Here’s how to replace knobs on a fabric lined jewelry box – you might think they’re inaccessible, because the screws are usually hidden behind the fabric or velvet lining, but here’s how we did it! And let me just say that I never grow weary of the two-minute makeover. I don’t always want to spray paint or stencil something. Some things are sentimental. Some things were expensive gifts. Some things look pretty good, as-is. But some things have pulls that look like stripper tassels. And some of these things have been waiting 10 years for a mini-makeover until, one day, when a knob actually falls off, and I decide to make a quick change.
Where Did I Get My Jewelry Armoire?
My grandma bought me this little armoire, which houses my jewelry, scarves, spare pairs of glasses, etc. I absolutely love it because the doors swing open and inside it has a million different compartments and mini drawers for storage. But I will say that, as the years passed, I haven’t loved the finish I chose (there was oak, white and this cherry and, at the time, the cherry worked in my childhood bedroom but every day I kick myself for not choosing the white). However, I think it would be too complicated to strip and re-finish it, as the wood is the same inside as well. I wish I had chosen white (like this one, which also has more mid-century vibes).
Another thing I didn’t love was the knobs, but I didn’t want to risk ruining the armoire by replacing them. With one knob broken, I finally had the courage!!
Supplies:
Our “tools”: pocket knife and itty bitty screw driver.
The jewelry box is fabric lined, so we could not access the back of the knobs. We just made a teeny slit in the felt lining to access the screws (hence the pocket knife, but an exact-o knife would do the trick),. After installing the new hardware, the fabric gets sandwiched in there so nobody can tell and this causes no damage:
With the fabric problem dealt with, switching the knobs was easy!
Here’s the before. Gosh, it looks sad missing it’s one little knob like that!
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| An old photo, before I tweaked the paintings |
A little side-by-side comparison:
And the after.
I love the new knobs! They suit the square shape of the jewelry armoire and there’s even a hint of reddisness in the metal tone.
I also like how the knobs better suit the existing hinges than the original gold pulls:
I love a good knob story (gosh, I hope that doesn’t mean something dirty). I am actually a compulsive knob changer: we changed every interior doorknob from brass to silver (except one in the basement, but it’s on the chopping block), plus the exterior door, kitchen cupboards, half bath vanity and my filing cabinet all got a knob makeover! It’s the easiest way to change the look of furniture and interior doors, without a major project.
I love Lee Valley! What a cute little armoire.
Almost overwhelming, though, right? Too many knob options!
The new knobs completely updates the whole look 🙂 Lee Valley is wonderful, but you're right about it being overwhelming–too many great choices!
Thanks! I'm glad I'm not the only one a little overwhelmed, but it is really nice to walk into a store (or open up the catalog) knowing something will definitely work. The Hubs and I do too much "questing" – searching and searching for the "right" whatever.
It's amazing what a difference new knobs can make – they completely change the look of the piece. Nice job! And don't you love it when there's no staining/painting involved?
Thanks! And YES! Staining or painting this, with the glued on felt lining and 1,000,000 compartments would have driven me crazy ;P
It's amazing what a difference the new knobs make… No comparison!
This is a great update and I much prefer the look of your new knobs. LV is a great store. I'm absolutely smitten with the idea of tons of interior compartments (I was secretly hoping we'd get a better look!). Do you know where your grandma bought you this armoire?
If you want to see the interior, do I have something for you: a video demonstrating the fancy features (mine's not as tidy – or FULL – as the demo): http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.H80097.desc.Gold-Silver-Safekeeper-AntiTarnish-Jewelry-Armoire-by-LoriI'm glad you asked, I didn't think folks would want a peak! Mine was bought at QVC. I wish I'd picked white, but I was so into cherry stain 10 years ago . . . It wasn't cheap (thank you grandma) but it actually keeps jewellery from tarnishing, plus it keeps chains from tangling and earrings from getting lost. A good investment piece!
Thank you! I watched the video in rapt fascination. I'm a little obsessed with anything storage-related. I love the slide-out earring stands. It's a little smaller than I expected but a great piece nonetheless. For now I'm using a low-key jewellery storage – fish tackle trays from a home hardware store, but obviously it's not tarnish-free. Anyways, I've pinned this and maybe once we own a home I'll invest!
Those QVC videos can be pretty awesome. Glad you like it (even if it's smaller than you thought). With all the compartments, it really is smart storage, although I love your fish tackle trays! I use something from the hardware store for many of my craft supplies (I think it's meant for fishing or maybe screws and stuff?). If you get a white one, I'll be jealous. I wanted white but at the time I had that cheery stain going on in my room and never thought I'd tire of it. Now it's the only cherry remnant, but it is a little blast from past so I guess it's okay. But white would have been the better choice . . .
Gotta love a 2-minute makeover! Nice job.
Ooh, I love the concept of this little armoire! I kind of want one now, partially because I can almost envision it actually fitting in our bedroom. Love the new knobs!
It's so fabulous for storing accessories in a tidy way! Mine's no where near full, but it makes getting dressed so easy. It is definitely pricey, but 10 years later I still heart mine. Here is some more info, just FYI: http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/view.2/app.detail/params.item.H80097.desc.Gold-Silver-Safekeeper-AntiTarnish-Jewelry-Armoire-by-Lori
LOL compulsive knob-changer sounds like next weeks episode of something on TLC…It was a quick change but made a heck of a difference.
Ha ha! It should be a series. Maybe I should contact TLC . . .
I love Lee Valley, too! t can be overwhelming with all of the cool stuff to look at. 🙂 Anyway, I love your little update! Quick and easy but it changes the look of your armoire so much.
Thanks!
Love the new pulls. I agree that the larger size on the bottom two drawers works well.