The best all-in-one art kit for beginners
187Pcs Professional All-in-One Art Painting Kit
Everything you need to start painting. Includes brushes, paints, easel, and more. Highly rated by readers.
Shop on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Rows of old drawer pulls lie scattered across a wooden table, their worn brass and porcelain surfaces reflecting soft afternoon light. Each piece carries a whisper of its past life, with delicate floral patterns and art deco curves hinting at forgotten dressers and cabinets.
Reimagining these upcycled drawer pulls transforms them into vintage room accents that carry history and charm. Their unique textures and aged patinas bring unexpected character when paired with modern or classic decor elements.
Every handle offers a new chance for creativity and a touch of nostalgia, blending old craftsmanship with fresh, personalized design.
Create a rustic coat rack with vintage pulls
⏱️ 2 hours · 🟠 Intermediate
Using a reclaimed wooden board around 24 inches long sets a solid base for hooks made from brass and ceramic drawer pulls. The warm patina on the brass adds an earthy tone varied by subtle green oxidation spots.
Pulls spaced evenly every 4 inches provide practical hanging space without crowding. Their rounded shapes and smooth edges prevent snagging on fabric, making this piece both decorative and functional.
Mounting hardware is concealed behind the board ensuring a clean look that emphasizes the texture of the aged wood and metal bolts.
Pro Tip: Choosing pulls with flat backs helps them sit flush against wood, ensuring sturdy attachment for hanging coats or bags.
How to Make This
- Select a reclaimed wooden board approximately 24 inches in length.
- Arrange and space 6-7 drawer pulls evenly about every 4 inches along the board.
- Attach each pull securely using screws that go through the board into the handle base.
- Add mounting brackets or hooks to the board’s backside for wall installation.
- Hang the piece on a sturdy wall hook to support weight.
Avoid: Using pulls with uneven or thick backs can cause instability when mounted, leading to loose hooks.
Try Also: Try mixing porcelain and metal pulls for color contrast, or paint the wooden board a distressed white for a shabby chic effect.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- reclaimed wooden board
- drawer pulls assorted styles
- mounting screws
“Turn old drawer pulls into a sturdy rustic coat rack with charm.”
Elegant drawer pull key holder with mid-century charm
⏱️ 45 min · 🟢 Beginner
Compact wooden plaque measuring about 12 by 5 inches holds sleek, starburst-style metal pulls. The shiny chrome finish picks up room light, reflecting slender shadows onto the freshly stained walnut surface.
Each pull is mounted horizontally and spaced 2 inches apart, providing a structured line for hanging keys or small cords. The smooth tactile metal contrasts with the rich wood grain, adding mid-century modern flair.
Pro Tip: A polyurethane finish enhances wood durability and creates an attractive glossy contrast under the metal pulls.
How to Make This
- Prepare a wooden plaque roughly 12 by 5 inches and sand for smoothness.
- Space 4-5 starburst metal pulls evenly across the plaque’s length.
- Secure each pull horizontally using appropriate screws.
- Apply a clear polyurethane coat for protection and shine.
- Mount the plaque near an entryway for convenient key storage.
Avoid: Over-tightening screws can strip the metal base or crack lighter wood plaques.
Try Also: Swap out for colored glass pulls to brighten a space or try copper-finished handles for warmer tones.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Craft a compact key holder combining walnut and mid-century starburst pulls.”
Vintage pull drawer knob plant hangers make a bold statement
⏱️ 3 hours · 🔴 Advanced
Strong metal drawer knobs serve as the anchor points for macramé plant hangers, crafted with 3/8 inch thick cotton cord dyed soft sage green. The knob diameter, about 2 inches, balances well with the 18-inch-high hangers allowing plants to dangle freely.
Knobs with ridged edges create extra grip on the cords, preventing slippage when holding heavier pots. This pairing adds a tactile contrast between smooth metal and knotted fibers that enhances the vintage flair.
Pro Tip: Knots tied close to the base of the knobs prevent fraying and improve load distribution across the metal surface.
How to Make This
- Select stout metal drawer knobs roughly 2 inches in diameter.
- Cut 18 inch lengths of cotton macramé cord dyed sage green.
- Tie cords into macramé plant hanger patterns around each knob base.
- Ensure secure knots close to the knob for stability and minimal movement.
- Hang completed pieces from ceiling hooks or sturdy wall mounts.
Avoid: Using thin or slippery cord can cause the knots to slip off smooth metal surfaces.
Try Also: Substitute natural jute twine for a rustic feel or vibrant colored cords for a modern twist.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- metal drawer knobs
- cotton macrame cord
- ceiling hooks
“Turn vintage metal drawer knobs into stylish plant hanger anchors.”
Save time and printer ink with 50+ printable templates and step-by-step instructions in one ad-free guide.
Repurpose handles as charming curtain tiebacks
⏱️ 1 hour · 🟠 Intermediate
Old drawer pulls with curved ceramic ends, painted in faded blues and off-white, provide gentle curves ideal for holding lightweight curtains back. The handles measure about 5 inches long, suitable for tying fabric without slipping.
Mounted on opposite sides of a window frame, these tiebacks add subtle texture and color contrast to sheer curtains while echoing vintage styles.
Pro Tip: Using pull ends with smooth rounded edges avoids snagging delicate curtain fabric during movement.
How to Make This
- Select four drawer pulls about 5 inches in length with ceramic ends.
- Mount two pulls horizontally on each side of the window frame at curtain midpoint height.
- Loop curtain fabric through or behind the handles to hold back the drape.
- Adjust mounting height for comfortable draping and fabric tension.
Avoid: Installing tiebacks too low results in awkward curtain bunching and poor fabric fall.
Try Also: Use metal drawer pulls painted matte black for a modern industrial twist or bright pastel tones for a whimsical touch.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Old drawer pulls make charming vintage-style curtain tiebacks.”
Make a jewelry organizer from assorted drawer pulls
⏱️ 1.5 hours · 🟠 Intermediate
A panel 18 by 12 inches in whitewashed wood hosts a collection of mismatched drawer pulls ranging from glass and brass to painted ceramic. The varied textures and 1-to-3 inch sizes create a playful yet orderly grid to hang necklaces, bracelets, and rings.
Glass pulls with faceted surfaces scatter light and add sparkle, while solid brass handles bring warmth. The aged paint chips on some pulls evoke a sense of history beneath this functional display.
Pro Tip: Spacing pulls unevenly emphasizes their uniqueness and avoids a regimented look, especially with varied shapes and sizes.
How to Make This
- Choose a whitewashed wood panel about 18 by 12 inches.
- Arrange assorted drawer pulls in a visually pleasing, uneven grid layout.
- Secure each pull using appropriate screws to the panel.
- Hang panel on the wall, arranging jewelry on pulls by type or length.
Avoid: Grouping similar-looking pulls too close may obscure their individual charm and texture differences.
Try Also: Swap whitewashed wood for a dark stained board or a painted pastel base for varied moods.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Use assorted drawer pulls to create a unique, textured jewelry display.”
Antique pulls as decorative drawer pulls for repurposed furniture
⏱️ 3-4 hours · 🔴 Advanced
Heavy cast iron pulls with intricate scrollwork add both durability and ornate detail to an upcycled dresser. Each handle spans 6 inches with a weight that balances the freshly stripped and stained oak drawer fronts.
The dark matte black finish contrasts sharply with the golden grain of the oak, lending a Victorian touch. These pulls bring not only function but also a tactile depth appreciated in antique restoration.
Pro Tip: Aligning the screw holes precisely prevents wood splitting and ensures the handles sit perfectly flat against the drawer surface.
How to Make This
- Strip previous paint or finish from oak drawers for a clean surface.
- Apply stain and allow to dry completely before hardware installation.
- Measure and mark placement for the cast iron pulls centering each drawer face.
- Drill pilot holes carefully and attach each pull using matching screws.
- Polish surrounding wood to highlight grain near hardware.
Avoid: Forcing screws without pilot holes can split thin veneer or hardwood panels.
Try Also: Try bronze or antique brass ornate pulls for warmer wood tones or distressed paint finishes.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- cast iron drawer pulls
- wood stain
- power drill
- wood screws
“Antique cast iron pulls upgrade vintage furniture with bold texture and detail.”
Upcycled drawer handles turned vintage towel racks
⏱️ 1.5 hours · 🟠 Intermediate
Long bar drawer pulls made from brushed nickel, measuring about 12 inches each, securely fasten to a wooden backing that embraces subtle weathering and light gray wash. The smooth metal contrasts the slightly textured wood, offering a tactile and visual balance.
Placement about 24 inches apart allows bath towels to hang freely without bunching. This reuse adds a refined metallic gleam to the vintage bathroom atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Spacing handles with room beneath avoids towel compression, allowing air circulation and faster drying times.
How to Make This
- Select two 12 inch brushed nickel bar drawer pulls.
- Prepare a wooden plank with light gray wash finish about 30 inches long.
- Attach pulls horizontally 24 inches apart using screws.
- Mount plank on bathroom wall at towel hanging height.
- Check stability and adjust alignment as needed.
Avoid: Placing pulls too close causes towels to fold awkwardly rather than hang smoothly.
Try Also: Use copper-toned bar pulls or distressed brass handles for varied metallic warmth.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Transform vintage handles into chic towel racks for bathrooms.”
Distressed drawer pulls for photo frame hooks
⏱️ 30 min · 🟢 Beginner
Small drawer pulls with peeling white paint and iron bases serve as subtle hooks. The distressed surfaces provide a textural glimpse into past decades without overshadowing delicate photo frames arrayed below.
Hooks spaced 5 inches apart create balance while the matte black bases ground the faded whites, offering a layered vintage look that blends well with sepia-tinted photographs.
Pro Tip: Leaving edges rough rather than sanding smooth preserves authentic aging effects and richer visual interest.
How to Make This
- Pick small distressed white drawer pulls with black iron bases.
- Mark and space pulls 5 inches apart on a wooden board or directly on the wall.
- Fix hooks tightly ensuring no wobble.
- Hang lightweight photo frames or decorations on pulls.
- Adjust spacing if needed for frame sizes.
Avoid: Over-sanding pulls can erase natural distressing that contributes to vintage charm.
Try Also: Pair with tinted glass knobs or lightly rusted metal pulls for eclectic hooks.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Create delicate photo frame hooks with distressed vintage drawer pulls.”
Turn ceramic pulls into a retro drawer knob necklace holder
⏱️ 1 hour · 🟠 Intermediate
Glossy ceramic drawer knobs painted in pastel teal and ivory hues line an 18-inch plank. Each knob is spaced about 2.5 inches apart, enough for delicate necklaces and chains to drape freely without tangling.
The shiny surfaces create playful light spots, while the smooth round shape offers gentle edges that prevent snags or wear on fine jewelry.
Pro Tip: Drilling pilot holes slightly smaller than knob screws prevents glazing cracks on ceramic surfaces during attachment.
How to Make This
- Select ceramic drawer knobs in pastel colors, around 1.5 inches diameter.
- Arrange on an 18-inch wooden plank with 2.5 inch spacing.
- Drill small pilot holes to protect ceramic glaze.
- Screw each knob securely into the wood.
- Mount the plank on a wall near dressing area.
Avoid: Forcing screws without pilot holes risks cracking delicate ceramic knobs.
Try Also: Use mixed pastel shades or swap some knobs for small glass pulls for sparkle.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- ceramic drawer knobs
- wooden plank 18 inch
- small wood screws
“Pastel ceramic drawer knobs double as delicate necklace holders.”
Craft a whimsical drawer pull towel ring
⏱️ 1 hour · 🟠 Intermediate
Circular drawer pulls with bright, chipped red paint mounted as towel rings add cheerful bursts of color. The inner ring diameter measures roughly 6 inches, comfortably fitting standard hand towels.
Rough edges and visible wear on the paint provide tactile detail that amplifies the cozy, lived-in feel of a vintage kitchen or bathroom.
Pro Tip: Matching screws with existing pull finishes keeps visual continuity on exposed hardware parts of the towel ring.
How to Make This
- Choose circular red-painted drawer pulls about 6 inches inner diameter.
- Attach each ring securely to wall studs using matching screws.
- Check ring rotation for smooth towel slipping.
- Hang hand towels and assess ease of use.
Avoid: Using drywall anchors alone without stud support can lead to loose towel rings over time.
Try Also: Try pale green or mustard yellow painted pulls for different accent colors or use unpainted metal for an industrial look.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Bright red vintage drawer pulls become playful towel rings with character.”
Assemble a photo display board using mixed drawer pulls
⏱️ 1 hour · 🟢 Beginner
A 20 by 15inch reclaimed wood panel serves as a base decorated with assorted drawer pulls that hold photos clipped to metal wire running horizontally. The pulls range from glass-topped knobs to brass handles, adding varied shine and textures.
Spacing wires about 4 inches apart and pulls 6-inches horizontally creates room for multiple photo layers without overlap. The tactile mix of materials draws attention to this tactile memory board.
Pro Tip: Securing wires with small nails near the pull bases tightens the system and reduces photo slipping.
How to Make This
- Select a 20×15 inch reclaimed wood panel and sand smooth.
- Attach two or three horizontal metal wires spaced 4 inches apart.
- Mount assorted drawer pulls at 6-inch intervals along wires.
- Clip photos to wires between pulls using small clips.
- Hang panel on wall with hooks.
Avoid: Loose wires may sag under photo weight, creating uneven display surfaces.
Try Also: Replace metal wires with thin leather cords or use natural rope for rustic effect.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- reclaimed wood panel
- metal wire
- assorted drawer pulls
- photo clips
“Mixed drawer pulls hold photos on a tactile reclaimed wood display.”
Decorate lampshade with tiny drawer pull accents
⏱️ 45 min · 🟢 Beginner
Small ceramic drawer pulls in soft cream and blush shades dot the lower rim of a fabric lampshade. Each pull measures roughly one inch and adds subtle three-dimensional detail catching soft lamp light.
The matte glaze contrasts gently with the linen texture of the shade, offering a nuanced color variation and tactile layering that enriches the ambient glow.
Pro Tip: Align tiny pulls evenly spaced about two inches apart to maintain consistent rhythm around the lampshade.
How to Make This
- Select small ceramic drawer pulls one inch in diameter in cream and blush.
- Mark evenly spaced points around bottom rim of the lampshade.
- Attach pulls carefully with craft adhesive or sewn trims.
- Allow adhesive to dry fully before use.
- Place lampshade on lamp for soft, textured lighting.
Avoid: Uneven spacing or rushed adhesive drying can cause pulls to detach or look haphazard.
Try Also: Use tiny glass pulls for shimmer or painted mini pulls for seasonal color accents.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- small ceramic drawer pulls
- fabric lampshade
- craft adhesive
“Tiny ceramic drawer pulls add subtle charm to fabric lampshades.”
Hand-painted drawer pulls add personalized flair
⏱️ 2 hours · 🟠 Intermediate
Plain wooden drawer pulls coated with soft chalk paint in serene seafoam green and warm coral tones offer a personalized touch to vintage furniture pieces. The matte paint absorbs light, softening the natural wood grain beneath.
Using tiny intricate brush strokes, small floral motifs add bespoke detailing that complements retro room accents. Each pull measures about 1.5 inches in diameter.
Pro Tip: Sealing painted pulls with clear matte varnish preserves paintwork and reduces surface wear from handling.
How to Make This
- Source plain wooden drawer pulls about 1.5 inches wide.
- Apply base coats of chalk paint in chosen colors.
- Add detailed brush-painted floral or geometric designs.
- After drying, apply clear matte varnish seal.
- Install painted pulls on furniture for added flair.
Avoid: Applying thick paint layers causes cracking and uneven drying.
Try Also: Try metallic paint highlights or distress edges slightly for vintage charm.
Products & Materials
Items Used
- plain wooden drawer pulls
- chalk paint set
- fine detail paintbrushes
- clear matte varnish
“Hand-painted pulls bring color and intricate patterns to vintage furniture.”
Builder’s drawer pulls form industrial wall hooks
⏱️ 3 hours · 🔴 Advanced
Solid steel drawer pulls with rugged black matte finish measure 5 inches, providing stout hooks ideal for heavy coats or bags. Their tubular shape offers a thick grip, while the flat mounting plates blend smoothly into industrial wall panels.
The tensile strength of steel supports substantial weight and adds a tactile coldness typical of factory environments, blending vintage practicality with modern loft style.
Pro Tip: Using heavy-duty wall anchors matching pull weight capacity ensures firm installation on drywall or wood paneling.
How to Make This
- Select solid steel drawer pulls measuring about 5 inches in length.
- Find mounting locations on sturdy industrial-style wall panels.
- Drill pilot holes and use heavy-duty anchors if mounting on drywall.
- Screw pulls firmly, ensuring flush placement.
- Load test by hanging heavy items evenly.
Avoid: Skipping anchors on drywall leads to loose, unsafe hooks unable to bear heavy loads.
Try Also: Choose pipe-like pulls with hex bolt accents or brushed nickel finishes for a different industrial look.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Solid steel drawer pulls double as strong industrial-style wall hooks.”
Turn heavy brass pulls into elegant curtain finials
⏱️ 2 hours · 🔴 Advanced
Large ornate brass drawer pulls, each nearly 4 inches wide, crown wooden curtain rods as finials. The metal’s rich golden tones warm the dark stained wood, while the intricate engravings catch ambient light for subtle shimmer.
Weight and balanced proportions prevent finials from tipping rods, combining durability with decorative appeal. Fine surface scratches add historic dimension visible up close.
Pro Tip: Adding felt pads between the pull base and curtain rod wood protects finishes and reduces noise when moving curtains.
How to Make This
- Select large ornate brass drawer pulls about 4 inches wide.
- Measure curtain rod ends and adjust pulls if necessary.
- Secure pulls to rod ends with screws or adhesive suitable for metal and wood.
- Protect wood surfaces using felt pads between metal and wood contact points.
- Hang curtains and test rod balance.
Avoid: Attaching finials too loosely causes wobble and rod instability.
Try Also: Try antique silver or copper pulls for cooler or rustic tones or pair with patterned curtains for contrast.
Products & Materials
Items Used
“Use heavy brass drawer pulls as luxurious curtain rod finials.”
