Pull Your Vintage Home Décor Look Together with Cast Iron Doorstops

If you’re an antique lover, you know that home décor is simply better when it’s vintage!

Nail every detail for an authentic vintage home look and prop your doors the old-fashioned way with durable cast iron doorstops in a variety of shapes and styles. They’re perfect for every room of the house!

What Are Doorstops For?

Doorstops are functional decorations used to hold a door open or closed. Depending on its position, a doorstop can also be used to prevent a door from opening too wide. Specific designs are more collectible than others, especially when they resemble a whimsical and fun shape!

Why Is Cast Iron the Best Material for Doorstops?

Back in the day, cast iron was the most popular material for doorstops, and when you take a look at the benefits, it’s easy to see why! The density of cast iron ensures each piece is heavy enough to securely hold any door in place without needing frequent adjustments. Designed with durability in mind, cast iron doorstops can withstand the wear and tear of daily use and last a lifetime.

Not to mention that the process for pouring and setting a cast iron doorstop lends itself well to countless charming designs. When you browse your favorite antique mall, you’re sure to spot styles featuring intricate details and vibrant paint jobs. From holiday-inspired Santa cast iron doorstops to dog cast iron doorstops in every breed imaginable, there’s something for every collector.

The History of Cast Iron Doorstops

Until the late Renaissance period, rocks and bricks were commonly used to hold a door open. This all changed in the late 1700s, when homes in Europe began utilizing basic round sand-cast brass balls instead. In the early 19^th century, French and English designers began dreaming up iron doorstops in a long list of now sought-after shapes.

In America, decorative doorstops first emerged as small, lightweight designs after the Civil War. It wasn’t until the 1920s that United States manufacturers began to have fun with the adorable, collectible designs we know and love today.

When Did Cast Iron Doorstops Dip in Popularity?

Cast iron doorstops were invented in a pre-air conditioning world—can you believe it? By the time central heating and AC became the norm in the 1950s and 1960s, there was less and less need for controlling whether a door was propped open for airflow. This shift rendered them slightly obsolete, and production slowed down, or in some cases, ceased altogether. 

How Are Cast Iron Doorstops Made?

The majority of cast iron doorstops are made with a sand-casting method. First, a 3D pattern is created from wood or metal and then pressed into a box filled with sand to form a mold cavity. The artist then pours molten cast iron, heated to around 3,000 degrees, into the mold, allowing it to cool and solidify in the desired shape.

Once hardened, the mold is broken apart, revealing the rough draft of the doorstop. Any rough edges or imperfections are filled or sanded to create a completely smooth surface before painting. With a few base coats and any necessary details, a cat cast iron doorstop is born!

Are Vintage Cast Iron Doorstops Valuable?

When kept in good condition, antique and vintage cast iron doorstops from reputable manufacturers can be quite valuable. Like most collectible items, the final price tag is influenced by factors such as evidence of damage, rarity, brand, subject matter, and size. A commonly collected doorstop can fetch over $100, while more exceptional, older pieces can cost thousands.

How to Find Your Perfect Vintage Doorstop

Are you convinced that you need to add a stylish dog cast iron doorstop to your collection yet? Well, you’re in luck—shopping for these vintage designs is easier than you’d think:

Look into Popular Manufacturers

The first step in starting any collection is getting to know the most renowned companies in the industry. Authentic designs will feature an easy-to-find maker’s mark somewhere on the metal to help you identify and accurately value your find at the Highland vendor mall. As you shop for a doorstop of your own, make sure to look into these popular vintage and antique brands:

• Hubley

• Albany Foundry

• Bradley & Hubbard

• John Wright

• Judd Manufacturing

• Wilton

• National Foundry

Consider Your Desired Shape

With endless designs to choose from, there’s sure to be a unique doorstop shape to suit every style. If you’re a feline lover, why not decorate your bedroom with a cat cast iron doorstop? For the holidays, switch to a Santa cast iron doorstop to match the rest of your holiday décor.

Popular Doorstop Motifs

If you’re interested in building a collection or finding a standalone decoration to match your décor, search for one of these motifs at our Algonquin antique mall: 

• Cats

• Dogs

• Holiday

• Flower baskets

• Famous figures

• Boats

• Lighthouses

• Windmills

• Sport references

Head to Your Antique Mall

Though there are plenty of online forums and auction websites, there’s no better way to shop for vintage items than stopping into a Crown Point antique mall. Every visit to those treasure-filled aisles is an adventure—you’re never quite sure what you’re going to find. Take a chance and explore every booth thoroughly so you can uncover the perfect antique doorstop for your home.  

How to Tell if a Cast Iron Doorstop is an Antique?

We’ll let you in on a little secret—authentic, antique doorstops will always have a smoother casting. In those days, every single rough edge and seam was sanded down by hand to ensure a completely smooth surface. Newer replicas will have looser seams and an overall rougher casting, due to the more modern sanding methods.

Pro tip: When in doubt, check out an online reference to make sure the doorstop in front of you looks like the real deal. If you buy from a reputable source, they’ll be able to provide proof of authenticity—just ask!

Functional, fun, and oh-so-cute, cast iron doorstops are a timeless addition that will add the finishing touch to any vintage home. Join in the collecting craze and head down to your nearest America’s Antique Mall location to start your search today!