Brass and Antique Cabinet Knobs: Sizes, Styles and How to Choose

A cabinet knob is a single-fixing handle that you grip with your fingers. Brass and antique-style knobs, in shapes such as leaves, flowers, birds and butterflies, are popular for dressing tables, wardrobes, bedside tables and classic furniture. This guide from Shahid Iqbal & Co, a Lahore supplier that specialises in brass hardware, explains how to choose the right knob.

Knob or pull handle?

Neither is better in every case. A common approach is knobs on doors and small drawers, pull handles on wide drawers, in the same finish so the set looks coordinated. See our cabinet knobs and cabinet handles.

Why brass?

Brass looks warm and rich, and it does not rust like iron does. It ages gracefully and can be polished to bring the shine back. Our guide to brass, stainless steel and zinc alloy compares them for Pakistan's heat and humidity. Solid brass costs more than zinc alloy and is the usual choice for pieces you want to last.

Choosing the style

• Leaf, flower and butterfly knobs suit dressing tables, jewellery chests and bedroom furniture.
• Bird and animal knobs are popular on children's furniture and decorative pieces.
• Plain round or ball knobs work almost anywhere and suit a simple, classic look.

Match the knob to the age and style of the furniture. A decorative knob on a modern flat-panel kitchen can look out of place, while a plain round one fits nearly anything.

Choosing the finish

Golden and antique brass finishes suit warm woods, cream and white paint. Antique finishes hide fingerprints better and look older. Our finish guide covers matte black, golden and chrome.

Size and fixing

Check these on the product page:

• Diameter. Knobs commonly range from small knobs for jewellery boxes to larger ones for wardrobe doors. Bigger furniture usually looks better with a bigger knob.
• Projection. How far it sticks out. Make sure it clears neighbouring doors and drawers when they open.
• The screw. Most knobs fix with one machine screw through the door into a threaded hole in the knob. Check the screw length against your door thickness. Thicker doors need a longer screw.
• Hole size. You only need a single hole, so measure the hole size your knob needs before you drill.

Where to put knobs

These are common starting points, not strict rules:

• Cupboard doors: about 50 to 75 mm in from the edge of the door that opens, near the top corner on base units and the bottom corner on wall units.
• Narrow drawers: one knob in the centre.
• Wide drawers: two knobs, roughly a quarter and three-quarters of the way across.

Fitting is covered step by step in our guide to installing handles and knobs.

Caring for brass knobs

Wipe with a soft dry cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive pads, which damage the finish. See how to clean and care for brass handles.

Brass knobs for hardware shops

Hardware shops and carpenters across Pakistan order decorative brass knobs from us in trade quantities. See how to order wholesale.

Frequently asked questions

How big should a cabinet knob be?

Choose a size in proportion to the door or drawer. Small furniture suits small knobs, and large wardrobes suit larger ones. Check the diameter and projection on the product page.

How many knobs does a wide drawer need?

Two knobs placed roughly a quarter and three-quarters of the way across looks balanced and is easier to open than one.

Are brass knobs better than zinc alloy knobs?

Brass is heavier, ages well and can be polished, so it suits pieces meant to last. Zinc alloy costs less and works well for everyday furniture.

Do I need special screws for thick doors?

If your door is thicker than the screw supplied, you need a longer machine screw of the same thread. Check before drilling.

Where can I buy brass cabinet knobs in Lahore?

At Shahid Iqbal & Co, 218/18 Ferozepur Road, near WAPDA Hospital, Lahore, or online with delivery across Pakistan.