Vintage-Style Knobs

Nothing amps up a plain veneered dresser like a set of vintage hardware. Elaborate designs can add punch to an unadorned piece, play off the newness of a recent purchase, and give a room personality.

These teardrop pulls accomplish all three. And with the additional appeal of a comfortable, solid grip, they offer function as well as beauty.

“Vintage-style knobs will reinforce the period details of a room and make a simple piece look as if it has a past,” says Nancy E. Berry, author of Architectural Hardware (Quarry Books, $25, www.amazon.com).
To Buy: Ebonized wood–and-brass teardrop pulls in Antique by Hand finish, $10 each (1 1/4 inches in diameter), www.houseofantiquehardware.com.

Tip: If you have just one antique pull and want to find others to match, companies such as Liz’s Antique Hardware (www.lahardware.com) will help you track them down.

More vintage choices are shown on the next three pages.