Door knockers are more than just functional — they’re the first impression your home makes. The right one can add personality, charm, and style to your front door. But before you choose, there are a few things worth considering that are often overlooked.
1. Door Material & Installation
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Can I install your door knockers on my type of door?” The answer is yes. Whether your door is timber, composite, or uPVC, every knocker in our range can be fitted with ease — and the installation process is the same across all three materials.
Our knockers are designed with two installation methods:
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Screw fixings — a quick and simple method, perfect for our lighter designs. Two small screws neatly secure the piece in place, and installation takes just a few minutes. Currently we have three knockers that use screw installation, Rounded Heart (shown below) Little Fish and Wings.
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Bolt fixings — Our method for the heavier door knocker designs. Because our knockers are cast from solid brass, our larger designs use 2x bolt for installation which provides extra strength and security. The bolts pass through the door and are tightened from the inside, so the hardware feels reassuringly secure. Bolt on installation also means no visible screws can be seen, an aesthetic bonus we love! (see below example)
2. Size & Scale
Before choosing a knocker, it’s important to check how much space you have on your door. The key measurement isn’t the overall height or width of the knocker — it’s the contact points: where the knocker’s hinge and strike plate meet the door.
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The overall size of the knocker can extend beyond the panel, as most of the design sits away from the surface.
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But the hinge and strike pad must both fit onto the flat section of your door for the knocker to work properly.
Different knockers in our collection have different hinge/strike plate widths, as example:
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Amphibia Knocker — a larger hinge width at 6.5 cm (2½"), which needs a slightly wider panel section.
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Swallow, Bee, and Mermaid Knockers — narrower hinges at 3.3 cm (1¼"), which makes them suitable for slimmer panels.
- Example picture below demonstrates the different hinge widths of our knockers
👉 Before you order, simply measure the flat section of your door panel to check there’s enough width and height for the hinge and strike plate. Once you know this, the rest of the knocker will sit beautifully in place. Any issues and by all means send us an email and we will do our best to help.
3. Finish & Colour Coordination
All of our knockers are cast from solid brass, with the black and nickel finishes created by applying a final specialist coating over the brass base. Each finish offers its own unique character, so choosing the right one comes down to both personal taste and practical considerations.
✨ Choose Your Finish:
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Satin Brass
Soft, warm brass-gold with a gentle satin sheen.
Closest match: natural/brushed brass or vintage gold hardware. -
Polished Brass
Bright golden brass with a mirror-like shine.
Closest match: shiny brass or gold-toned hardware. -
Polished Nickel
Bright silver tone with a mirror finish.
Closest match: polished silver or chrome hardware. -
Matt Nickel
Soft silver tone with a smooth, low-sheen finish.
Closest match: brushed chrome or stainless steel hardware. -
Satin Black
Smooth, low-sheen black powder-coated finish.
Closest match: matte black hardware or ironmongery.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Finish
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Follow your heart
If one finish immediately draws you in, trust your instincts — it’s probably the one you’ll enjoy seeing on your door every day. -
Match your hardware
Do you already have a letterbox, door handle, or numbers fitted? Matching finishes will create a harmonious, cohesive look across your whole doorway.-
All finishes are durable, but pollution in cities or salt near the coast can cause surface build-up.
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Brass is naturally non-corrosive, but keeping your hardware clean will help it look its best.
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Satin Brass and Matt Nickel are especially practical in these environments: they can be easily cleaned and refreshed with a quick rub using a Scotch-Brite pad
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3. Think about your environment
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All finishes are durable, but pollution in cities or salt near the coast can cause surface build-up.
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Brass is naturally non-corrosive, but keeping your hardware clean will help it look its best.
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Satin Brass and Matt Nickel are especially practical in these environments: they can be easily cleaned and refreshed with a quick rub using a Scotch-Brite pad.
4. Style & Personality
A door knocker is more than a piece of hardware — it’s the jewellery of your home. It’s the first detail guests see, and it quietly speaks volumes about your style, your personality, and the story you want your front door to tell.
Every Hera Ray door knocker design carries its own meaning and symbolism:
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Swallow Knocker – a symbol of adventure and safe return home.
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Padlock Heart – representing security, love, and welcome.
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Amphibia – a charm for good luck and new beginnings.
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Bee – a nod to nature, community, and growth.
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Bat – for those drawn to the darker, dramatic side.
The point is, a door knocker isn’t just functional — it’s a symbol of you and your family, displayed proudly on the threshold of your home so choose something that you love and resonates with you!
Conclusion
Choosing a door knocker is about balancing practicality, proportion, and personality. With the right piece, you’ll turn your front door into a statement you love coming home to every day.
Explore our full door knocker collection