Hob-knobbing with Your Kitchen Cabinets

by Gabby Hyman
Face Your Kitchen Columnist

Kitchen cabinet knobs and pulls fall into the category of decorative hardware. But when you really think about it, they're a kind of kitchen fashion accessory. Many people even refer to kitchen cabinet knobs as costume jewelry. When you think of it that way, you know that you can expect to pay a lot of money for high-end, craftsman knobs or as little as 30 cents apiece for faux trinkets or plain pulls. Above all, consider that, next to fresh paint, new knobs can entirely alter the look of your kitchen. If you're after a kitchen makeover but can't afford a complete remodeling project, think about sanding and refinishing your existing cabinets, and then dress them appropriately with fresh hardware. Cabinet knobs and pulls are made in a dizzying variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, but when you think of the overall look for your kitchen makeover, it will help coordinate your choices.

Kitchen Cabinet Hardware as High Fashion

One way to change your kitchen overnight is to select cabinet knobs that work well with existing tiles, paint, artwork, carpeting, furniture, and lighting. Despite its staggering $50 price, a burnished, etched-britanium pewter knob might not match your white and black neo-modern kitchen. It's like putting eyeliner on a rhino.

If price is a concern, consider inexpensive materials. Cabinet knobs and pulls are made in natural woods, crystal acrylics, ceramic, porcelain, Lucite, brass, and cast iron. Consider how many you'll need and then price them at a home improvement or kitchen accessory store -- online or at a brick and mortar establishment. One online retailer claims to have 400,000 pulls and knobs on stock.

The job requires removing old pulls or mounting plates from inside the cabinet, measuring and marking new locations for replacements, filling and sanding old holes, sanding and painting, then drilling new holes and inserting the hardware. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has written for print and online media for more than 20 years. He has created online content for eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Avaya, and Nissan UK. He has also been a web consultant to the Governor of California. As an author of fiction, journalism, and poetry, Gabby is a former English professor for the University of Illinois, University of Alaska, and Old Dominion University. He holds an MFA in fiction writing from the University of Alabama.