Replace Boring Cabinet Knobs: Try This Clever Pool Ball DIY

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Most of the time, cabinet pulls are just round, simple knobs that don't add much to the furniture. If you're looking for a way to update drawer and door hardware in your home, there's an easy trick to bring more personality and color to your boring cabinets. Pool balls are surprisingly great as pulls for cabinet doors or drawers, allowing you to replace your boring handles with a whimsical, fun alternative. On YouTube, ShortstopOnPool posted a video showing how easy it is to transform pool balls into cabinet hardware. For this project, all you'll need is a drill, strong glue, and furniture fastening screws with inserts.

While you can find homemade pool ball knobs for sale online, making your own is a much simpler and cost-effective option. Consider repurposing old billiards balls from your pool table, or check thrift stores for the colorful, round game pieces. Standard pool balls will likely be a little larger than your typical knob. If you find them a bit too big, look for a miniature billiards set with smaller balls that better fit your drawers and cabinets. To make the knobs, Amazon has a pack of 28 SGTBQLL furniture fastener screws for about $13, each. Otherwise, repurpose long screws and threaded bolts.

Pool balls might not scream stylish cabinet hardware. However, this functional decor is a fantastically fun game room idea and could also make a workshop area look more playful. Alternatively, billiard ball cabinet knobs would be an adorable upgrade for a children's dresser.

To make this DIY, you'll first need to drill a hole in each of the pool balls that is wide enough to fit the threaded insert for your furniture screw. Make the hole the same depth as the length of your bolt. While the DIYer holds the pool ball by hand during drilling, it may be safer to secure the ball in a clamp or grip.

The drilling process will create a lot of dust, so wipe off your billiard balls before attaching the cabinet knob hardware. The DIYer pours a little glue into the opening, then pushes the threaded insert into the ball. In some cases, you may simply be able to wedge the bolt into place. Now, the screw can be screwed into the pool ball. Hold the billiard ball on the outside of the cabinet door or drawer, and insert the screw from the other side of your storage to affix your DIY knobs.

No matter what, pool balls won't look like you sourced them from where an interior designer buys cute cabinet hardware. Even if you don't like the look of pool balls for drawer handles, billiard balls could provide a round base for personalized drawer pulls. Paint the balls a fun color or add a custom design to the face to upgrade your boring cabinets with fun knobs. Otherwise, consider painting them silver, black, or another chic color to match your furniture.