Cabinet knobs and pulls don't really get noticed much. At least, we've looked at our own for so many years we barely noticed them. It's something that's more easily noticed at someone else's house and at the home improvement store where there are dozens of different, eye-catching kinds. New cabinet hardware can make us feel fresh and surprised, though, and can give a kitchen a whole new look for very little money.

If you're replacing knobs, then the procedure is fairly easy. You simply measure the knobs and pulls you're already using and purchase those that will fit. If it's a new installation, you'll want to pre-drill the holes by measuring carefully on the pull before marking on the wood. Make sure when you tighten the screws of your new cabinet knobs and pulls that they feel secure and don't wobble. Washers inside the drawers and cabinets can help if there's play in the new knobs when you open doors and drawers.

You can choose cabinet knobs and pulls completely according to aesthetics. If you really love the look of one, then go with it. But there are situations where you may want to consider the differences between cabinet knobs and pulls, and choose one over the other. Purchased cabinets that come with hardware usually have knobs, but you can also opt for pulls, which are simply handles. Knobs require one screw, where pulls require two--one at each end. If a drawer you have already has two screw holes, you're better off purchasing cabinet pulls that will fit in the holes.

Alternately, you could putty the holes, repaint or refinish the surface and make a new hole for a knob. But that's a lot of trouble to go from a handle to a knob, and likely not worth it. If you really want to use a certain style of knob, merely use two on each drawer or cabinet. This makes an interesting look, and gives you twice the stylish knobs that you want to use so badly.

Cabinet knobs and pulls serve the same purpose, but if you're installing them for the first time on cabinetry without holes, installing knobs means half as many holes to measure for, mark and drill. Knobs also come in many more decorative styles than cabinet pulls do. Knobs come in a wide variety of materials like wood, glass, ceramic, porcelain and metal. You can even find cabinet knobs with special designs on them like flowers or novelty shapes. And since you only use one hole, they're easily interchangeable.

Cabinet pulls, however, come in fewer styles and require two holes. Some specialty and high-end pulls with large bases may not have standard holes and be better for a new construction than an existing one. Cabinet knobs and pulls aren't interchangeable, unless you use two knobs in the place of one pull. But pulls are ideal for families with people who have trouble grasping small objects, like some people with arthritis or motor coordination problems. Choose cabinet knobs and pulls carefully, not just for beauty but for function.

Photo Credits: Kelly Sue

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