Glass Cabinet Hardware Adds a Touch of Classic Beauty
Modern glass cabinet hardware offers a fresh take on a classic style
If you are searching for ways to refresh your kitchen cabinets, add a touch of glamour to your bath, or update a tired piece of furniture, look no further than glass knobs and pulls. Glass hardware offers a great amount of variety, with almost endless shape and color combinations to choose from. Some glass knobs resemble jewels, providing a pop of color to neutral pieces, while others are sparkling clear crystal — the essence of elegance. Whether you prefer a vintage or a modern look, you will find bold, beautiful designs that suit your personal style.
Circa 1840 empire style sideboard with sandwich glass drawer pulls
Brightening Homes for Two Centuries
Always fresh and bright, glass hardware has been popular since it was introduced in the 1820s. Referred to as "Sandwich Glass" for the factory that developed it, these early glass knobs were pressed in molds to mimic typical brass hardware designs. Featuring elegant floral, fluted, or intricate cut patterns, they brightened important pieces like dressers and dining room sideboards, as well as small-scale desks and sewing tables.
1820s glass factory in Sandwich, Massachusetts
Detail of early floral sandwich glass dresser knob
By the 1890s, glass hardware was becoming widespread in American homes. Though no longer found on furniture, glass knobs regularly appeared on built-in cabinetry around the house: the dining room hutch or corner cupboards, glass front bookcases in the living room, closet doors and drawers in the bath and dressing room (they were less common in the kitchen, however, until a decade later).
Our late 19th Century style knobs are reproduced in lead-free crystal
These later examples were often made of lead crystal, set in a brass base with a magnifying dome to create the greatest level of sparkle and elegance. Many designs were faceted like gemstones to maximize refracted light, while others were deeply cut with intricate starburst, snowflake or lace patterns. In general, these beautiful hardware jewels were a luxury reserved for high-end homes.
By the early 1900s glass knobs were being pressed and molded in faster and easier ways, making them affordable to almost everyone. Boasting a wide range of colors, shapes and sizes, they made their way into the kitchens and bathrooms of even the most modest new homes.
An American classic - the clear hexagonal glass knob
During the first decades of the twentieth century clear hexagonal glass knobs were the hands-down favorite. Their sparkling simplicity and affordability made them ideal for virtually any situation and style of decor. Likewise, the matching hexagonal glass bridge pulls were a sturdy and popular option for cabinet or dresser drawers.
Art Deco style knobs in popular vintage colors
Glass knobs of the 1930s reflected an Art Deco influence, with a range of new shapes such as beehive, fluted, and square. While clear glass remained a popular choice, pale "depression green" became the color of the decade, followed by jet black and pink. With the introduction of space-age mid-century hardware styles in the 1950s, however, interest in glass hardware eventually waned and became a thing of the past for the next fifty years.
So Many Ways to Make Your Home Sparkle
Glass hardware has seen a resurgence in recent years, with an explosion in the number of styles, materials, and colors. From faithful reproductions of period classics to exciting new modernist designs, you will find beautiful looks for every room. With so many choices making a decision can be a challenge. Below are a few ways to narrow your search and find just the right knobs to transform your look.
Multifaceted crystal knobs add the ultimate note of elegance to cabinets and furniture
Glass Knobs
Whether round or square, octagon or oval, single knobs are the go-to type for virtually all applications. Offered in an exceptional range of sizes, colors, and metal finishes, they suit doors or drawers on most furniture and cabinetry.
Glass Handles
Not only are pulls easy to grip, but they also make quite a statement, adding even more sparkle and elegance to your cabinets. Typically installed horizontally on drawers, they can also be installed vertically on cabinet doors (otherwise pair with the matching glass knobs). If replacing existing pulls, be sure to note the center-to-center measurement of the screw holes.
Colored Glass Knobs & Pulls
Find every color of the rainbow in our colored glass hardware collection. From bold and saturated primary hues to subtle pastels, you can transform the look of your cabinets and furniture in an instant.
Genuine Lead Crystal Hardware
For the ultimate sparkle and clarity, choose genuine lead crystal knobs and pulls. Whether period replicas or fresh modern styles, they add a dash of elegance to any setting!
Lead-free Knobs & Pulls
Want sparkling clarity without the lead content? Our collection of European lead-free crystal knobs is the boldly beautiful alternative you've been searching for.
Pressed Glass Hardware
A time-honored look since the 1820s pressed glass is an affordable and period-authentic option. Most molded pieces are mounted with a through-bolt, which adds to their vintage charm. Choose from dozens of colors and shapes!
A Few Tips on Glass Hardware Sizing
Below are some suggestions for sizing and placement of glass knobs and pulls.
- Cabinet doors and drawers: use knob sizes from 1 ¼" to 1 ½" across.
- Dressers, wardrobes, and other larger items: use knobs 1 ½" across and larger.
- Pulls: if replacing existing pulls, be sure to note the center-to-center measurement of the screw holes. Most, but not all glass pulls, are 3" on center.
- Drawers wider than 18" typically require two knobs or pulls.
- On cabinet doors, knobs should be placed several inches above the bottom rail (for uppers) and below the top rail (for lowers). Avoid placing the knob squarely in the corner.
Glass Knob & Pull Mounting Options
Glass & crystal knobs set on a metal base are generally mounted from the rear with a machine screw.
Most of our pressed glass knobs (such as the classic hexagonal style) are mounted with a bolt that runs through both the knob and the drawer face and is secured with a nut on the back. Depending on the drawer/door thickness, the through-bolt may project into the door and need to be trimmed. See our video "Installing Glass Cabinet Knobs" for instructions on how to do this.
An alternative to the through bolt is a ferrule mount. The ferrule is identical to a through bolt from the face but is actually a hollow shaft, which receives the mounting bolt from the rear. Not only does the ferrule create a tighter fit, but it also eliminates the need to trim the bolt.
Watch our video on installing glass knobs and pulls with a through bolt
If you would like help selecting the best glass hardware for your project, our Hardware Specialists are here for you. Just call 888-223-2545.
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