The Tradition of the Door Knocker

The Tradition of The Door Knocker

The front door is the most important exterior feature of the home. It enlightens visitors about what to expect inside by setting the tone. Before there were door bells door knockers were prominent displayed on the outside of the front door. Though there were very functional in use, they were used so others could easily notify inhabitants a guest had arrived, they also became very ornamental in style.

Regal Lion Door Knocker

Doctor’s door knockers are among the most popular types made famous many years ago and still popular today. These knockers were often oil rubbed or bronze in appearance and could be found on a wide variety of front doors.

Traditional Doctor Door Knocker

As hardware styles grew more ornamental the same was true of door knockers because the it became necessary for the exterior to match the interior in many ways. Many door knockers featured themes such as animal ornamentations or beautiful, elegant styling very specific to the times.

Fleur De Lis Door Knocker

Many people still choose to use door knockers when restoring their homes today because it adds a certain charm to the exterior while maintaining a traditional appearance. Because the door knocker needed to get the attention of those inside the house to alert them a visitor had arrived, it often needed to be a heavier object. Many of the homes sporting door knockers were larger in size and it required a strong knock in order to ensure it could be heard throughout the entire house. That is one of the reasons why they were constructed of heavier materials such as polished or antique brass, polished chrome, satin Nichol and oil rubbed bronze. Another reason door knockers and other hardware required these materials for construction was what the hardware represented.

Ancient Lion Knocker

Door hardware provided home owners a great way to enhance an existing theme or pattern around the home and since the front door is the first door people will see upon entering the home, what better way to set it off than to use a door knocker. This is why door knockers were both functional and decorative. They served a specific purpose while adding character and charm to many homes, giving them that inviting quality that made people wonder just what was inside.

Angel Cherub Door Knocker

While door knockers aren’t as widely used today, they are still quite popular in many older or traditional homes. They are easy to find when it comes time to renovate a home and are still available in many period styles.

Check with LookInTheAttic & Company for a wide variety of door knockers in solid brass, bronze, iron and more. Online at www.LookInTheAttic.com.