This Rare '90s Home Feature Doubles as a Security Accessory

"Unfortunately, charming vintage features, like Dutch doors or in-wall folding bathroom seats, have all but disappeared from most homes on the market. However, I recently stumbled upon a rare '90s feature on Instagram that doubles as security and decor - and the gorgeous brass piece is such an easy (and inexpensive) way to add retro character to any dwelling. Enter: the door club."

"As seen in a video by Chloe Michalska (@OurSevernHome), the door club features an anchor that you install into the floor inside the door, a metal slab that protects the door's frame, and then a metal "club" instrument that goes into the anchor and prevents someone from opening the door from outside. There's also a hanging dock on the door that you can place the door club on when it's not in use."

"According to Mahon, the Door Club was a practical additional security measure in addition to a lock and deadbolt. Not only did it add a sweet vintage aesthetic to a home's entryway, but it was also advertised as being able to withstand over two tons of force. However, Mahon says that door stops and security bars began to fade from everyday use as digital security surged following 9/11."

The Door Club is a four-piece brass security device installed at an entryway consisting of a floor anchor, a metal slab protecting the door frame, a removable metal 'club' that inserts into the anchor to block opening, and a hanging dock on the door for storage. The product was created in the early 1990s by Winner International and was marketed as withstanding over two tons of force. It served as an additional measure alongside locks and deadbolts while providing retro decorative appeal. Use declined after 9/11 as wireless and app-based home security systems became widespread, though the brass design offers an inexpensive vintage accent.

Read at Apartment Therapy