7 Best Decorative Wall Brackets For Farmhouse Bells
Find the perfect decorative wall brackets for your farmhouse bells! Explore 7 top styles and add rustic charm. Shop now!
Nothing signals the completion of a porch renovation or a kitchen update quite like the clear, resonant chime of a cast iron bell. Finding the right mounting hardware is essential, as the bracket serves as both a structural anchor for heavy metal and a decorative frame for the home’s facade. Selecting the correct piece ensures the bell remains secure through heavy winds while complementing the surrounding architecture.
Hearth & Homestead Scroll Bracket: Classic Charm
Homeowners looking to add a touch of traditional elegance often gravitate toward scroll-work designs. This bracket features sweeping, lyrical iron curves that soften the harsh lines of brick or siding, making it a perfect fit for colonial or farmhouse-style porches.
Because of the intricate metalwork, cleaning can sometimes be a chore if dust and cobwebs accumulate in the tight curls. Periodically wiping it down with a soft brush during seasonal cleaning sessions maintains the finish.
The bottom line: It offers a timeless aesthetic that bridges the gap between decorative accent and functional utility.
Liberty Forge Iron Hanger: Best Heavy-Duty Pick
For households using large, vintage farm bells that weigh over ten pounds, structural integrity is non-negotiable. The Liberty Forge Iron Hanger is forged with a thicker gauge of steel, ensuring the metal does not bend or sag under the constant vibration of a ringing bell.
This hanger is specifically designed for high-traffic entryways where the bell receives frequent use from children or visitors. While it lacks the delicate aesthetic of scroll-work, it provides immense peace of mind regarding safety and longevity.
The bottom line: Choose this option if the bell serves a functional, daily purpose rather than just acting as a decorative piece.
Black River Hook Bracket: For a Minimalist Look
Not every home requires an ornate statement piece to display a bell. The Black River Hook Bracket offers a stripped-back, industrial silhouette that focuses entirely on function without drawing unnecessary attention away from the bell itself.
This style works exceptionally well for smaller apartments or side-door entryways where space is at a premium. It mounts flush against the wall and requires minimal clearance, making it an ideal choice for narrow trim boards.
The bottom line: It is the most budget-friendly and unobtrusive option for those who prioritize a clean, uncluttered visual profile.
Esschert Design Bird Bracket: For Garden Areas
Placing a bell near a garden gate or a potting shed requires hardware that mimics the natural surroundings. The Esschert Design bracket often incorporates avian motifs, blending seamlessly into a landscape filled with shrubs, bird feeders, and floral arrangements.
These brackets are typically cast with a weathered, matte finish that hides dirt and water spots caused by outdoor elements. They are lightweight, so they are best suited for smaller brass or steel bells rather than heavy industrial models.
The bottom line: This is a top-tier choice for creating a cohesive, charming atmosphere in outdoor living spaces.
Up North Trading Moose Bracket: For a Cabin Vibe
For vacation properties, mountain homes, or those looking to bring a rugged lodge aesthetic to the backyard, thematic brackets offer a distinct personality. The moose-themed design provides a solid, wide-set mounting base that mimics the sturdiness of cabin-style architecture.
These brackets often feature wider mounting plates, which helps distribute the weight of the bell across a larger surface area of wood siding. This is particularly helpful when mounting into older, softer cedar planks that might otherwise be prone to splitting.
The bottom line: It serves as a stylistic anchor for rustic homes, providing both character and stable support.
Charleston Foundry Pineapple: For Entryways
In many Southern homes, the pineapple serves as a classic symbol of hospitality and welcoming guests. A bracket featuring this motif acts as an inviting signal for visitors approaching the front door.
These are usually cast in high-quality iron with a powder-coated finish to prevent rust in humid climates. They strike a balance between being a conversation piece and a hardworking piece of hardware.
The bottom line: If the bell is mounted at the main entrance, this design provides a warm, classic greeting for every visitor.
Midwest Swivel Arm: For Awkward Wall Spaces
Corner mounting or tight door frames often pose a challenge for fixed brackets. The Midwest Swivel Arm allows the bell to swing away from the wall when in use, preventing the bell from striking the siding or door casing during a vigorous ring.
The swivel mechanism requires a drop of machine oil once or twice a year to ensure smooth movement and to prevent the metal from squeaking. This maintenance step is vital for ensuring the longevity of the moving parts.
The bottom line: This bracket is the ultimate problem-solver for irregular wall spaces that cannot accommodate a standard, static mount.
How to Securely Mount Your New Bell Bracket
Safety begins with choosing the right anchor for the wall material. If mounting to brick or stone, always use masonry drill bits and appropriate lead or plastic expansion anchors.
For wood siding, ensure that at least two of the mounting screws penetrate a structural stud rather than just the exterior siding. If a stud is not available, use heavy-duty toggle bolts to ensure the bracket does not pull out of the wall over time.
Always verify that the bracket is level before tightening the final screws. A crooked bell is not only aesthetically unpleasing, but it can also cause the striker to hit the rim unevenly.
Choosing a Metal: Iron, Brass, or Steel?
Cast iron is the traditional choice for farmhouse bells because of its weight and ability to withstand the elements when properly sealed. It is heavy, durable, and develops a natural, rustic patina over time.
Brass is an excellent option for coastal areas because it is naturally resistant to saltwater corrosion. While it is more expensive, it requires significantly less maintenance to keep it from degrading in harsh environments.
Steel, specifically powder-coated steel, offers the best balance of cost and strength for the average homeowner. It is lightweight, affordable, and comes in a variety of finishes, though it must be repainted if the protective coating is scratched.
Match the Bracket to Your Bell’s Size & Weight
A bracket that is too small for a heavy bell will eventually cause the mounting hardware to fail or the bracket to fatigue. Conversely, a bracket that is too large can make a small, delicate bell look insignificant and lost.
Check the weight rating on the product packaging before purchasing. If a bell weighs more than five pounds, opt for a bracket with a broad backplate and four-point mounting holes to distribute the load effectively.
Measure the clearance of your bell to ensure the hook sits far enough from the wall. You want the bell to hang freely without hitting the mount, which would muffle the sound and potentially damage the wall surface.
Choosing the right bell bracket is about balancing the weight of your chosen bell with the specific mounting surface of your home. By prioritizing structural stability and matching the finish to your outdoor decor, you can ensure a reliable, beautiful addition to your property that will last for years to come.
