Good Questions: Great Knob Sources for My Dressers?

Hello AT, I just inherited these yummy dressers, but alas am a bit of a snob and chose not to use the brass Asian knobs that were on it. Now what? I'd love something that brings out the midcentury aesthetic...

And again, no brass, gold, or otherwise riche look. Any hints on knob sources or treasure troves? Thanks! Hilary

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Link To All Good Questions

Dear Hilary,

Replacing your knobs is a great way to give an old piece a fresh new look. There are MANY places you can look, and personally we'd go for an old cracked porcelain, off white look.

Here are our sources:

• Simon's Hardware
• Anthropologie
• Best of the Guide 2005: Kitchen & Bath Hardware Stores
• CoolKnobsandPulls.com
• Kitchen-cabinet-hardware.com

Comments (19)

How about lucite knobs in a simple rectangle shape? A bit Art Deco but would make this piece completely stand out.

posted by schnauzer on September 24th 2007 at 5:48am
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myknobs.com

go there after you're done gigglin' at the name...

posted by I Love Upstate on September 24th 2007 at 5:48am
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The most recent Domino issue has a "best of" list for knobs.

posted by GZgoingMod aka Geraldine on September 24th 2007 at 5:55am
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De-gorgeous! I would think that some kind of Bamboo shape (either real bamboo or metal forged to look like bamboo) would give it some mid century cred.

posted by hejiranyc on September 24th 2007 at 6:00am
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Actually, brass would bring out the midcentury mood of the piece. Brass was used extensively throughout the midcentury-design movement ... just look at the work of T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings (among other high-quality designers of the era)! My advice, though you don't want brass ... is just that ... brass ... Baldwin makes wonderful, weighty spherical brass knobs and drawer pulls. The best to my eye are the Baldwin ball knobs with two-inch knobs ... model number 5039 ... Very 1950s/1960s in appearance ...

posted by readingglasses on September 24th 2007 at 6:01am
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I actually think that knobs made out of a darker wood would look really nice without calling attention to themselves too much.

posted by betsbillabong on September 24th 2007 at 6:08am
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I was wondering if anyone could tell me where I could find some fun, bright green and white Toile shower curtains?
I have looked every where! Thanks

posted by Franny on September 24th 2007 at 6:17am
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I just renovated my apartment - Gracious Homes has by far and away the most knobs to look at in Manhattan.

posted by mamamd on September 24th 2007 at 6:17am
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ANTHROPOLOGIE by far has the best selection. you really need to see knobs in real life.

posted by laurams10 on September 24th 2007 at 6:22am
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Don't know why I see bakelite knobs for this...a la Gilbert Rhode...

posted by Bridget212323 on September 24th 2007 at 6:22am
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Bright, lipstick-ie, Coca-Cola red, or some kind of deep amber.

posted by ehy2k on September 24th 2007 at 6:46am
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http://www.myknobs.com/sir93154.html

posted by polkadot on September 24th 2007 at 7:03am
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The best way to decide is to buy several different types of pulls/knobs and see which one looks best on the piece. Then return the others.

posted by anne on September 24th 2007 at 7:11am
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I have bought from cool knobs and pulls (fourth link in answer above) and liked them very much.

posted by 95864 on September 24th 2007 at 7:25am
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Ebay for knobs! Figure out how many you'll need and then search for lots of that size. http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&_trksid=m37&satitle=12 knobs&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=07030&sabfmts=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1&fgtp=

posted by Suzanne on September 24th 2007 at 7:48am
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I have used myknobs- I know,lol, and they have a great selection at great prices. Gracious home has a decent selection but way too expensive and place is a zoo!

posted by Lexipup on September 24th 2007 at 8:12am
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laurams10, anthroplogie is just knobs imported from cheap labor workers in India.

posted by joebelt on September 24th 2007 at 8:27am
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IKEA has red enamel flat square and rectangular knobs, if you're feeling a little Mondrian. I don't see them on the site, but I'm not looking hard enough.

and then there's these incredible little things that I wish I had a place for...not that I'm suggesting them for the OP
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70084685

posted by guido on September 24th 2007 at 8:42am
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Hey. That's a beautiful furniture piece for that space! Lucky you!

My first thought when I saw that piece is that the knobs on my mid-century credenza would be perfect. I can't imagine you'd find anything like them accept on accident... but maybe it will help for inspiration.

My credenza knobs: http://www.flickr.com/photos/singleclickchick2/315466468/in/set-72157594407819630/

posted by clickchick on September 24th 2007 at 2:21pm
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