Who would collect cabinet pulls? Well, I would. Have you seen all the cabinet pulls available? There are so many that I am never going to have enough cabinets to display just the ones I really like, much less the second rank of favorites, etc. Or, maybe a whole row down the edge of the cabinet door would be possible, and daring. No one else will have their cabinets like that! A whole row, at least on the upper cabinets, would allow for the display of quite a few cabinet pulls, and I could carefully switch them out every year, so all my favorites get a chance to be seen. I am going to have to seriously think about this.
There are many cabinet pulls available, and usually you not only CAN buy just one, you HAVE to buy them individually. That plays into the collector’s hands right off the bat. We only want one of each anyway. There are nature themed pulls, with birds, fish, turtles, twigs, shells, etc. available. There are glass cabinet pulls that may only have three or four forms, but come in many colors. Ceramic cabinet pulls are also usually limited in shape but have more colors. Cabinet pulls requiring two holes are just as interesting as those requiring a single hole, and should be collected as well. There are wood cabinet pulls, finished and nude, for finishing the way you want. Wild and crazy cabinet pulls are even available at some craft stores. (I am not sure why.)
Modern canibet pull with two anchor points.
Cabinet pulls rang from relatively cheap to the very expensive. You can get them at home improvement stores and hardware stores. Make an interior decorator a friend and they can probably get you access to more high-end cabinet pulls. Remember to cheerfully offer them their usually markup so you can go back to them again for new knobs next year, and the year after, and… You might also be able to cadge catalogs and brochures they no longer need. Maybe you had better make a home improvement/remodeler a friend as well. More options for the cabinet pulls and the catalogs and brochures they are ordered from.
Cabinet pulls are not only designed for the kitchen, but also the bath and for bedroom furniture. You will need to check out places that cater to the do-it-yourselfer for cabinet pulls for all three areas. There are many different kinds of knobs available for furniture, especially in the area of furniture for babies and children. Nature stores and/or catalogs also carry specialty nature-themed cabinet pulls. The restoration furniture area also has their own catalogs and know sources.
A fancier brass knob.
When friends or family improve or redecorate, offer to take the old cabinet pulls. This will mean some duplication, but you can select the best one or two for your collection and trade the others will other collectors. Carry them with you to flea markets and garage sales in case you meet another collector. Maybe even give them to people who seem interested, and get someone else started collecting. Then you may have a buddy to trade and hunt with.
Cabinet pulls and drawer pulls may seem to be a strange American collectible, but once you start looking around, you’ll see just how many different ones there are, and how they beg to be collected by someone who really can appreciate their form and function. I’ll be out there collecting, so if you see a strange person buying one of each cabinet pull in the store, you will know who I am. See you there.
* * * Consider coordinating your cabinet pulls in the kitchen with the canisters, salt and pepper holders and/or the napkin holder. * * *
* * * You can also coordinate metal cabinet and drawer pulls with shelf brackets for a masterful kitchen design. * * *
The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.
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