5 Bail Pull Hardware Projects You Never Thought You'd Make

Bail pull hardware is a simple way to dress up any cabinet front, drawer or door. Did you know that bail pulls are also the perfect item to use in many other home improvement projects, as well? With a little bit of creativity and daring you can make totally unique furniture and decor items using bail pull hardware as your guide. Here are a few ideas we came up with, but feel free to experiment with your own creative venues.

Refinish an old cabinet, bureau, or drawer face- If you have a furniture item that has seen better days or could really use a face-lift, try this simple do-it-yourself project. Sand down the furniture item and coat it with shellac, varnish or paint. Apply one to two coats and let them dry overnight. Finish off this easy transformation with attractive antique bail pulls for each door, drawer or surface face. This can be done with dressers, wooden chests, or nearly any other furniture item. Not only will bail pulls dress up the furniture item, it will enhance the entire room or area in which it is located.

Give new life to a trash-bound box- An empty chocolate tin or wooden fruit crate might just make the ideal container for your favorite items. The exterior of the box can be finished as described above or left as is for an Andy Warhol flavor. The interior of the box should be lined with felt, fleece or some other soft material that can adequately cushion delicate cargo. Last but not least, finish off your new storage container with a beautiful antique bail pull. Smaller boxes can be used to hold jewelry or figurines and larger crates can store prized dishes, heirlooms and other fragile items.

Door jewelry- Bail pull hardware can make interesting and unique doorknockers for interior doors. This unusual addition to your home will make an exciting conversation topic as well as an everlasting impression on your friends and houseguests. Be expressive in your choice of bail pull; brass, bronze, and chrome will make attractive finishes and there are a number of striking designs available that are sure to illustrate your personality well.

Handles for carrying cases- Bail pulls make excellent handles carrying cases such as briefcases, computer cases, and game board such as chess or backgammon cases. Bail pull hardware is durable and made from solid, quality materials. This means that your bail pull handle will withstand pressure and weight better than average case handles. The choice of finish can further enhance the look of your carrying case and bail pull. Brass, for example, is classic and refined, and will give the impression that you are carrying something important (even if it's just a game board).

And for the truly avant-garde sewers...- Use your antique bail pull to make a purse or evening bag. There are several crochet or macrame patterns that can easily be used to make a lovely purse and bail pull hardware will make the most haute couture of handles. Dare to be different.