Clavos / Decorative Nail Heads

View All Decorative Clavos – Hand-Forged Nail Heads for Doors, Beams & Furniture

Discover the charm and versatility of clavos — large decorative nail heads also known as door studs, rustic nails, or faux bolt heads. Derived from the Spanish word for “nail,” clavos have been used for centuries to add bold, old-world accents to wood doors, gates, cabinets, furniture, and beams.

At Old West Iron, our clavos are hand-forged and cast from solid iron, bronze, brass, and copper to deliver both authentic style and reliable durability. These are not upholstery tacks — each clavo features a thick, sturdy shank, making them ideal for functional and decorative use on wood surfaces.

Whether you're recreating the look of vintage bolt heads on exposed beams or adding rustic hardware details to entry doors, our collection offers unmatched variety. Choose from sizes ranging from ½” to 2”, and explore rust-preventive finishes including black, oil-rubbed bronze, rusty metal, aged pewter, gunmetal, and raw unfinished iron.

Looking for larger nail heads or custom sizes? Contact us at office@oldwestiron.com or explore our Hand-Forged Rosettes for even more bold statement options.

Clavos – Decorative Nail Heads | Collection FAQs

1. What are clavos used for?
Clavos are decorative nail heads used to enhance doors, gates, cabinets, furniture, beams, and rustic or Old World architectural details. They add historic character while giving modern pieces a handcrafted, iron-forged look.

2. How are your clavos different from standard decorative nails?
Old West Iron clavos are made from thicker steel with hand-forged or hand-textured detailing. Unlike thin, mass-produced imports, ours offer authentic weight, durability, and historically inspired designs.

3. How do I choose the right size clavo for my project?
Choose the head diameter based on the scale of your surface—for large doors or beams, select larger heads; for cabinetry or furniture, choose smaller sizes. The spike length should be long enough for a secure hold in wood without protruding through the back.

4. What finish and texture options are available?
Clavos are available in matte black, oil-rubbed bronze, natural iron, antique finishes, and multiple hand-hammered textures. Each finish is applied in-house to match our decorative strap hinges, bolts, and rustic door hardware.

5. Are these clavos hand-forged?
Many of our designs are individually hand-finished or hand-hammered by American blacksmiths. This gives each clavo unique character that reflects true Old World craftsmanship.

6. What are the lead times and where are they made?
Most clavos ship within 1–10 business days depending on finish and quantity. All decorative and custom-finished clavos are made or finished in the USA at our Idaho forge.

👉 Shop clavos today to add handcrafted character to your next project.