Nowadays, door knockers are more decorative than functional. These are designed to alert the occupant of a house that there is a visitor outside their front door. However, with the invention of the electric doorbell, door knockers started to become more of a front door ornament than a functional piece of hardware.

The first door knocker was a simple large ring attached to entrance doors, dating back to ancient Greece. Over the years, door knockers started to boast more elaborate styles and detailed designs, often relating to local traditions, superstitions and patterns, such as the Lion’s Head Door Knocker which continues to be present on the iconic black door of 10 Downing Street.

Doorknockers quickly became a fashionable addition to entrance doors, adorning most homes around the country. With countless styles, designs and finishes to choose from, how do you pick the perfect door knocker for your home?

By style.

It is important to consider the architectural style of the property and its surroundings – do you live in an English cottage? Do you live by the sea? Do you live in a period house? Are you living in a modern flat in a busy city? The style of your property and the setting surrounding your home might be something to consider when choosing the right knocker.

If you have a period property, you might want to opt for a traditional door knocker. Maybe you have a more modern house, you may want to branch out and choose a more unique knocker. If you live by the sea, you might want to choose a door knocker with a nautical design.

By design.

As ornamental pieces of hardware, the design of the door knocker is one of the most important features to consider. There are thousands of different styles of door knockers, from simple and elegant traditional door knockers to sleek modern door knockers.

Traditional knockers, such as 196mm Polished Brass Urn Door Knocker and From the Anvil Polished Chrome Doctors Door Knocker, are perfect for traditional-style properties whilst modern knockers, such as PVD Satin Black 316 Stainless Steel Ring Door Knocker and Marine Grade 316 Satin Stainless Steel Door Knocker are better suited for contemporary properties.

By finish.

From brass door knockers to chrome door knockers, knockers are available in a plethora of finishes to suit various aesthetic requirements. Certain finishes will also suit different types of properties. Antique brass finishes, black finishes and pewter finishes, such as From the Anvil Pewter Ring Door Knocker and From the Anvil External Beeswax Regency Ring Door Knocker will look beautiful on traditional properties.

Modern homes and flats tend to have a bit more wiggle room – unlike traditional properties, most finishes will suit a modern home. From polished brass and polished chrome to matte black and satin brass. Even traditional finishes would suit a modern property, so give your favourite finish a go! We recommend matching your door knocker finish to the finish of your other entrance door furniture to create a seamless look.