6 Creative Ways to Repurpose Door Knobs: Add Charm and Function to Your Space

When we think about home décor, we often forget the humble door knob. A small, often overlooked detail in our homes, door knobs are typically only given attention when we need to open or close a door.

However, these unassuming fixtures can have a second life as part of creative projects around the house.

Have you ever considered how a collection of old or unused door knobs could bring charm and function to your home in unexpected ways?

In this article, I’ll walk you through six innovative and fun ways to repurpose door knobs. Whether you’re looking to add a bit of whimsy to your home décor, create practical organizational solutions, or just give old hardware new life, these ideas will inspire you to reimagine the potential of door knobs.

I’ll share easy, step-by-step instructions, some examples to get the creative juices flowing, and tips on common mistakes to avoid so you can get the best results. So, let’s dive into these door knob hacks and start transforming your space!

1. Create Unique Coat and Hat Hooks

One of the easiest ways to repurpose old door knobs is by transforming them into stylish coat hooks. This is a simple and practical way to bring personality and functionality to your entryway or hallway.

How to Do It:

• Gather Your Materials: You’ll need door knobs, a wooden plank (or any sturdy base like a board or old shelf), screws, a drill, and some decorative paint (optional).
• Prepare the Base: Cut the wood to the desired length. You can paint or stain it if you want to give it a new look. The size of the board depends on how many knobs you plan to use—typically 3 to 6 knobs work well for most entryways.
• Position the Knobs: Lay the door knobs on the board and determine the spacing. I recommend about 6-8 inches between each knob for enough room to hang coats or bags.
• Drill Holes: Use a drill to create holes where the screws will go through to attach the knobs. Make sure the screws are long enough to secure the knobs to the board but not too long to go through the wood.
• Attach the Knobs: Secure the knobs to the board using screws. If your knobs came with a screw already attached, this process will be easier. Otherwise, use appropriate screws to fit the size of the knob.
• Hang It Up: Once the knobs are firmly attached, mount your new hook rack on the wall using wall anchors or screws. You can hang coats, hats, scarves, or even bags on this vintage-inspired coat rack.

This door knob project is a perfect way to add a personalized touch to your home’s entryway. Whether your door knobs are rustic, modern, or vintage, they’ll surely add some flair to your space.

2. Repurpose as a Towel Rack in the Bathroom

If you have several extra door knobs lying around, why not repurpose them as a stylish towel rack for your bathroom? This project is functional and adds a quirky, vintage touch to your bathroom décor.

How to Do It:

• Materials: You’ll need a long wooden board, door knobs, screws, wall anchors, and a drill.
• Choose Your Knobs: Select door knobs that complement your bathroom’s style. You could mix and match different designs for a more eclectic look or use identical knobs for a more uniform aesthetic.
• Prepare the Board: Cut the wood to your desired length based on how many towels you plan to hang. A longer board can accommodate more knobs, while a shorter one is ideal for a more minimalist approach.
• Mark the Knob Placement: Space the door knobs evenly along the length of the board. A good rule of thumb is to leave about 6 inches between each knob, ensuring enough space to hang towels comfortably.
• Drill Holes for Screws: Drill holes at the marks where you want to attach each door knob. If your door knobs come with pre-installed screws, simply align them with the holes and screw them in.
• Install the Rack: Once the knobs are secured, use screws or wall anchors to attach the board to the wall. It’s important to make sure it’s mounted securely to handle the weight of towels.

This unique towel rack will not only give your bathroom a vintage flair, but it will also make a practical addition. Imagine hanging your towels or robes from beautiful, decorative knobs!

3. Repurpose as a Jewelry Holder

Old door knobs can make the perfect base for a DIY jewelry holder, giving you a place to hang necklaces, bracelets, and even rings in a creative and stylish way. This project is especially useful if you have a collection of unique knobs that deserve to be showcased.

How to Do It:

• Materials Needed: A long wooden board, door knobs, screws, drill, and small hooks (optional).
• Choose Your Knobs: Pick out a few door knobs—if you have a matching set, you can use them together, or you can mix and match for a fun eclectic look.
• Prepare the Base: Cut the wooden board to your desired length, and paint or stain it to fit your décor. You can also add a backing of fabric or felt for added texture and a softer look.
• Position the Knobs: Lay out the knobs on the board and decide where you’d like to place them. Make sure to leave enough space between each knob for your jewelry to hang freely.
• Drill Holes and Attach Knobs: Mark where you’ll drill the holes for the screws, and attach the knobs with screws. You may also want to install small hooks underneath the knobs to hold smaller jewelry pieces like rings or earrings.
• Mount the Board: Use screws or wall anchors to hang your new jewelry holder on the wall. Arrange your jewelry by hanging necklaces, bracelets, and even rings to showcase your collection in a creative and practical way.

This idea not only saves space but turns your door knobs into a functional art piece that doubles as storage. Your friends will be impressed by your unique and thoughtful design.

4. Create a Vintage Drawer Pull

Door knobs are a great alternative to traditional drawer pulls, offering a more vintage or bohemian flair to any furniture piece. This is a particularly fun project if you want to give an old dresser or cabinet a makeover.

How to Do It:

• Materials: Old door knobs, screwdriver, drill, and new screws (if needed).
• Select the Right Knobs: Choose door knobs that complement the piece of furniture you’re working on. You can go with a classic brass finish, or opt for something more unique like glass or ceramic knobs.
• Prepare the Drawer: If you’re replacing old pulls, you’ll likely need to remove the old hardware first. Measure the space between the holes for the existing pull to determine whether your new door knobs will fit. You may need to drill new holes if the spacing is different.
• Install the Knobs: Using the screws that came with the door knobs, attach them to the drawer fronts. Make sure to tighten the screws securely to avoid any wobbling.
• Admire Your New Look: Once the knobs are installed, your drawers will have an entirely new, charming look. These unique knobs will add character to your furniture and provide a fun touch to any room.

This simple upgrade will transform your furniture into a statement piece without the need for a complete renovation.

5. Repurpose as Decorative Wall Art

If you have a collection of old or mismatched door knobs, you can use them to create a one-of-a-kind piece of wall art. This project is an excellent way to showcase the beauty of your door knobs while adding a creative focal point to your room.

How to Do It:

• Materials Needed: A large wooden board or canvas, door knobs, screws, drill, and paint (optional).
• Design Your Piece: Lay out the door knobs in a pattern on the board. You can arrange them in a simple row, create a circular pattern, or get even more creative with an abstract design.
• Mount the Knobs: Once you’re happy with the arrangement, use screws to secure the door knobs to the board or canvas. Depending on the design, you may need to adjust the screw placement.
• Add Final Touches: You can paint the background of the board to contrast with the knobs or leave it as is for a more rustic look. The knobs themselves can be cleaned or painted to fit your aesthetic.
• Hang It Up: Once your wall art is complete, hang it on your wall and enjoy your new decorative piece. This is an eye-catching way to repurpose door knobs and add a touch of character to any space.

6. Create a Door Knob Vase Stand

Another clever way to repurpose door knobs is by creating a small vase stand. This idea can be especially charming for vintage or uniquely shaped knobs, giving you a chance to create a conversation starter for your coffee table or dining room.

How to Do It:

• Materials: A strong, flat base (wooden board or thick piece of scrap metal), door knobs, glue or screws, and a small glass vase.
• Choose Your Knobs: Pick out a couple of your favorite door knobs—make sure they’re sturdy enough to support the weight of the vase.
• Mount the Knobs: Use glue or screws to secure the door knobs onto the base in a way that they stand upright.
• Place the Vase: Once the knobs are attached, place a small glass vase on top. You can add fresh flowers, dried flowers, or even succulents for a natural touch.

This quirky project combines function with beauty, giving you a great way to display flowers or plants in your home.

Table: Quick Comparison of Door Knob Repurposing Projects

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing Incompatible Knobs: Not all door knobs are made for the weight or function you plan for them. Ensure that the knobs you select can support what you’re planning to hang or display.
2. Incorrect Screw Length: When attaching knobs to surfaces, make sure to use screws that are the right length. Too short, and they won’t secure the knobs properly; too long, and they may poke through the wood.
3. Ignoring Wall Anchors: When mounting something heavy (like a towel rack or coat hooks), using wall anchors is crucial to avoid accidents. They ensure your hooks stay securely fastened.

Conclusion

Repurposing old door knobs is an easy and creative way to add personality and function to your home. Whether you’re turning them into a coat rack, a jewelry holder, or an art piece, door knobs can have a second life as both practical and decorative items.

So, the next time you have a collection of old knobs lying around, consider giving them a new purpose rather than discarding them. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to spruce up your living space and embrace your creativity.