There are fewer easier ways to breathe new life into existing furnishings and doors than to add a set of brand spanking new doorknobs or handles. Be it a newly painted chest of drawers, a little door on a bathroom cabinet or a tired set of kitchen cupboards, carefully chosen doorknobs and handles will professionally finish off a home makeover project and completely revive and rejuvenate a previously unloved piece of furniture. Here are some inspiring examples of where new doorknobs have been totally transformative, along with some of my favourite finds and where to source them…
Doorknob Styles
For a more feminine, delicate feel, glass doorknobs are the perfect finish to a piece of furniture or set of cupboard doors. These ones work really well in this simple white bathroom, as they add just the right amount of ‘pretty’ in an otherwise clean, minimalist scheme.

Image: Studio Magee
Ceramic doorknobs come in a wide variety of styles and colours, their solid form and brightly painted patterns making attractive drawer pulls or pretty wardrobe handles. From delicate floral shapes to coloured striped and spotted styles, they can add a rustic simplicity or vintage feel to furniture. These little white floral shaped ones add a French country elegance to this otherwise very plain white bedside table.

Image: La Maison Belle
For a quirky finish to an upcycled chest of drawers, experiment with fun, animal shaped drawer pulls. These sweet little rabbits are perfect for a child’s nursery and they add a certain retro cool chic, too.

Image: Berry Red
Scour flea markets or charity shops for secondhand and vintage drawers pulls and door knobs like these beautiful emerald green bejewelled ones. They really add a dose of old school glamour.

Image: Better Homes & Gardens
These original reclaimed drawer pulls can be buffed up or painted to bring them back to their former glory. I think they would look the part on hand painted kitchen drawers or a dressing table.

Image: Trouvais
And if you simply cannot find the perfect drawer pull or handle for an upcycling project, try customising your own! In this example, old toy animal figures have been spray painted gold and attached to drawer fronts to make a truly unique home office desk. (Follow the online tutorial on how to recreate this look here).

Image: Apartment Therapy
Why not mix things up a little with a selection of mismatched knobs on a chest of drawers for that easy, shabby chic vibe or how about the same knob in different colourways? This can work with rose or flower shaped cupboard knobs or simple spotted ceramic ones.
Where to buy
Here’s a selection of door knobs and handles available online and in shops that I have put together to help inspire you for that upcycling project you’ve been meaning to get started on!

Maison Ceramic Cupboard Knob £5.95 / John Lewis

Faceted Glass Door Knob in Duck Egg from £3.95 / Bombay Duck

Square Glass Door Knob £3.95 / Graham & Green

Weathered Bird Door Knob in Turquoise £5.95 / Notonthehighstreet.com

Calico Owl Knob £12 / Anthropologie

Stonecutter Knob in Silver/Copper/Gold £12 / Anthropologie

Decorative Ceramic Door Knob £5.20 / Etsy

Handpainted Blue & White Ceramic Door Knob £4.12 / Etsy

Round Bone Star Door Knob £3.95 / Graham & Green
I could buy one of each! Have you any favourites here or projects you’ve completed with the addition of some shiny new hardware?
K x
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