Choosing Furniture Pulls and Knobs That Wow -

Originally published on April 24, 2025. Updated on January 4, 2026.

Furniture Pulls and Knobs

Whether you are refinishing, painting, or upcycling a dresser, or swapping out or replacing the furniture pulls and knobs, this can change the whole look of any piece!

Adding furniture pulls, or knobs to a drawer or cabinet can change the whole look or feel of a piece. So adding the right knob or pull can be super important for your furniture piece. It’s like adding the finishing touches, as a piece of jewelry can do to a great outfit!

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Choosing the right furniture pulls or knobs for your project

There are so many novelty knobs that can give your dresser a whole project, as I did. This inexpensive option is so easy to do yourself. This can transform an everyday dresser, furniture, or cabinets into a wow statement.

Check out my How To Paint A Metallic Dresser, where I finished this project off with crystal knobs for the perfect accessory to this piece.

Knobs vs pulls

There are so many choices out there that adding this accessory can get a little overwhelming. First it is important to know what you would like to add to your furniture piece. Knobs or pulls.

Knobs– These usually run less than pulls, and can be used for both drawers and cabinets. They are slightly easier to install than pulls since you only need one screw to secure the knob to the surface
Pulls– It is much more comfortable to open a drawer using a pull. This allows the whole hand to grab instead of only your fingertips. Install using two screws to secure to your surface.

Important steps when replacing pulls or knobs on furniture

Replacing the hardware can be a quick and easy way to upgrade the look of any furniture piece. It’s extremely easy to change out your old hardware. However, keep in mind the following steps so that you can replace your pulls and knobs easily.

Use a screwdriver and carefully remove the screw from the backside of the drawer or cabinet. If they have a nut and washer, loosen this and slide the hardware out.
Count the number of drawer pulls/knobs you need to replace
Decide on the look you are going for. Pinterest is a great resource for inspiration.
When replacing pulls, ensure they are the correct measurement from the existing pull.

screw and washer on back of dresser knob — Nut and washer- after installation. Screw was shortened by cutting

screwing in screw on back of dresser knob — Nut and washer- after installation. Screw was shortened by cutting

How to decide on the size of drawer pulls to purchase?

Before buying new drawer pulls, it’s important to measure correctly to ensure a perfect fit—especially if you’re reusing existing holes. Here’s how to get it right:

Replacing Knobs?
Knobs are simpler—just one hole! Just make sure the base of the new knob is large enough to cover any wear marks or paint from the old one.

Measure the Center-to-Center Distance
This is the space between the centers of the two screw holes on your current pull. Use a ruler or tape measure to get this measurement in inches or millimeters—this is the size you’ll shop for.

Measure the Overall Length (optional)
This is the total length of the pull from end to end. It’s helpful if you’re choosing a new style or want a specific visual balance, but center-to-center is the key measurement for fit.

Check Drawer or Cabinet Width
For a balanced look:

Small drawers (12″ or less): 3″–4″ pulls work well.

Medium drawers (12″–30″): 4″–8″ pulls look proportional.

Large drawers (over 30″): Consider longer pulls or even two smaller ones.

Replacing knobs with pulls

Replacing Knobs with Pulls: What You Need to Know

Swapping knobs for pulls can instantly modernize your furniture or cabinetry, but there are a few key things to keep in mind:

Measure and Mark New Holes
Pulls require two screw holes (unlike single-hole knobs). Decide on the length of your new pull, measure the center-to-center distance, and mark the two points evenly across the drawer face.
Fill Old Holes
If you’re covering up the single knob hole, fill it with wood filler, sand smooth once dry, and touch up with paint or stain to match the surface.
Drill New Holes
Use a level or cabinet hardware jig to ensure straight placement. Carefully drill at the marked points.
Install the Pulls
Align the hardware with your new holes and screw in from the back. Done!

Pro Tip: Use painter’s tape to test different pull lengths and positions before drilling—just to make sure you love the look.

What are the most popular cabinet pulls and knobs?

Check out the retailers I’ve gathered below for a wide selection of the latest hardware styles. You’ll find everything from modern metallic finishes like brass, gold, and silver to natural materials like stone and wicker. Love a playful touch? There are novelty options too—think enamel, ceramic, and more.

With so many unique choices, the right pull or knob can give your furniture a truly custom, designer-inspired look.

Trending Finishes:

Matte black
Brushed brass/gold
Oil-rubbed bronze
Polished nickel
Satin chrome

Do Knobs Have to Match? Not Always—Here’s Why

While matching knobs can create a cohesive, uniform look (especially in modern or minimalist spaces), mixing styles is acceptable—and often encouraged—for a more curated, designer feel.

When Matching Works Best:

You want a clean, classic look.
You’re styling a small space like a powder room or galley kitchen.
The rest of your space has a consistent, symmetrical design aesthetic.

When Mixing Can Work Beautifully:

You want to highlight different zones (e.g., knobs on upper cabinets, pulls on lowers).
You’re combining vintage and modern elements.
You want to reflect personality, think eclectic, farmhouse, or boho styles.

Pro Tips:

Stick to one or two finishes—such as all matte black or all brass—to ensure the mix feels intentional and cohesive
Various shapes, not just sizes. For example, use round knobs on doors and bar pulls on drawers.
Keep scale in mind. Balance larger drawers with larger hardware.

Unique knobs for dressers

Each category below has some fun, unique knob and pull design options. Yes, you can go to Lowe’s or even Home Depot for an inexpensive run-of-the-mill design. But why do that when there are so many unique knobs for dressers out in the market?

Knobs and pulls from Anthropologie

Below, I have created a page from Anthropologie with my top picks. They have a selection of novelty knobs and pulls that look like pieces of jewelry. So pretty to adorn a piece of furniture with these beauties!

Cyndi Glass Knobs– Comes in silver and blush etched glass knobs
Ida Heritage Knobs, Set of 2- Decorative brass knobs
Nena Flower Knobs, Set of 2, come in both Brass and brushed silver
Mother-of-Pearl butterfly Knobs Set of 2. These whimsical butterflies come in two finishes
Raisa Glass Knobs, Set of 2. These flowers are made with brass and glass
Antler Melody Toggle Knobs, Set of 2- Comes in 3 materials to choose from
Faceted Rose Quartz-
Mon Cheri Cherry Drop Pull Knobs, Set of 2 dangling cherries
Delia Mother of Pearl Handle Hand-painted glass butterflies adorn this artful handle

Wayfair cabinet knobs

These novelty knobs from Wayfair have a little more of an artisan feel to them. They convey a more rustic, artsy look. What’s nice about these is that most already come in a multi-pack, which is useful for a multi-draw project.

Geometric Knob Multipack-Set of 6, ceramic Bearson yellow-colored knob with floral print
Chiaro 3″ Center to Center Bar Pull– Lucite handle with brass accents
Hand-painted Flower Novelty Knob -Indian artisan Khalid Ali hand-crafted these
Barbarella Knob Multipack-Unique stone grey Agate furniture handle with brass hardware.
Novelty Bee Knob Multipack (Set of 6)– I used these on my Painted Desk project
Square Knob Multipack (Set of 6)-6 Handcrafted square ceramic knobs with gold trim

Etsy drawer knobs

Etsy has some really interesting knobs. Take a look at some trending ones below. I bought my leather pulls for my secretary desk from Etsy. #5 to be exact. These pulls came in a range of measurements so I was able to get the size I needed.

Boho Rattan Drawer Knobs, Dresser pulls in multiple colors and sizes
Semicircle Pulls-Gold Fan Knob
Matte gold, solid brass knobs and pulls
Leather Handle V’ed End – knobs for dresser boho – I used these on my How to Refinish A Secretary desk take a look!
Leather Drawer Pulls– These come in a wide range of colors
Black Invisible Drawer Pulls– These come in two finishes and multi-packs
Leather Cabinet Pulls. These leather pulls come in a huge variety of colors and sizes
Custom PANTONE cupboard door knobs– Make a match!

Drawer knobs Amazon

Cannot forget Amazon! Great selection, and if you have Prim,e your knobs or pulls can be delivered very quickly.

Gold cabinet knobs and pulls

Metallic gold and brass has been on the uptrend for furniture knobs. It lends itself to a warm nastalic feel that can make a piece look elevated. I put together some updated gold and bronze knobs and pulls below!

6 Pack Glass Crystal Knobs Brass Drawer Pull Cabinet Handle-6 Pack Glass Crystal Knobs Brass Drawer Pull
Champagne-Bronze Crystal-Brass Drawer Cabinet Knobs
Amethyst Crystal Cabinet Knobs 4pcs Set– Add some stone accents to your cabinets
Solid Brass Edge Pulls for Cabinets, Brushed Gold Leaf Knobs and Pulls for Dresser Drawers-(set of 4)
12-Pack Black Cabinet Pulls Kitchen Cabinet Handles
Dark Green Pumpkin Knobs– 12 pieces in a pack, huge variety of colors
Drawer Knobs, Crystal Knobs – Diamond Glass Knobs– pack of 10. This is what I used on my metallic dresser project.
Black White Color Ceramic knobs Cabinet Handles Kitchen pulls– perfect for a black and white project!
Gold Cabinet Knobs, Pure Solid Brass Knobs, Hexagon Drawer Pulls– pack of 10.

Acrylic Knobs and Pulls That Will Update Any Furniture

Curious about how acrylic knobs can instantly elevate your space? Dive into this detailed post on acrylic knobs and pulls to see how these chic accents bring style and sparkle to any room.

Matte black Knobs and pulls

Matte black hardware is super popular right now. It adds a modern, stylish touch and creates a nice contrast that can refresh your cabinets’ look without a full makeover. Pair this with a white or a natural wood cabinet for the perfect contrast.

GlideRite Hardware—This hardware has a back plate that hides holes when changing the width of existing pulls.
Bar Knob – Pack of 10, clean, squared-off silhouette, this knob offers a minimalist aesthetic.
3″ Cup Drawer Pulls– Designed with a classic style that will stand the test of time
Cabinet and Drawer Knobs – Matte Black 1-1/5 Inch Round Pulls
T-Bar Cabinet Knobs come in a 10-pack
Wiggle Knobs, Set of 2
Arthur Star Knobs, Set of 2
Constance Handle– This rounded pull comes in a variety of sizes
Black Leaf Metal Drawer Pull