Adding hardware to customize furniture
April 08, 2013
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Adding these handles with a spot for labels added a custom touch!
I shared our new Everett sofa table about a month ago:
I still love it. I need to fix the one drawer still, but more pressing matters were at hand -- the hardware. :) It didn’t really need anything more, but I wanted a little something more. I knew the right handles on the drawers would finish off the piece just beautifully.
I actually got some hardware at Lowe’s the other day, but then I was shopping at Target and saw these:
Hallloooo (said in my best Franck voice) – they were PERFECT.
These were the exact same finish as the other handles I had picked out, but much more interesting.
So here’s where I throw in a little DIY and one of my favorite tools. I think I’ve covered this before on the blog, but I’m like 900 posts in now so forgive me if I am repeating.
If you are ever, ever EVAH going to need to install hardware, I beg of you to pick up this little gadget:
I’ve seen them in different colors and sizes but they all do the same thing. ROCK.
Seriously, why didn't I think of this??
You take your hardware and hold it up to see the spacing of the holes, like in the pic above.
Then you figure out the middle of the drawer (both width and height!) – mine was just over 26 inches so I went 13 inches and a smidge:
I used a pencil to mark where center was. Do this. You’ll thank me. (If you don’t you’ll remeasure at least five times because it moved.)
Then figure out where you want it to be height wise. I like to measure the height of the drawer and then kind of eyeball where I want the handle to go:
Then mark the holes where you want them. Sometimes you need to move the guide around up a little bit – the holes aren’t always right where you need them to be height-wise.
Then double and triple check that they match up:
Even though I used the guide this one was off a bit so I adjusted.
Now it’s time to drill. And sweat. Hold your breath a little:
This is why you triple check. :)
I like to start with a smaller drill bit for the initial hole and then use a larger one to open it up a little bit more for the screw. No reason really, it’s just the way I do.
Then you just take your screws (most of the time they will give you two different lengths – keep the ones you don’t use!) through the back and screw them in to the hardware on the front:
You can now stop sweating. Well, if you're holes are even you can. ;)
I made some labels on the computer with a cute font:
And I realllly love how they look:
Yes. He is always sitting there.
Many of you asked about the corks – I just put a big chunky candle inside a glass holder and filled around it with wine corks. I’ve had them for years and I love how they look. And when I open a new bottle I just toss a new one in there. ;) The round mats are our IKEA placemats.
That trunk was from a Joss and Main sale and then a few weeks later I found them for half the price at TJ Maxx. :/ The Bub’s kitchen stuff that he likes to “serve” us on is in there.
I kind of just put stuff on the sofa table when I got it in place, but I actually like it and don’t know if I’ll change much. The games are still there:
I think I could do a whole post on these – hide them or not? I prefer to have them out now. Easier access and I’m just one who loves things to function, sometimes that’s more important to me than form. ;)
And one day I will look back and miss having them around, I’m sure. So for now they stay out.
Here’s a full shot – I think the hardware is the perfect finishing touch!:
And here’s the before and after – with and without the handles:
Now you can actually see that those are drawers – I love that extra little detail. :)
Sometimes it truly is the little things that make a difference. Love it!
Have you made a little change you loved lately? Have you used the hardware gadget I showed?
absolutely love it!! I think my favorite part is the games. Leaving them out just brings a more homey, natural feel to the area. I love that you left them out. Everything looks so pretty and put together! And the handles are just perfect. You did a really good job!
ReplyDelete-april
I love those handles! Great choice.
ReplyDeleteSarah
I really like this. It's amazing what little things can do to spice up something ordinary. I also love that you used a Franck voice....I was totally saying it that way in my head :)
ReplyDeleteThose are beautiful! The perfect choice! I might have to go grab a few myself while Target still carries them.
ReplyDeleteWhat did I do? What did I do? I went to a Leonard Cohen concert and had a great time. But then I came home and just geeked out about how wonderful it was - we actually made the 5.5 hour drive to Louisville and stayed. Another lovely town. So what did I do? I found a bag of chips from a local Mexican restaurant I brought to my room and put on my desk had left grease marks all over my half-finished paint job. (Annie Sloan) Yay me! I'm so smart!
I ordered the Heritage Mason jars from Amazon and they're adorable. Does that count? I received the set of little boxwood wreaths from Decor Steals. Still in the box. But last night I ordered the little clear command hooks to hang them. Does that count?
Oh! I took off my showerhead and removed the little plastic green thing. I know, bad Tammi. But ever since we bought this house last year the wimpy showers just did not set right with me. And we paid $$$$ to have all oil rubbed bronze plumbing, so I am NOT buying a $$$ shower head to replace a brand new one. Now when I turn on the water it slams me into the back wall. Well, almost. :) Since I used a screwdriver to take it out the green plastic piece has a big hole in it. I think I'll put it back in and see if I get a happy compromise between wimpy and fire hose.
I have a wimpy shower and I'll give this a try! Little green thingy inside the head... mmmm.
DeleteYours may not be green, but it's a plastic piece with an o-ring holding it in place.
Deletethey are prefect! I am currently on the hunt for drawer handles too for my craft room re-do and these will be perfect as well! Thank you for sharing these!
ReplyDeleteThe handles look great. I really love that table, too. I can't believe your living room transformation the past year. It looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a handy tool. Love the handles, and your dog is totally adorable!
ReplyDeleteThe drawer pulls are perfect and they definitely give the piece the perfect finishing touch. I love this idea. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteP. S. Since I have changed the name from Table Top Tuesday to Inspire Me Tuesday, I hope you will link this up this evening. Perfect. Plus I am definitely going to steal the cork idea.
ReplyDeleteNicely done!! Yes, leave the games out -- it's real life, baby. :)
ReplyDeletexo Heidi
I live for Detail!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how something so small can make a big difference. Love it!
ReplyDeleteWhat a difference those handles make. They are the perfect finishing touch. And I'm always about function over form! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteTalk about perfect timing! We are getting new kitchen cabinets next week! I haven't bought knobs and pulls yet and these definitely need to go at least on the built in hutch...thanks so much for sharing! Heading to Target.com right now. :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! I think it makes such a big difference :)
ReplyDeleteI love it! A small detail with a huge impact. And I say keep the games out for sure.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got some napping in :)
Jenny
www.simcoestreet.blogspot.ca
Looks as if it came that way. Perfect match!!
ReplyDeleteLooks totally FAB! LOVE! I saw those handles at Target the other day, too and stopped in my tracks! I almost bought them for my son's dresser but then stopped because I decided they were too small. I'm still thinking about them and where they might go in my house and there you go bringing them to my attention again! Hmmm....now I really have to find a place for them!! :)
ReplyDeleteThe handles really add that certain something to an already beautiful piece. I have NEVER been to the hardware department in Target...I have to slow down!!
ReplyDeleteXO,
Jane
The perfect detail to give it a custom look! I just found the hardware thingy last summer, oh my gosh, I love that thing!! I thought your dog was sitting on the table, at first. :)
ReplyDeleteWhere is your lamp plugged into? I know you hate cords, so I'm having a hard time imagining the lamp cord running across the floor to a wall outlet!
ReplyDeleteOh, that looks GREAT! I wouldn't have thought that it needed a little something extra, but WOW, does it make a difference! (I, too, love the hardware section of Target. Sigh.)
ReplyDeleteLOVE those handles! Did you also see all the other new stuff at Target? I did some meandering today at Super Target and I saw so many new goodies. :D
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful addition!! I love that extra touch! :)
ReplyDeleteIsn't it amazing that something we think is so small (those handles) makes all the difference in the world? They are gorgous, and just finish the table off so nicely. Good job!
ReplyDeleteSo funny, I totally almost bought those on Saturday - but I have no where for them. They are gorgeous!! I love little details!
ReplyDeleteThe hardware is a great touch. And I need that little gadget!
ReplyDeleteThe new handles look great; they really finish the piece! Do you know the name of the handle-measuring gadget? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI looked for the measuring gadget when I was replacing our kitchen hardware last year and couldn't find it. Just last week, I was in Lowe's, I think, and saw it there. It was right beside the hardware, but not the easiest thing to find. I am tempted to pick one up, even if I don't have a need for it anytime soon. i am sure someone I know may need it!
ReplyDeleteI love those handles and just may have to find a place for them (causing me to need that handy measuring gadget!).
Yes, what is the name of the hardware measure gadget? Love the table!
ReplyDeleteI think it makes a difference! Gives the table some "bling"!
ReplyDeleteYour new table and hardware look cute! I don't think my Target sells hardware anymore -- and I actually used to shop that aisle!
ReplyDeleteSarah, enjoy the time the little guy is always there, looking out the windows protecting the house...I miss mine! =*(
ReplyDeleteThe handles make the table look "finished" they look amazing! I also love all those games down under, but I have no-one to play them with me...
ReplyDeleteLove your style.. Funny, I was just at Tarjee yesterday checking out their new line.. Threshold...reserving judgment.. but I took a shortcut through an isle and saw the most perfect ceramic light switch covers for my guest room.. WHO'D A THOUGHT!! LOL.. LOVE.. it is the little things .. and leave those games out.. soooo much easier and I love a place that looks like people actually live there!!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen those handles at Target, will definitely be checking them out next time I'm there, which is most every day. ~sigh~
ReplyDeleteI love that your nails match the plastic drawer guide thingy. That was planned, right? ;)
Love the sofa table! You are so handy with the drill! : )
ReplyDeleteKayla
www.lovelucygirl.com
Thanks for the tip on the gadget, I haven't seen it before, but I definitely need to get one. The table looks great. Naps always end up as the higher priority around here. Good for you.
ReplyDeleteThat table is eyecatching on its own, but I really like the new handles on those drawers. It really does bring attention to the usefulness of the table, great work Sarah!
ReplyDeleteYou have really done a very nice job.You have neatly created a very wonderful label.
ReplyDeleteDo you know off hand what brand the handles are or what they were called? I tried looking online because we don't have a Target nearby and I didnt see them. Love them!! Thanks
ReplyDeleteOh mylanta.....love the table with the handles!!! The placement of stuff...and the games....LOVE! Helloooo real people with lives!! Love you site and all you do.
ReplyDeleteKelly
So lovely! I love the balance and color. The room and that table decor show your design aesthetic perfectly yet are so user friendly for the children. Great job!!!
ReplyDelete