One of the more popular modern knobs that are available is often seen as not being a knob at all.  The ‘push-knob’ is a knob that unlike the traditional knob that is pulled to fully open the drawer, is pushed to release the drawer from its cabinet setting.  A complete package that is installed in the drawer and cabinet, it is a fantastic focal piece for any room and makes for a more interesting time when going into a drawer.

Although it seems a very modern and complex design, it is actually a very simple one.  The drawer is set on to two casters with a spring-like mechanism at the end of the caster rail.  It then works by the person applying pressure to the knobs on the front of the drawer, which push it towards the springs and therefore opens it completely.

In drawers that have the push-knob system already installed, it is possible that the knob can be flush along the drawer and is the only piece of the drawer that has to be depressed.  This gives the impression that the cabinet is one single piece of material and only the owner is aware where the ‘knobs’ are located.

Whilst not particularly modern in the sense that they fit in with today’s ‘clean lines and minimalist’ furniture, knobs that are inlayed with precious stones are more prominent today than they have ever been.  Crafted by hand to any real type of specification, these knobs come with a very high price tag but are a fantastic addition to any home, for many reasons.  If they can be afforded, they provide a completely unique piece of furniture accessory that  not only look completely compelling, but are something slightly quirky and individual that make for a great talking point to anyone, friend or family.

Shopping for cabinet knobs can be a completely outstanding experience to some, as many people are simply unaware at the sheer range of knobs that are available in general, without even looking at the more modern designs – most of which are completely awe inspiring themselves.

Of the copious amounts of designs that are available, one of the more popular is the single knob design.  A very general, standard and straightforward knob, it is seated on a base plate, has a thinner middle section and a larger end and allows for a full grip on the knob when opening the drawer that it is attached to.

These standard yet extremely popular knobs are generally used on drawers that are of a smaller capacity, such as bedside cabinets or a miniature chest of drawers.  As they are often only one inch wide – although larger sizes are available – they can look out of place on a standard chest of drawers and may become unstable through regular use.

Attached by a single screw through the front panel of the drawer, these knobs are screwed on to the end of the screw and are extremely sturdy, assuming that they are fitted to the correct sized drawers.

As well as the single knob design, the underhand half-moon designs are also extremely popular.  Larger than the single knobs, they require two screws – fitted in the general same way as the single knob – to fix them to the drawer and can be attached to many different sized cabinets.  The design of them, with a hollow underneath, allows them to be gripped extremely easily and therefore makes them some of the most ideal cabinet knobs available for people who struggle to grip items properly, such as the elderly or frail.

All cabinets from a certain era have a very distinct look about them.  Whether it’s an art-deco cabinet or an Edwardian cabinet, each has their own individual and unique appearance and this should be replicated in the best possible fashion when replacing the knobs.  Furthermore, with the gigantic choice of traditional knobs that are available both on the internet as well as in many standard and specialist hardware stores, it is almost impossible not to be able to purchase the most appropriate type of knob for the cabinet that is being restored.

Of the many designer knobs that are available, some of the more quirky or unusual are often the most sought after.  For example, there are a set of brass cube knobs plated in silver, with a slight indentation underneath for gripping purposes, which are extremely popular.  Fixed to the drawers with a single back screw, they are the ideal accompaniment for bringing a traditional looking cabinet into the modern era.

Although expensive – often retailing at around $100 each – the lead, crystal clear knobs that are available are extremely contemporary and their translucent coloring gives them a hint of extreme elegance.  Fortunately for those with slightly shallower pockets, these knobs are available in a range of sizes and the price depends upon the materials used for the base and fixings, which can be chrome or brass, and the actual size, which can range from 25mm to 40mm wide.

For a greater variety under one roof, Carlisle Brass has a fantastic selection called the Delamain Collection and it features some beautiful knobs.  The Amber Crystal Ball is a particularly delightful knob that would not look out of place on the front of a glass fronted and silver rimmed cabinet.  With concealed fixings meaning it sits flush and unobtrusive against the front of any drawer, the Amber Crystal Ball knob adds that final touch of elegance to any beautiful cabinet.

Considered the most expensive of knobs – but also often the best – there is a range of astonishing and wonderful cabinet knobs manufactured that are completely handcrafted by time served professionals.  These knobs are cited as being the most elite door knobs around and can provide a beautiful addition to any cabinet.  Furthermore, many companies that handcraft knobs will take speciality or custom orders.  These orders are priced depending on the individual knob; however they allow the person requesting them to have their exact specifications met.  Whether they are looking for diamond encrusted knobs with gold inlays or simply a replacement for a knob from a 100 year old bedroom cabinet, the specification will be met exactly and the knob will be created with exact precision and dexterity.

Some of the more popular cabinet knob designs available are those that are considered to be modern and minimalist.  For example, there is a current knob on the market that – with some adjustments to the drawer workings itself – requires a simple, light push and the drawer opens fully allowing for access to the contents without having to pull the drawer open.  Furthermore, some modern knob designs are built to fit in with the drawer, allowing for a flush finish with no apparent or obvious knob.  The idea behind these knobs is that when the drawer needs to be opened, the knob is able to be pulled up and out, which can then be used to open the drawer.

For the restoration of more traditional cabinets, there are many knobs available that are created in periodic designs but out of much longer lasting materials.  These knobs allow for a treasured cabinet to be restored to its original beauty, without bringing it too far into the modern era.

When looking at the different designs that are available, many people opt for a simple and often understated design, such as the hollow half moon.  These knobs are designed with simplicity and functionality at the forefront of the mind and attached to the drawer like many other knobs with two screws that are hidden by the knob itself.  Once attached to the drawer, the opener of the drawer slides their fingers upwards under the knob, allowing for an easier way to open the drawer, especially for those people who are frail or have trouble gripping onto objects, such as standard circular cabinet knobs. Another creative options we’ve seen people use is to take objects that aren’t necessarily cabinet knobs and to use them for that purpose.  For instance, some coat hooks, wire designs, and other objects can be used as knobs.

There are so many different cabinet knob designs available – easily running into the thousands – that it can be difficult to decide which is best suited to the cabinet in question.  Thinking about functionality first and then aesthetics, the knob should not look out of place on the cabinet (therefore not making the cabinet looking out of place in the room) and should finish off the piece of furniture fantastically.