Ask Joshua: Love the Credenza but Hate the Hardware? Here’s What to Do

Hi Joshua,

I had been searching for a new credenza for months, and I finally found one that closely matches what I had in mind for my home. The only problem is that I really dislike the hardware. The finish doesn’t complement my style or the other finishes in the room.

Can I replace the hardware on a credenza, and what should I consider when choosing new hardware? I would love to make this piece work in my home, but I’m unsure where to begin.

Please advise.

Thank you,

Jenny - Salt Lake City, Utah

California casual beach house foyer featuring a teal credenza with brass hardware, designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co.

Hi Jenny,

Finding a credenza that has the right size, style, finish, and storage for your home can be challenging, so I wouldn’t let hardware you dislike stop you from purchasing an otherwise perfect piece. In most cases, replacing the hardware on a credenza is a relatively simple and affordable way to give it a more customized look.

Before ordering new hardware, however, there are a few details you should consider.

Measure the Existing Hardware

If the credenza has knobs, replacing them is usually easy because each knob typically requires only one screw hole. You can remove the existing knob and replace it with another one of a similar size.

For pulls or handles with two screws, measure the distance from the center of one screw hole to the center of the other. This is known as the center-to-center measurement. Choosing new hardware with the same measurement allows you to use the existing holes without drilling new ones or filling the old ones.

You should also check the thickness of the doors and drawer fronts to make sure the screws included with the new hardware are the correct length.

Choose Hardware That Complements the Credenza

Look at the credenza’s overall style, color, and proportions when selecting new hardware. A sleek metal pull can give a traditional piece a more modern look, while hardware with more detail can add character to a simple credenza.

Scale is important, too. Hardware that is too small may disappear against a large credenza, while oversized hardware can overpower the piece. Try to choose something that feels proportional to the doors and drawers.

Don’t Worry About Matching Every Metal Finish

The new hardware does not necessarily need to match every metal finish in the room. Mixing finishes can make a space feel more thoughtfully designed, as long as the combination looks intentional.

For example, you could use brass hardware on the credenza even if the room also has black metal lighting or chrome accents. Consider repeating the new finish somewhere else in the room through a lamp, decorative object, picture frame, or other small detail to help everything feel connected.

What If the New Hardware Doesn’t Fit the Existing Holes?

If you fall in love with hardware that has different screw spacing, the holes may need to be filled and new ones drilled. This is easiest when the credenza is painted because the filled holes can be sanded and touched up.

It can be more difficult with stained or natural wood because matching the original finish may require professional help. Unless you are comfortable modifying the piece, I recommend choosing replacement hardware that fits the existing holes.

The photorealistic 3D rendering above shows a sideboard I selected for one of my virtual interior design projects. The piece was the right size and style for the room, but its original hardware didn’t complement the overall design. By changing the hardware, I was able to give the sideboard a more customized look and make it work beautifully within the space.

When you find a credenza that meets your most important needs, don’t dismiss it because of hardware that can be changed. With the right measurements and a thoughtfully selected finish and style, new hardware can completely transform the piece and make it feel much more appropriate for your home.

Warmly,

Joshua

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.