Antique & Restoration Cabinet Knobs

Today we’re going to talk about antique and restoration cabinet knobs and pulls. Furniture restoration is a skilled profession, but one that is accessible to anyone who is reasonably good with their hands. For a while it seemed like one of those trades that was disappearing, especially with the advent of flat-pack and manufactured wood furniture. A combination of hard times and a renewed fascination with our heritage has seen a resurgence in antique and furniture restoration. More and more people are restoring or repurposing old furniture. They realize that good quality wood, solid building techniques and an appreciation for detail made for strong, long-lasting furniture.

A question we get asked a lot is what kind of hardware to use on a cabinet. Hinges are pretty standard, and should be chosen to match the size of the existing ones in a color that either match what’s already there or to complement the new finish. Cabinet knobs and pulls are another matter entirely. These are the elements of cabinets that get the most use, and sustain the most damage and are often the reason people have to restore the furniture in the first place. There is no hard and fast rule about whether to use a knob or pull, or the design you should use. If there are holes in the wood from the old fittings, it makes sense to get something to fit them. Otherwise you’re going to be getting into the realms of wood filler and surface detailing in order to cover up those holes. If that doesn’t bother you, then you really are free to choose.

The only real thing I would say is get a knob or pull to match the period of the furniture. For example, an early American pull isn’t going to work with an alpine wood piece, the same as a Victorian die-cast pull wouldn’t work with a contemporary piece. Antique brass restoration knobs and pulls are a firm favorite with a lot of furniture restorers because the majority of good quality restoration pieces come from a period that they match perfectly.

As a guide, if the piece is of simple design, then a simple pull or knob design will work best. If the piece has more detail or decorative elements then a more ornate knob or pull would work best. You don’t have to use antique brass or metal either. While most pulls will be metal, there are wooden ones or glass options if you’re looking for something a little different.

As I said, there are no rules for what kind of restoration cabinet knob or pull to use. Just look long and hard at the piece you’re restoring and the end result you’re after. Then choose the hardware to match or complement that end result. Part of the fun of furniture restoration is making something completely original that suits your own taste.