When it comes to updating the look of your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, a quick and budget-friendly solution is to change the knobs or pulls. Switching from knobs to pulls, or vice versa, can give your cabinets a fresh new look. However, it’s important to consider whether you can make this change without any alterations to the cabinet doors themselves. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and limitations of changing knobs to pulls on cabinet doors.
Understanding the Difference between Knobs and Pulls:
Before diving into the topic, let’s briefly discuss the difference between knobs and pulls. Knobs are typically round or cylindrical in shape and require a single point of contact to open or close the cabinet door. On the other hand, pulls are handles that allow for a wider grip and are usually attached to the cabinet with two or more screws.
Exploring the Possibilities:
In most cases, it is possible to change knobs to pulls on cabinet doors without the need for alterations. However, there are a few factors to consider before making this change:
1. Existing Holes and Alignment:
If your cabinet doors already have pre-drilled holes for the knobs, using pulls without alteration may not be possible. Pulls require multiple holes for proper attachment, usually horizontally aligned. Knob holes are typically drilled with a single center point, which wouldn’t align with the screw holes needed for a pull. Therefore, you would need to either source pulls that fit within the existing knob holes or fill the holes and drill new ones for the pulls.
2. Size and Shape Compatibility:
Another consideration is whether the size and shape of the pulls you want to install match the pre-existing knob holes. Knobs are generally smaller in size and have a smaller footprint compared to pulls. Make sure to measure the diameter of your current knobs and determine if a pull can be accommodated within the existing space.
3. Cabinet Door Material:
The type of material used in your cabinet doors can also impact whether you can change knobs to pulls without alterations. Solid wood doors generally provide more flexibility in terms of alterations, such as drilling new holes. However, if your doors are made of materials such as laminate or glass, altering them may not be feasible or may require specialized techniques to avoid damage.
Options for a Seamless Transition:
If altering the cabinet doors is not an option, don’t worry – there are still alternatives to achieve a seamless transition from knobs to pulls:
1. Backplate Installation:
Consider installing backplates behind the pulls to cover the existing knob holes. Backplates not only provide a decorative element but also help hide any visible marks or holes left behind by the knobs.
2. Multi-function Hardware:
Look for multi-function hardware that combines both a pull handle and a knob in one piece. These can be a great solution when you want to transition to pulls without leaving visible holes from the previous knobs.
3. Designer Decals or Covers:
For a temporary and non-permanent solution, you can explore the option of using designer decals or covers. These can be applied to the cabinet doors to create the illusion of pulls without any physical alterations.
Changing knobs to pulls on cabinet doors can breathe new life into your kitchen or bathroom. While altering the cabinet doors may sometimes be necessary, there are various techniques and alternative solutions available to achieve the desired transition. Consider the factors mentioned in this article and choose the option that best suits your needs, style, and budget.