is to look at the style of the kitchen. Is it country, elegant, or modern? The materials and style you choose should compliment that style. Elegant cut glass drawer pulls would look out of place in a country kitchen, whereas brass drawer pulls might be a better choice.

Metals – Brushed metal versions such as pewter, nickel, and brass drawer pulls and knobs generally suit more traditional kitchens. Polished metals look better with modern designs.

Glass – Glass drawer pulls and knobs come in colored and clear forms. Glass is generally best suited for elegant kitchen designs, although modern designs are available. Blown glass versions offer interesting variations in shape and color but are generally more expensive.

Ceramics – Ceramic knobs come in both plain and decorated versions. If your kitchen has a theme, you can search for a coordinating knob. Apples, checks, and roosters are just a few of the themes that you’ll find.

Vintage – Vintage drawer pulls and knobs can give unique flair to your kitchen. You can find many vintage drawer pull styles on the Internet from antique hardware sellers. You can select a matched set, or choose a variety of styles made out of the same material.

Making Custom Knobs

It’s easy to make your own cabinet knobs if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for. All you need is a small wooden knob (usually one-inch in size) to embellish. These are easily found at any hardware store. Choose one with a flat, not rounded, head.

The following are some easy custom knob ideas:

• Polymer clay – With polymer clay, you can make any simple shape that you want, such as fruits or flowers. The clay also comes in a variety of colors to suit any kitchen.
  The process is simple; take a small ball of clay and use it to completely cover the knob, avoiding the area where the screw goes in. Then sculpt your work of art and press it onto the clay-covered knob.
  Using a toothpick, poke some small holes in the back of the clay-covered knob to let air escape while the clay is baking. Bake it according to the package directions. Cover the dried knobs with clear varnish.
• Buttons – Try attaching buttons to your kitchen knobs. Choose buttons with flat backs to allow for easy gluing. Attach them to the knob using a hot glue gun. You can layer different colors of plain buttons to exactly match your kitchen color scheme. It’s advisable to avoid fabric buttons, since some of the knobs are likely to get wet.
• Other small, round objects – Be creative. Coins, checkers, and other small objects can make interesting kitchen decorations. Attach them with a hot glue gun.
• Small ceramic tiles – One way to insure that your color scheme is an exact match is to reserve a few tiles from the backsplash and use them for your cabinet knobs. Of course, this only works if you’ve chosen smaller tiles.

Simple Knob and Pull Installation Steps

• Take the time to count the number of cabinet knobs and pulls in your kitchen before you go to buy or make custom knobs.
• Cabinet pulls take two screws, so it’s not a bad idea to measure the distance between them to insure that you get the right size.
• Make sure that your style comes with screws. Some do not. You may also need to purchase washers.
• Look at the packaging and ask a sales associate to help you if you’re unsure. And if you don’t happen to have a screwdriver (usually you need a small Phillips head), don’t forget to pick one up.
• Open the drawers and cabinets and unscrew any existing hardware from the inside. Save the screws; if they’re in good condition, you can reuse them.
• Attach the new cabinet knobs and pulls. Make sure that the pulls are right-side up.