Timber handles and wooden knobs are one of the most versatile and beautiful hardware choices for painted furniture. They bring warmth, texture and a natural, handcrafted quality that suits coastal, farmhouse, Japandi and contemporary Australian interiors beautifully.
This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right timber handles for your next furniture makeover — from style and finish through to sizing, pairing with paint colours and caring for your hardware long-term.
Why Timber Handles Work So Well on Painted Furniture
Timber handles have a warmth and tactile quality that metal hardware simply cannot replicate. They soften the look of a painted piece, add natural texture and create a considered, artisan feel that suits the relaxed Australian coastal aesthetic beautifully.
They also work across a wide range of interior styles — from raw, natural timber knobs on a farmhouse dresser to smooth, turned wooden handles on a contemporary coastal sideboard. Browse our full timber handles and wooden knobs collection to explore the range.
Choosing the Right Style
Turned wooden knobs — classic, rounded knobs that suit dressers, bedside tables, cabinets and drawers. They work beautifully on smaller pieces and add a handcrafted, artisan quality to any painted furniture.
Carved wooden knobs — knobs with carved detail or texture that add visual interest and a boutique feel. Perfect for coastal, boho and eclectic interiors.
Timber bar handles — longer handles that suit larger drawers, cabinet doors and sideboards. They give a more contemporary, considered look while still bringing the warmth of natural timber.
Choosing the Right Size
For knobs, size is straightforward — choose a diameter that feels proportionate to the drawer or door. Smaller knobs (30–40mm) suit bedside tables and small drawers. Larger knobs (50–60mm) suit bigger drawers and cabinet doors.
For bar handles, always measure the hole centre distance — the distance between the two screw holes. Common sizes are 64mm, 96mm, 128mm and 160mm. Measure your existing holes before ordering, or decide on your handle size first and drill accordingly.
Not sure which size suits your piece? Get in touch and we will help you choose.
Pairing Timber Handles With Mineral Paint
Timber handles pair beautifully with almost every colour in our artisan mineral paint range. Here are some of our favourite combinations:
- Natural Linen or Canvas — warm timber on sandy neutrals for a relaxed, coastal farmhouse look
- Cotton or Ghost Gum — natural timber on soft white for a clean, Hamptons-inspired finish
- Eucalypt or Gumleaf — timber on earthy green for a nature-inspired, botanical look
- Stringybark or Acacia — warm timber tones on warm earthy paint for a cohesive, grounded feel
- Highlands or Hunter — natural timber against deep green for a sophisticated, considered contrast
Caring for Timber Handles
Timber handles are easy to care for with a few simple habits. Wipe down with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust and fingerprints. Avoid soaking the timber in water or using harsh chemical cleaners. For unfinished or raw timber handles, a light application of timber oil or beeswax once or twice a year will keep the wood nourished and looking beautiful.
Installation Tips
Installing timber handles follows the same process as any drawer hardware. Measure carefully, mark your hole positions, apply masking tape before drilling to protect your painted surface, drill slowly and tighten screws firmly but gently. For knobs, use a washer between the screw head and the timber to distribute pressure and avoid cracking.
Complete Your Furniture Makeover
Browse our full timber handles and wooden knobs collection, explore our artisan mineral paint range and browse our full handles and knobs collection including brass, marble and rattan options.
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