A 3-Step Guide to Finding the Right Door Knocker

Door knockers invoke feelings of class and style. If you are considering which door knocker to buy it means you have a sense of taste and sophistication already. It also means you will want to choose precisely the right door knocker for your entryway door. From novelty door knockers to the antique door knocker from a previous era, door knockers are available in a wide variety of styles, finishes and sizes. Using the three major S's in the world of door knockers, you are sure to find the right door knocker for you.

• SIZE- Buying a door knocker that is too small for your door will result in the door knocker being lost in the vastness of the door and frame. Conversely, a door knocker with too much presence will overwhelm a smaller door and look foolish at the same time. When we say size, we're not referring to the height of the door. Most doors are the standard sizes. (Obviously, if you have an atypical door size, this factor is even more relevant.) What you need to consider is how substantial is your door. Things to factor in are width, door material, frame, and hardware items. These will all play a part in the overall size estimation.


• STYLE- Next on your list of considerations will be style. From modern to antique, door knockers can greatly enhance your door and entranceway. Choosing an ill-matched style, however, can have the opposite effect. The general rule is to go with a door knocker that is in the same style family as your door and the rest of the door hardware. Don't choose a large and ornate brass lion door knocker for a simple unfinished pine door. This does not mean you cannot have an attractive brass door knocker to decorate your simple door, just that design elements should create balance, without having one aspect drown out the rest of them. A bronze door knocker will complement wood doors nicely and a black door knocker will contrast well with white or light-colored doors. An antique door knocker will go well with historical door hardware and a chic chrome ring door knocker will fit in beautifully with a set of contemporary door hardware items. Remember, keep things within the same style family, and each item will harmonize fabulously.


• SOUND- The last, and sometimes most important detail is sound. What this means is how loud you want your door knocker to actually be. If this door hardware is purely decorative, then sound need not play any part in your decision making process. If, however, you intend for your door knocker to announce visitors, then sound strength must be brought into the equation. Points to ponder will include where in the house you spend most of your time (i.e. how far away from the door are you), how much insulation or sound-diffusion can you expect from surrounding areas, and just how good is your hearing. If you are the type of person who gets woken up when the neighbor sneaks down for a midnight snack, you have a larger range of options than the homeowner who can sleep through a hurricane. If you spend most of the day hours in your study located right near the front door, you may not need or want a loud door knocker.

So before you jump into a random impulse purchase, take these factors into consideration. Then, not only will you have made an educated decision, you will certainly be happier with your choice of door knockers for longer too.