 Decorative
Doorknobs
Little things can make
a big difference
by Priscilla Kohutek
photography by
Robert French
Just when you think that you’re done with the decision-making process of your project, and you’re ready to sit back and relax, the builder throws some more questions at you. “Where are the knobs and pulls for all the doors, cabinets and drawers? What about the handle for the front door?”
Good grief! It’s not over yet. So, back you go to the supplier where you’re confronted with row upon row of knobs and pulls in every shape and style you can possibly imagine. How do you make sense out of it all?
Actually, it isn’t as hard as it looks. It’s something like adding the accessories to an outfit. The style of the clothes dictates the way you’re going to accessorize them, and the same principle applies to choosing the hardware for your home. Here are a few definitive pointers to get you started on the right track.
Knobs are usually good on cabinets and lightweight doors. The size of the knobs should be in proportion to the size of the doors.
Pulls are generally more substantial and best on drawers. However, Coddy Pe96a, executive vice president of Allen & Allen Company-Lumber and Hardware, tells us that, because these days drawers are made to pull out so effortlessly, knobs work just as well on most cabinetry.
Handles that can take the weight go on heavy exterior doors.
Hardware should be compatible with the style of cabinetry for which it’s intended and in keeping with the architecture and d8Ecor of the home. For example, an arts-and-crafts or mission style front door needs strong lines and serious dark metal hardware. Contemporary calls for smooth finishes and clean shapes. Traditional is often treated with brass in various finishes, but newer looks suggest polished nickel for kitchen and bathroom cabinetry—very period. Glass, faceted or smooth, like rock crystal, is also great with traditional cabinetry and even on furniture such as bookcase doors and desk drawers.
back to top |
