Have you ever wondered what it was like to knock on the door of one of those Prohibition-era speakeasies and get asked for the password through the speakeasy grills?
What if you could have speakeasy grills at your own home, on your own front door? Speakeasy grills and doors make for a great statement piece to add to the entryway to your home.
Best of all, you can own a piece from one of the wildest and most interesting periods of United States history. Bring history back to life at your own home.
Continue reading to learn more about speakeasy grill history and adding customizable speakeasy grills to your home.
What Are Speakeasy Grills?
Speakeasy grills and doors are made for the easy welcoming of visitors from a secure location. They are usually made of heavy-duty iron to keep the person at the door safe from the visitor should they become hostile. Think of them as a primitive peep hole or doorbell camera.
They also add a bit of style, fun, and substance to a door, which can make them the perfect focal point of the front door of your home.
The History of Speakeasy Grills and Doors
Speakeasy door grills are a commonplace thing to see if you go back and watch any old-time mob film. It isn't hard to picture Al Capone or some other mobster entering a speakeasy through a door equipped with a speakeasy grill.
Speakeasy bars became prominent during the Prohibition Era between 1920 and 1933. Speakeasy bars were unlicensed establishments that were selling bootlegged alcohol to their patrons.
The name "speakeasy" comes from the patrons "speaking easy" about the place or keeping knowledge about it hidden so that the authorities wouldn't know about it. Despite occasional police raids, speakeasies continued to flourish throughout the Prohibition Era.
The way that speakeasies would work is that the visitor would speak into the grate of the door to gain entry to the establishment. If they knew the correct password they would be granted access.
The term went into disuse after the Prohibition Era ended but was brought back in the past couple of decades to describe bars that were styled to match those of the Prohibition Era and serve cocktails from that time period, such as XVIII near our shop here in Idaho.
Why Add a Speakeasy Grill or Door?
Speakeasy grills and doors have been around for ages, even before the Prohibition Era. They add an element of classiness to the security that they provide you and your family.
There are a large variety of speakeasy design styles from which you can choose. Whether you want the look of a Spanish Colonial-style grill or a traditional grid-style grill from the Prohibition Era, there is a perfect option for you.
Today, most people add them to their home as a design element to bring back some Old World characteristics and charm to their house. Besides that, they're a functional tool that adds security to your home.
You or your family members can peer through the speakeasy grill or door and see who is visiting. You can even add a bit more Prohibition Era flavor by asking them for the password before allowing them in.
Where Can I Install a Speakeasy Door?
Speakeasy doors and grills are not difficult to install if you have the right door. The easiest kind of door to install a speakeasy grill on is a wooden door. You could argue that they also look the best on wooden doors because it gives the door that classic look.
If you have a fiberglass door, don't be discouraged. They still work with fiberglass doors and can still look great as an addition to the front of your home.
You also have the option of designing your own speakeasy door or grill to look exactly how you want it to. There are a variety of styles to choose from to fit the look of your home.
If you don't want to design your own, you also have the option of purchasing a new door that has a speakeasy door already installed.
The Benefits of a Speakeasy Grill
Speakeasy grills and windows aren't for everyone, but if you love history or have an appreciation for old architecture they can be a great piece to add to your home for a unique look.
Before deciding to take the plunge you should consider what you want from your speakeasy grill as well as the benefits of investing in one.
If you're wanting visitors and guests to be surprised and impressed at your style choices when it comes to your home, a subtle touch like a speakeasy door or grill is a great choice.
Not many homes in this day and age have them, and they add a touch of class and elegance to your home. They state that you love and appreciate historical architecture and that you have a sense of style.
That isn't even beginning to mention the security benefits that you'll get from investing in speakeasy grills. Speakeasy grills allow you and your family the chance to greet any visitors from a safe and secure position.
If you have a stranger at the door and don't want to open the main door, the speakeasy door will let you see and speak to them without putting yourself in harm's way.
Get Your Grill Today
Are you ready to add that statement piece to your home's front door? Speakeasy grills are a great way to add a bit of style and substance to your home's appearance, but the benefits don't stop there.
There is a reason that Prohibition Era speakeasies used the door and grill. It will enhance the security of your home, keeping you and your loved ones safe.
So why wait? Check out Old West Iron and take a look at their selection of beautiful speakeasy grills and doors today.