New furniture knobs refresh a cabinet, sideboard or kitchen without replacing the whole piece. Start with the shape and colour of the front: should the knobs stand out or blend into the design?
Choose a finish
Matt black contrasts with white, beige and pale wood, while creating a quieter effect on dark furniture. A round knob gives a subtle accent; a T-knob can emphasise straight lines.
Gold-coloured knobs add warmth to dark green, navy and black, as well as cream and pale wood. Brushed, matt and polished finishes look different. Check the material in the description: gold-coloured is a finish, not a guarantee that the knob is made of brass.
Stainless-steel and chrome finishes can echo taps, lighting or furniture legs. Brushed finishes look softer; polished chrome reflects more light.
Bronze tones work with warm woods and classic furniture. Compare the Macon Ø27 mm, 30 mm Cody knob in bronze and 31 mm Orleans knob in bronze. Simple forms keep the look calm; decorative details can become a focal point.
Choose a comfortable size
- Compare the knob with the whole door or drawer.
- Check the diameter of round knobs and the width of T-knobs.
- Check the projection and space for your fingers.
- Consider everyday grip, particularly on heavy drawers.
A full-size paper cut-out gives an initial impression of scale, but cannot show how the grip or projection feels.
Round knob, T-knob or handle?
Round knobs add a soft detail. T-knobs offer a different grip and can coordinate with straight handles. Comfort depends on your hand, clearance and the weight of the door or drawer. A handle may be easier to grasp with several fingers on a heavy drawer.
Combine knobs and handles
Try knobs on doors and handles on wide drawers. Similar colours, finishes and shapes help create continuity. The same colour name does not guarantee an identical shade or sheen: compare finishes, preferably within one range. Repeat deliberately mixed metals elsewhere in the room.
For matching handles, check our hole-spacing guide.
Update existing furniture
New knobs can personalise a second-hand sideboard or an IKEA cabinet. Before ordering, check the existing fixing and front thickness. A suitable single hole can usually be reused. Replacing a two-hole handle with one knob normally leaves a hole showing.
Explore BY MJM furniture knobs and compare colours, shapes and dimensions.