In all kinds of fashion - including that for the home - everything old always becomes new again, so it's no surprise antique furnishings of all kinds have become extremely popular in interior decorating, right down to the knobs of your cabinets.
Eclectic, traditional and modern homes can all benefit from antique touches here and there, but the right antique cabinet hardware choice really does rely heavily on the existing décor of your home. Traditionally styled cabinets can support more ornate antique flair (such as a decorative cast-iron hardware set), while sleeker modern cabinets stand up well against the lines of Art Deco accessories.
Should your home already have antique cabinets, antique copper, polished chrome and sterling, brushed or polished brass, nickel, and aged bronze all complement older cabinet styles. Because antiques can be hard to find in multiples, consider mixing and matching several knob or handle styles, too, to play off each other and add an unusual design element.
It's important to note that true antique hardware can be both hard to find and expensive; many antique hardware sellers scout out the highest quality antiques they can find (usually, too, from many sources), and this generally shows up on the price tag. So, when you're considering antique hardware, you may want to look into reproductions; these are typically much more affordably priced - but they offer the same unique antique vibe.