With a name like hardware, you might expect this update to be difficult. In reality, swapping out drawer and door pulls is one of the simplest, fastest ways to refresh a room on a very modest budget. In this project we focused on a small living room console table placed by the door, and the change made a big visual impact.
We selected graphic black-and-white pulls from Anthropologie to introduce contrast and personality. The bold pattern instantly modernized the simple piece without overpowering the rest of the room.
The actual swap was unbelievably quick. Each old knob came off with a single screwdriver from inside the drawer, and installing the new pulls was equally straightforward. The whole update took about 30 seconds per knob—no special tools or advanced skills required.
At roughly $8 each, the new knobs were an affordable investment. For the price of a quick takeout meal you can add considerable style to an inexpensive piece—like our $99 console table from a big-box store. The contrast of the black-and-white pattern plays nicely with our existing black-and-white gallery wall, tying the space together and creating a more polished look.
Why change hardware? New knobs and pulls have outsized influence on a piece’s character. They can shift a look from traditional to modern, rustic to refined, or neutral to graphic. Because hardware is a small, visible detail, it acts like jewelry for furniture—subtle but defining.
Here are a few practical tips for a successful hardware update:
- Measure before you buy: Check the screw spacing on existing pieces to match new pulls or be prepared to fill and re-drill holes for a different configuration.
- Choose a finish that complements surrounding fixtures: If your room has a lot of matte black or brass accents, pick hardware that echoes that metal or tone for cohesion.
- Think about scale: Larger pulls read differently on chunky drawers than delicate ones do on small cabinets. Match the size to the furniture’s proportions.
- Try a mix-and-match approach cautiously: A few coordinated variations can look intentional, but too much inconsistency can appear chaotic.
- Simple installation: Keep a screwdriver and a soft cloth on hand. Working inside the drawer protects painted surfaces and gives you better access to the mounting screw.
For a low-effort, high-impact refresh, new hardware is hard to beat. It’s affordable, reversible, and instantly transformative—perfect for renters and homeowners alike who want to update furniture without paint, stain, or major work. If you enjoy small makeovers that deliver big visual returns, start with the hardware; you might be surprised at how much character a new knob or pull can add to a room.
For another knob makeover, see the console table featured in a recent house tour on Design*Sponge.