Drawer pulls do not have to be bland or boring any longer. In fact, you can use your pulls in new and creative ways, not only on a day to day basis, but for special occasions and holidays as well. Pulls do not only have to serve the functional purpose of opening and closing a door or a drawer but can be cute and stylish touches as well. For instance, you can attach a pull to a wall with fake drawer outlines to make it appear that you have an additional drawer- funny and a nice way to really perk up the kitchen or bath.
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That old phrase “they just don’t make them like they used to” may come to mind when you see some old furniture with those ornate metal drawer handles. Some of them are simple, but others are carved into exquisite works of art. Technology cannot ever perfectly replicate such a thing. Even today, though, pulls can be beautiful as well as functional. Just take a look through an online catalog. It is unlikely you’ll see the amazingly detailed carvings of the past, but you will see an amazing variety of pulls to choose. Some have backplates to firmly anchor them and accentuate the design. They can be polished, brush finished, lacquered – or even made of glass.
Pulls come in so many styles, designs and colors that you may be carried away by the large variety. That’s why it is important to first decide on which material, type and color you would prefer. This helps to narrow down the possibilities.
If you have antique furniture, metal ones with drop handles would look great. However, these are very expensive and may also require an occasional polishing and cleaning. For more modern homes, there are T-shaped ones that are fixed with single screws and give a very good grip. Then there are inverted cup-shaped pulls that are simple and traditional.
If you ever get online, you will be amazed at the large variety of drawer pulls that are available at the click of a button. As you make your choice, keep in mind the size of your drawers and the force you have to apply to open them. Brass pulls look royal in incandescent lighting, whereas silver pulls can bring in daylight even during the night. Wooden pulls look quite traditional and crystal pulls can bring in a modern sparkle. Ceramic and porcelain pulls look cool on your bathroom cabinetry and copper pulls can add warmth to your room. Wood and metal drawer pulls can be carved or molded into leaves, flowers, butterflies and a whole range of plant and animal themes. Cup pulls or bin pulls that you have seen on old traditional furniture are still available in the market. However, they have evolved to add aesthetics to your home décor.
Anyone who knows how to work a screwdriver can install drawer pulls. It is a simple two step process. Step one: unscrew the old drawer pulls. Step two: screw in the new ones. Make sure that you have a good fit by using the screws that came with the new pulls, however you might still find them a little too loose. If that is the case, then you should add washers to the screws so that they will tighten up without splitting or cracking the wood. Finish your project with a small dab of white glue or nail polish on the screw so that it will not loosen back up.
Whether they are for drawers in the kitchen, the bathroom or to revive and rejuvenate an antique piece of furniture, buying new pulls might be one of the best ways to accomplish that. Whether you are looking for shiny, matte or uniquely shaped pulls, you can create a look that is perfect for the room or the piece that you are working with. From double pulls to animal or other whimsical shapes, the drawer will become more of a focal point with a new finish and new drawer pulls. More than just a way to open a drawer, they can be pretty as well as useful.
One look at your old furniture and you will be able to tell how much work went into making those metal drawer handles. Some are rustic, but some are carved like jewelry. No amount of technology can create the same magic. Pulls are very significant pieces of hardware even today. Take a look at an online store. Although you may not see the intricate carvings of yesteryear, you will definitely see pulls of all shapes, sizes and finishes. They are fixed with two screws, unlike knobs, which require one screw. Some come with backplates that accentuate and strengthen them. Polished, brush finished and lacquered ones will display different degrees of sheen. Glass ones are tinted for added effect.
Drawer pulls are a great way to redesign a set of drawers. There are many kinds of drawer pulls to choose from, so before you start looking, there are a few design aspects to consider. First, think about the design of the room that you are putting your drawer pulls in. Is it old-fashioned or contemporary? Serious or whimsical? Dark or light? Elaborate or simple? This will help you think about what kind of drawer pulls will work in the room. Drawer pulls come in many materials and these can be appropriate for some settings but not others. Metal drawer pulls are fairly versatile, so you’ll wan to match them to your décor. Retro drawer pulls won’t look right in a room with a Victorian theme, just as very elaborate bright gold drawer pulls won’t look right in a room with a contemporary design. If your décor is simple and you would like to liven it up, elaborate drawer pulls can be a good way to do this. There are many drawer pulls that have a custom look to them that will add some special details to any room. However you want to change your room, drawer pulls can help add those important finishing touches.
