We all know the importance of curb appeal to complete the exterior look of a home, but how closely have you examined the details of your ? The entryway, and especially the front door, can make such a huge statement and an impact on the first impression someone will have of your house, so why not make the most of it? Door knockers are an often overlooked finishing touch you can add to your door for a touch of personalization and charm.

The history of door knockers is varied and long, evolving quickly from something of mere function to something serving a more decorative purpose. In ancient Greece, heavy rings with an iron backing plate were affixed to doors as a way of alerting servants to open the door. The tradition was quickly adopted by the Romans and spread across the empire.

Early door knockers were rather simple, though blacksmiths developed the ability to add decorative elements to the iron backing plates. Door knockers as decorative symbols exploded mainly in England. To this day, the door knocker plays key cultural roles, appearing in Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol and adorning the front door of 10 Downing Street, the prime minister’s residence.