Door Knockers

Does your door need a knocker? If you already have a door bell, door knockers can be redundant, but most people want them for looks rather than function, so it's really a matter of taste. Knockers are typically metal for durability, but this can range from the most common brass fixture to iron, pewter and stainless steel.

You really won't be able to tell how different knockers will sound until installed on your door, but consider the composition of the door. Most houses have hollow metal doors, and a large plate with a huge knocker will make booming echoes if struck. If you have a solid wood door, this is less of an issue.

What Should They Look Like?

You can find knockers to complement any decor. If your home is a mini-mansion, you can safely go for the baronial look. A lion's head holding the brass ring, or a griffin, for example, would not look out of place.

On the other hand, if you live in a Colonial era farmhouse, a large lion's head will look ridiculous. Go for a simple ring.

Most knockers give your door an elegant and fashionable look. Initially during the Elizabethan period, knockers were made from heavy cast iron handles, but today they're made from a variety of metallic alloys and are available in many colors and sizes. You can go for an antique knocker, or select a personalized knocker - to suit the style of your home.

Virtually all knockers are made of two parts: A plate fixed to the door; and a hinged piece, usually a hanging ring attached to the plate through a hinge, the loop and the plate are made from metal.

Visitors wanting to alert the people in the house have to strike the hanging ring against the plate, or against the door. This plate is called the strike plate and comes as part of the knocker, if there is one.

Door knocker types and styles

These knockers are often decorative though they serve the same purpose as a door bell. Knockers can be made to any shape and size. You can find them shaped into animals, plain rings, or any shape that indicates a personal connection to you.

There are different metals used for knockers, most common among them being brass, iron, rust copper, chrome, bronze, pewter and steel. Popular styles are lions head, pineapple, eagle, cowboy/rope, and horse head knockers.

Choose knockers that are solid. Brass knockers are the most popular. They can have a bright finish or brushed finish. The choice should be determined by the look and feel of the house, as seen from the curb.

Door knockers should be installed at the middle of the door (from left to right) and must be positioned one-third of the way down from the top of the door. Fasteners holding the door knockers must be rust proof and of good quality.

Knockers made out of brass have a classic look and are available in both polished and antique finish. Earlier brass knockers were used because they were supposed to bring good luck. These were meant to reflect the homeowner’s personal style.

Knockers made from brass produce a loud noise when struck against the door. Brass is weather resistant and non-corrosive. They are typically priced according to their size and the craftsmanship involved.

Antique door knockers

These give the front door a classic and elegant look while evoking the traditions of by-gone eras. Antique knockers have become a popular trend in recent years.

The Victorian or rustic looking knockers make a style statement right at your front door. The shape, design and finish of the door knocker can be made to suit your individual requirements.

These door knockers are available in numerous shapes like fruits, animal faces, geometric designs, vertical designs, flowers, and more. They are extremely ornate, art work if you will, done in an elaborate manner. A variety of styles include:

A lion’s head holding a ring – this is the most popular style of antique knocker.

Traditional knocker

Rope knocker

Colonial knocker

Horse shoe knocker

Dragon head knocker

Ring door knocker

Column head knocker

Cast iron knockers are a class of their own - stylish, as well as durable (and my personal favorite). These are available in all the same sizes, styles and shapes as was mentioned above.

Cast iron knockers are also referred to as gray cast iron. They belong to the set of iron-based alloys that have more than 2% carbon content in them. They provide an elegant and traditional look to the entrance of any house.

Cast iron knockers are powder coated so that they acquire a black sheen. Black and rust colors are the most popular among them. These are given a unique finish so as to withstand corrosion and also look good.

Engraved or Personalized knockers

These are special because they usually display elaborate craftsmanship. They can be engraved in different styles. People can choose the area on the knocker where details have to be engraved and they can also choose the font of the engraving.

You can personalize your knocker with any symbol which is recognized to relate to you. Knockers can also be used to display the family name, an individual’s name, initials or business name.

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