It’s often the smallest details that make the biggest difference in a home. Hooks and knobs are a great example: they’re functional, they’re visible, and they’re surprisingly easy to replace. A few new knobs on an old dresser can transform the entire piece, and a row of fun hooks in the entryway gives your guests something to smile about the moment they walk in the door.
In this guide, we’ll look at the many types of hooks and knobs available, which materials are popular, and how to use them to add your personal touch to your home. We’ll also share a practical guide on how to replace knobs on a piece of furniture yourself—it’s easier than you think.
What types of hooks and knobs are available?
The market for hooks and knobs is far more varied than most people realize. Here are the main categories:
knobs and
hooks Brass hooks and knobs are a classic choice that adds a warm, golden glow. Brass develops a beautiful patina over time, taking on a deeper, more nuanced color. Polished brass suits a modern or Art Deco-inspired home, while brushed or antique brass has a more rustic look. Brass is durable and can withstand daily use for many years.
Ceramic knobs and hooks
Ceramic hooks come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and shapes. From simple, white round knobs to hand-painted designs with floral motifs or geometric patterns. Ceramic has a satisfying weight in the hand and offers a more homely, artisanal feel than metal.
Animal-shaped hooks and knobs
Fun hooks with animal motifs are a popular category—both for children’s rooms and for adults who love a touch of whimsy. Doing Goods produces a large collection of handmade animal knobs in wood and metal, and many of them serve as small sculptures on a drawer or cabinet.
Floral and nature motifs
Hooks and knobs featuring flowers, leaves, and other nature motifs are a subcategory that fits well in a bohemian or romantic interior. Ginkgo leaves, roses, and olive branches are popular motifs that add an organic and decorative touch.
Modern and minimalist
Clean lines, black or white colors, and geometric shapes characterize minimalist knobs. They work well in a Scandinavian home where you want a discreet yet thoughtful look. Knobs for cabinet doors and drawers in simple round or hexagonal shapes are among the most sought-after.
Brass knobs for kitchen cabinets and furniture
Brass knobs for kitchen cabinets are one of the most popular upgrades in Danish homes right now. Many kitchens come with standard brushed steel handles, and switching to brass gives the kitchen a whole new personality. It costs a fraction of a new kitchen, but the effect is surprisingly significant.
Pay attention to the screw length when choosing new knobs—most standard kitchen cabinet doors use M4 screws, and the knob must fit the door’s thickness. Most of our brass knobs come with screws in standard lengths, but it’s always a good idea to measure before ordering.
Coat hooksas wall art in
the entrywayCoat hooks for the entryway are much more than just a place to hang your jacket. The right hooks work as wall decor that adds character to your entryway. A row of five different brass animal coat hooks on a white wall creates a gallery-like look. Or you can choose a single, large coat hook as a statement piece.
Consider the height when installing hooks. Hooks for jackets should be placed about 150 cm from the floor. Hooks for children can be placed lower—about 90–100 cm—so they can reach them themselves. And purely decorative hooks, which primarily serve as wall art, can be placed at eye level, around 160 cm.
Animal Hooks for the Kids’ Room
The kids’ room is the perfect place to play around with fun knobs. Doing Goods’ animal knobs in the shape of elephants, lions, birds, and other animals make it fun for kids to open drawers and cabinets. They’re made of solid wood or metal with hand-painted details and are sturdy enough to withstand daily use by little hands.
A popular trick is to put different animal knobs on each drawer of a dresser—it helps the child remember what’s in which drawer, and it gives the furniture a playful, personal touch.
How do you replace knobs on a piece of furniture?
Replacing knobs is one of the easiest DIY projects you can tackle. Here’s a three-step guide:
Step 1: Remove the old knobs. Unscrew the old knob by turning it counterclockwise. Some knobs have a screw on the back of the knob—in that case, hold the knob in place with one hand and unscrew it with the other. Save the screws if the new knobs don’t come with their own.
Step 2: Check the hole size. Measure the diameter of the existing screw hole. Most knobs use a single hole, while drawer pulls use two holes at a fixed distance (typically 96 mm or 128 mm). If you’re switching from a pull to a knob, you may need to fill one hole with wood filler and drill a new one.
Step 3: Install the new knobs. Insert the screw through the hole from the back of the door and tighten the knob. Make sure the knob is tight, but avoid over-tightening—ceramic knobs in particular can crack if you tighten them too much. Repeat for all drawers and doors.
Hooks for the bathroom
In the bathroom, hooks are indispensable for towels and bathrobes. Choose materials that can withstand moisture—brass, stainless steel, or lacquered metal are good choices. Avoid unprotected iron, which can rust. Colored hooks with a water-resistant finish can give the bathroom a fun, personal touch.
What’s the difference between a hook and a knob?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. A hook is designed for hanging items—it’s mounted on a wall or door and has a protruding part where you can hang a towel, jacket, or bag. A knob is a handle for a drawer, cabinet, or door—it’s attached to the furniture and used for opening and closing.
However, many designs serve both purposes. A large, decorative knob can be mounted on a wall and used as a hook, and a hook can be attached to the front of a cabinet as a handle. It mostly comes down to how you choose to use it.
Brands we recommend: Doing Goods and Caja Company
Doing Goods is a Dutch design brand that collaborates with artisans in India to create unique, handmade home accessories. Their coat hooks and knobs featuring animal and nature motifs are among our best-selling products. Each piece is handmade, and the slight variations in color and shape make them special.
Caja Company focuses on ceramics and porcelain with hand-painted motifs—lemons, flowers, fruits. Their knobs add a Mediterranean, summery touch and work well in a bright, colorful kitchen or bathroom.
Frequently asked questions about hooks and knobs
How many hooks should you have in the entryway?
Plan for at least one hook per person in the household plus a few extra for guests. For a family of four, 6–8 hooks is a good starting point. You can add a coat rack or a freestanding coat stand if space allows.
Can you use the same knobs throughout the house?
You can certainly choose matching knobs throughout the house for a cohesive look. But you can also vary them from room to room—for example, brass in the kitchen, ceramic in the bathroom, and animal motifs in the kids’ room. Both approaches work, as long as there’s a consistent style or color palette.
How much does it cost to replace the knobs on an entire kitchen?
It depends on the number of doors and drawers, as well as the quality of the knobs. For a standard kitchen with 15–20 doors, you can expect to pay between $75 and $300 for new knobs. Brass and ceramic are typically on the higher end, while simple metal knobs are more budget-friendly. Compared to a full kitchen renovation, this is a very affordable upgrade.
Ready to breathe new life into your furniture and walls? Explore our entire selection of knobs and handles —from handmade animal-shaped knobs to brass handles and colorful ceramic knobs that make a difference in any room.
