Cabinet Knobs

Aged Brass Brompton Cabinet Knob - 25mm (Plain), from our current range.

What is a cabinet knob?

A cabinet knob is a single-fixing knob, usually round but sometimes square or shaped, fitted to a cabinet, wardrobe or kitchen door and used to pull it open. Cabinet knobs are the simplest and most widely fitted type of furniture hardware, requiring just one central fixing hole rather than the two holes a bar handle needs, which also makes them straightforward to swap out during a kitchen or furniture refresh.

Because a knob is gripped rather than pulled along its length like a bar handle, size matters more than it might first appear – too small and it can be fiddly to use, too large and it can look out of proportion on a smaller door or drawer front.

Where cabinet knobs are used

• Kitchen cabinets – the most common application, on both doors and drawer fronts
• Wardrobes and bedroom furniture – knobs are a popular choice on fitted and freestanding wardrobes
• Bathroom cabinetry – often chosen in a finish resistant to humidity, matching other bathroom hardware

Choosing the right cabinet knob

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Size – larger knobs suit larger doors and drawer fronts; smaller knobs suit narrow drawer rails or a more discreet look
• Projection – how far the knob stands proud of the door affects how easy it is to grip, particularly for anyone with reduced hand strength or dexterity
• Fixing hole – check the knob's fixing matches your existing pre-drilled hole if replacing like for like
• Finish – see our Hardware Finishes Guide for matching knobs across a kitchen or property

Related products

Browse our current range of Cabinet Knobs, or see the related Cup Pulls and Finger Pulls guides.

Frequently asked questions

What size cabinet knob should I choose?

This depends on the size of the door or drawer and personal preference, but as a general guide, 25 to 32mm knobs suit most standard kitchen cabinets, with larger sizes for bigger doors or a bolder look.

Can I mix knobs and handles in the same kitchen?

Yes, a common approach is to use knobs on cabinet doors and bar handles on drawers, since a knob is easier to grip on a door that swings open, while a handle spreads the pulling force better across a heavier drawer.

Will a new knob cover my existing fixing hole?

Most cabinet knobs use a standard single fixing hole, so a direct replacement is usually straightforward, but it is worth checking the hole size matches before ordering.

Back to the Cabinet & Furniture Hardware Guide, or explore the full Knowledge Centre.