Door Knockers

Matt Black Ring Door Knocker, from our current range.

What is a door knocker?

A door knocker is a fitting attached to the outside of a door, traditionally used to announce a visitor before doorbells became common. Most door knockers today are decorative as much as functional, and remain one of the most visible pieces of hardware on a front door, often chosen to set the tone for the whole entrance.

Door knockers come in a range of traditional styles, from simple rings and knobs to figurative designs, and are made in materials and finishes to suit everything from a Georgian townhouse to a contemporary new build.

Where door knockers are used

• Front doors – by far the most common location, often paired with a letter plate and house number
• Period and character properties – traditional ring, urn and figurative knockers are a common feature of Georgian and Victorian front doors
• New build and contemporary homes – simpler bar or ring knockers in black or brushed finishes suit more modern doors

Choosing the right door knocker

A few practical points are worth checking before you buy:

• Size and proportion – a knocker that is too small can look lost on a large front door, while an oversized knocker can overwhelm a smaller one
• Fixing type – most knockers are through-fixed with bolts, so check the door is thick enough and that the back is accessible
• Coordinating with other door furniture – matching the knocker's finish to your letter plate, handle and numerals gives a more considered look
• Finish – see our Hardware Finishes Guide for advice on coastal and weather-resistant finishes for external use

Related products

Browse our current range of Door Knockers, or see the related categories in our Door Furniture Guide, including Letter Plates.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special finish for a coastal property?

Yes – standard finishes can corrode more quickly in coastal locations. See our Hardware Finishes Guide for marine grade options.

Can I fit a door knocker myself?

Most door knockers can be fitted with basic tools, provided you can access the inside face of the door to fit the fixing bolts. Careful measuring and centring is worth taking time over, since the holes cannot easily be moved once drilled.

What size door knocker should I choose?

This depends on the size of your door and the other furniture on it – as a general guide, larger front doors suit a larger, more substantial knocker, while a smaller door can be overwhelmed by an oversized one.

Back to the Door Furniture Guide, or explore the full Knowledge Centre.