Cabinet Knobs Buying Guide
A knob does a genuinely different job to a pull handle: it's smaller, simpler to install, and suits a door or lower-traffic drawer where a subtler, more understated grip is preferred.
Choosing a shape
Round knobs bring a classic, balanced look, suited to both a traditional and a contemporary kitchen. Square knobs give a bolder, more structured edge, well suited to a minimalist space or a statement piece of furniture. T-shaped knobs bring a sleek, linear profile, suited to an industrial or minimalist interior wanting something a little different from the standard round or square shape. Rectangular knobs round out the range for a further considered, geometric option.
A closer look at named ranges
Momo Handles offers a genuinely extensive knob range: the New Hampton round knob (32mm) across matt brass, bronze, dull brushed nickel and polished nickel; the Como knob in brushed gold, matte black and brushed nickel; the Barrington knob in matt brass, dark brushed brass, matt black and with a matching backplate; and the Florencia, Bosco, Pellaro and Belgravia knobs across a genuinely wide finish selection, several in solid, locally designed brass. Castella's Cove, Reed and Terrace knobs, the latter Italian-made, bring a further considered range across brushed nickel, gunmetal and dull brushed nickel. Zanda's Mayfair knob (32mm) is available in brushed nickel and chrome. Meir's Oppen knob and matching T-pull span champagne, brushed nickel and Tiger Bronze finishes.
Choosing a finish
Brushed brass brings warmth and a considered sense of luxury, pairing particularly well with timber cabinetry and neutral tones. Chrome gives a polished, reflective finish that adds brightness against darker or bolder cabinetry. Gunmetal and black create striking contrast against white or light-coloured cabinetry. White gives a clean, understated look that blends into a light kitchen rather than standing out.
Choosing a material
Solid brass remains the classic, genuinely durable choice, holding its finish and weight over years of daily use. Stainless steel suits a high-traffic kitchen well, resisting corrosion and wear. Aluminium offers a lightweight, practical alternative without sacrificing style. Zinc alloy brings genuine versatility, combining durability with an accessible price point.
Sizing a knob correctly
For a small drawer up to 300mm wide, a knob around 25mm in diameter typically gives a balanced appearance and a comfortable grip. Placement generally follows a simple rule: centre the knob on a drawer front, and position it on the opposite side from the hinge on a cabinet door, for both functional ease and visual balance.
Knobs, pulls, or both?
There's no strict rule here. A common approach uses knobs on doors and pulls on drawers, giving a kitchen or bathroom genuine visual texture, though using one style consistently throughout is equally valid. The decision ultimately comes down to the room's overall style and how the cabinetry is actually used day to day.
Matching hardware throughout the home
Choosing knobs that complement the room's tapware, sink and appliance finishes gives the most cohesive result, matte black knobs alongside matte black tapware for a contemporary kitchen, or brushed nickel and brushed brass for a warmer, Hamptons-style space. Considering the whole home together, kitchen, bathroom and laundry, rather than room by room, keeps the finish consistent throughout.
Completing the room
Cabinet knobs are easiest to choose once the room's tapware finish is settled, since matching the two keeps the space reading as one coordinated design. The Blue Space's Tapware and Bathroom Vanities collections are worth reviewing alongside a cabinet knob selection to bring the full room together.