A knock on the door starts the interaction, but an attention-grabbing door knocker can get a conversation started. Give guests a taste of your home’s personality by adding a nontraditional door knocker, such as an animal, a geometric shape or an eclectic treasure.
Parkes & Lamb Interiors, original photo on Houzz
The Animal Kingdom Awaits
Wildlife, big and small, beckons visitors to give the door knocker a try. The types of animals that can grace a front door range from lion and lobster to bird and butterfly.
Regal lion. The king of the jungle lends guests a hand — or mouth — at this front door. The homeowners purchased the golden lion on a trip abroad. Back in Nashville, Tennessee, designers Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb of Parkes & Lamb Interiors juxtaposed pastel paint with the antique hardware to give the home’s exterior the “pop” the client wanted.
“The door is a great welcome with a fun and inviting color paired with such a unique accent as the door knocker, which really allows for a welcoming entrance and wanting others to see more of the house,” the design firm says.
If an animal pairs well with the theme of your home, consider adding it to the front door so guests feel the vibe from their first knock.
Carpenter & MacNeille, original photo on Houzz
Coastal lobster. A crustacean glimmers in the sun on the front door of this New England home. A creative door knocker with a shine is sure to catch the attention of visitors.
Welcoming whale. Consider the animal’s natural habitat and use colors that re-create that scene.
Feathered friend. This knocker puts an animal’s natural talents to use. A few pecks on the door and you’ll know that visitors await.
Shapes That Make an Impact
A simple shape adds character and style to any front door. Try a circle, square or even a handle to see which shape works for you.
Big rings. A circular door knocker gives guests a handle that’s easy to grab. Plus, it fits in many different styles, such as transitional and rustic.
Habitat Studio, original photo on Houzz
Modern mix. You can also mix and match shapes. For this knocker, the designer opted to keep the more traditional ring but with a polished bar on top. It adds a modern touch to the deep brown door.
Loftus Design, LLC, original photo on Houzz
Handy handle. This knocker operates like a handle. Grab on and give it a few thunks to let everyone know you’ve arrived.
Bridget Gasque, owner of Loftus Design, recommends a door knocker instead of a doorbell because it adds an interesting, decorative element to the door. She considers the different finishes of the hardware and placement when incorporating a knocker into the design. She recommends keeping the knocker at eye level so that people can easily see and reach it.
Update Your Door Knob While You’re At It
Eclectic Treasures With a Purpose
Sometimes a story lies within each knock. People inherit knockers. They find them at flea markets and antiques stores. They even pick up souvenirs while traveling that make great door knockers.
Linda Chittock Studio, original photo on Houzz
Antique oak leaf. A sturdy replica of nature finds its home on the front door of this historical loft. It’s not the only vintage piece in the equation: It’s hanging from a repurposed schoolhouse door.
Carte Blanche Studio, original photo on Houzz
Bold find. International travel inspired this Chi Lin door knocker on a Palm Springs, California, home.
“My wife and I love to travel and our architecture is often inspired by the places we visit,” says Chris Stage, principal at Carte Blanche Studio.
He and the client wanted to make a bold statement with the front door, and they found what they were looking for in Hong Kong. While working on the project, Stage and his wife took a trip to Macau and crossed paths with the clients in Hong Kong. Many of the temples they saw had bright red doors with huge brass knockers.
“We knew they would be perfect for the entrance to the Palm Springs house,” Stage says.
They walked a few blocks and found similar knockers in an antiques market and brought them back to California.