The Symbolism Behind Animal-Themed Door Knockers

In the world of home décor, it’s often the little details that make the greatest impact. Those pieces that offer more than just aesthetic appeal, carrying a deeper significance that speaks to the soul. Animal-themed door knockers are just such items, rich in layers of history, folklore, and personality. 

For centuries, animals have carried deep symbolic meanings in culture, mythology, and design- whether it’s a lion guarding a grand entrance or a bee symbolising hard work and harmony, each creature brings its own character and charm. Here we take a closer look at the magic and meaning behind animal symbolism in design, and how to bring some of that power and beauty into your home.

Why is Symbolism So Important in Home Décor?

Symbolism has long been used to communicate complex truths, nuanced emotions, and anchor us to our place in the world. Since our homes are far more than places to eat and sleep, but spaces filled with emotion, identity, and expression, it makes perfect sense to bring meaningful motifs into our décor. Incorporating symbolism within the home allows us to connect with close-held values, storytelling, and deeper accounts of our personal history. It’s why people place lucky horseshoes above the door, or choose art that evokes a memory or feeling.

Symbolism imbues our living space with poignant expressions of the things that matter to us most, reflecting who we are, what we value, and how we want to feel. And by choosing an animal door knocker, that sense of meaning and timelessness begins before you even step over the threshold. It’s a way to greet the world in your own unique manner, before a single word is ever said.

What Do Door Knockers Symbolise?

Conveying hospitality and a warm welcome, door knockers are there to greet visitors before you even answer the door. Choosing a symbolic animal-themed door knocker design allows you to convey a deeper level of meaning and personal truth to the world. Here are some of Brass Bee’s bestselling designs, and the powerful connotations each carries:

• Bumble Bee:

Bees are nature’s ultimate team players, excelling in collaboration, resilience, and industry. Symbolising hard work, loyalty, and the importance of community, the bee is perfect for a home that’s full of life, warmth, and purpose. Also our namesake, our brass bees door knocker is one of our most cherished designs.

• Lion:

Courageous, powerful, and brave, lions have been used on door knockers for centuries, thought to bestow their protective blessings on the home. Representing the strength, pride, and honour of one of nature’s most majestic beasts, it’s little wonder that the lion door knocker has stood the test of time. Bring a subtle sense of nobility, gravitas, and grandeur to your home’s interior with our brass lion cabinet knobs.

• Hare:

Known for their speed, alertness, and instinct, hares have come to symbolise creativity, rebirth, and intuition. Their history is steeped in folklore, with their intelligence and agility earning them their role as mythological guardians of the in-between, liminal spaces- of dusk and dawn, of winter and spring, of endings and new beginnings. A hare door knocker suggests your home is a place of curiosity, creativity, and calm intelligence- the perfect emblem for those with a deep connection to the natural world. 

• Owl:

Needing little introduction, owls have been associated since ancient times with wisdom, mystery, and an ability to see what others cannot. With their sharp vision and silent flight, owls are associated with protection, foresight, and deep inner knowledge. Watchful, calm, and composed, an owl door knocker brings a quiet authority and a thoughtful, almost magical energy to the home. It suggests a household guided by thoughtfulness and curiosity, where learning is valued, and intuition is trusted. For those drawn to mystery- or simply looking to add a wise guardian to their doorstep- the owl is a beautifully symbolic choice.

• Highland Cow:

With their long, shaggy coats and unmistakable horns, Highland cows are one of the UK’s most beloved rural icons. Traditionally found roaming the rugged Scottish Highlands, these gentle, noble giants symbolise resilience in the face of harsh conditions, quiet strength, and a deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition. Cows also represent nourishment and fertility, thanks to their ability to provide sustenance for whole families. A creature connected with grounded living and quiet abundance, choosing a Highland cow door knocker brings a sense of home, comfort, and traditional values. It’s a beautiful nod to simpler times and a pastoral sense of peace.

• Stag:

A powerful symbol of grace, courage, and regeneration, the stag is often seen as a guardian of the forest, representing leadership and connection to nature. With its commanding antlers and noble stance, a stag door knocker is a powerful choice for those who see their home as a place of calm, dignity, and quiet harmony. It’s an ideal choice for those who love the untamed outdoors, or want to express quiet strength with a touch of wild elegance.

• Butterfly:

Few symbols capture a sense of hope and rebirth like the butterfly. Associated with transformation, grace, and the emergence of beauty through change, the butterfly represents personal evolution and joyful beginnings. A butterfly door knocker adds a gentle, uplifting presence to any entryway, perfect for those who see their home as a place of growth, beauty, and positivity.

An animal-themed door knocker is the first thing to greet you as you arrive home. As such, it deserves to be meaningful, and to bring you joy every time you see it. By choosing symbolic front door accessories, you can evoke the spirit of whichever animal speaks to your heart, quietly conferring its presence and power over your household. And thanks to the range of finishes available, your choice of door knocker will perfectly match the rest of your house’s metal hardware.

Explore our entire range of animal-themed door knockers at Brass Bee, and discover the perfect piece to reflect your spirit, your story, and your style.