In a world where “Text me when you’re outside” and “I’m here” are used in lieu of knocking on the front door, the resonant sound of a door knocker feels sort of vintage. But before I start to sound like the fringe luddite that I am, consider the original purpose of the door knocker: to ward off evil spirits and ill-doers during the Middle Ages in Europe. Some were forged with healing properties to cast a protective barrier on the home.
Here, our 10 favorite black door knockers, in cast iron and bronze, to give your guests the option of announcing their arrival in style and to keep away your own version of evil (the nosy neighbors).
Above: The Small Plate Door Knocker from Restoration Hardware, shown in oil-rubbed bronze, is $43.
Above: The Baldwin Distressed Solid Brass Door Knocker in Venetian Bronze is $84 at Handle Sets.
Above: The Ring on Beveled Square Door Knocker in oil-rubbed bronze is $85 from Rejuvenation.
Above: The Cast Iron Doctors Door Knocker is designed after a classic style of door knock popular to the entrance of doctor’s offices; £28 ($42 USD) from The Door Knocker Company.
Above: The Forged Iron Colonial Bean Door Knocker is a traditional bean motif borrowed from a 1930s colonial design; $135.90 from House of Antique Hardware.
Above: From London designer Faye Toogood, the Skull Door Knocker for Izé is available in a dark bronze finish (shown). Contact Izé for pricing and availability.
Above: The Elkhart Hand-Forged Iron Door Knocker in a black powder coating is $62.95 at Signature Hardware.
Above: From Williamsburg Blacksmiths, the Forged Curl Door Knocker has an ominous pointed edge; $72.
Above: Hand Forged Wrought Iron Rings are $45 for solid iron 6-by-1/2-inch size at Paso Robles Ironworks.
Above: The Ring Door Knocker in oil-rubbed bronze is $54 for the large size from Restoration Hardware.
Above: The Modern Rectangle Door Knocker in oil-rubbed bronze is $85 at Rejuvenation.
Above: The 12 Inch Round Door Knocker in silicon bronze of a dark patina is from Rocky Mountain Hardware. Contact for pricing and availability.
Above: Pottery Barn’s Square Door Knocker in an antique bronze finish is $59.
For more on hardware see our posts:
- 5 Favorites: Glamorous Ring Door Knockers
- 10 Easy Pieces: Classic Doorbell Buttons
- 10 Classic Cast Iron Hooks
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