Door Knocker
Door knockers 'are important'
Many homeowners have knockers on their external doors and these items have a significance that should not be underestimated.
This is according to Edwin Heathcote, who pointed out in a Financial Times article that Finnish architect Juhani Pallasmaa calls the items the "handshake of a building".
He stated: "The totem of the front door is the knocker, a mechanism which announces arrival and allows the visitor to engage with the building."
The writer said ironmongery on wooden doors presents one of the few moments when people physically engage with the structure.
Mr Heathcote went on to suggest that one of the oldest and most familiar motifs is that of the hand. Many such objects also bear a ball which is used to knock against a back plate.
Other popular versions found on external doors include a fox or lion's head.
However, the most prolific designs are now abstract compositions, he claimed.
Meanwhile, once people enter a property, it is door handles that enable them to move from room to room, he said.
The expert commented: "Your progress through the house defined by a series of grips and twists which, apart from the handrail on the stairs, are the only moments you get to engage with the materiality of the interior."
Many modern handles on wooden doors use rotating motions, he went on to point out.
He added: "Each user leaves their trace on the timber, older examples polished to a dark sheen through the wear of the traces of oil from thousands of hands."
The most common type of handle is now one that utilises a bent metal tube, Mr Heathcote claimed.
There are many options available to those seeking doors - whether they want handles, knockers or just plain items. One of the easiest ways to search for them is online, where some of the best deals can be found.
Amber Door Knocker Sterling Silver Earrings
 Esschert Design Door Knocker - Woodpecker Green Patina Sale Price: $14.99  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAdd a touch of charm to your doorway with this adorable green patina woodpecker door knocker.  |
 Esschert Design USA BR15 Bird Silhouette Door Knocker Sale Price: $9.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAdd a touch of charm to your doorway with this cast iron bird door knocker. This design will leave an impression on all guests that arrive. Features
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 Brainerd #75313 Beaded Door Knocker Antique Pewter Sale Price: $10.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAntique Pewter, Beaded Door Knocker. Features
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 Small Twisted Ring Door Knocker - Flat Black Iron Sale Price: $34.00 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product Features
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 Kissing Couple Cast Metal Door Knocker Lovers Sale Price: $17.99 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis brass plated, cast metal door knocker of a couple kissing is a reproduction of a popular French knocker from the 1940's. The knocker measures 5 inches long, 3 inches wide, and has 2 screw holes in the main plate for mounting to your door. Screws are provided. It makes a great gift for newlyweds. |
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 Fleur De Lis Brass Door Knocker List Price: Sale Price: $23.60 You save: $7.08 (23%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 2-3 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHand crafted in a North Carolina foundry, this superior quality brass door knocker in classic fleur-de-lis design will add a touch of elegance to your front door. Measures 5" long x 3" wide x 1" deep and weighs approximately 2lbs. Mounting hardware included. This item drop ships from the manufacturer. Features
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