Time for a new Front Door? Here are some things to consider…
There’s a lot of things on a house that bring out its character, and reflect yours. The last thing someone sees before they come inside is the front door, and a there’s a ton of options when it comes to materials, styles, and natural lighting needs.
Materials and Foundational Look
Solid Wood Doors
These doors offer a classic and elegant look and are popular for traditional or rustic-style homes. They are sturdy, durable, and provide excellent insulation, making them ideal for colder climates.
Fiberglass Doors
Fiberglass doors are low-maintenance, energy-efficient, and can mimic the look of wood or other materials. They are also resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting, making them a great choice for areas with harsh weather conditions.
Steel Doors
Steel doors are durable, secure, and offer excellent insulation. They come in a range of styles and finishes, and are ideal for modern-style homes.
Glass Doors
Glass doors can be a great option for homeowners who want to let in natural light and have a modern, contemporary look. They can be made of tempered or insulated glass for added security and energy efficiency.
French Doors
French doors are a classic option that can add elegance and sophistication to any home. They are typically made of wood or fiberglass and feature glass panels that allow for natural light.
Styling
Traditional
Traditional doors often feature intricate details, such as raised panels, moldings, and decorative glass inserts. They are typically made of wood and have a classic, timeless look that complements many different architectural styles.
Craftsman
Craftsman-style doors are characterized by their simplicity and natural materials. They are often made of wood or fiberglass and feature clean lines, square edges, and simple embellishments such as horizontal panels and small windows.
Modern
Modern-style doors often feature sleek, clean lines and minimal embellishments. They are typically made of materials such as glass, metal, or wood and often incorporate unique features such as bold colors or asymmetrical designs.
Rustic
Rustic-style doors often feature natural materials such as wood or wrought iron and have a rough, textured look that complements rustic or cabin-style homes. They may feature decorative details such as metal hardware, carved accents, or stained glass.
Mediterranean
Mediterranean-style doors often feature intricate wrought iron scrollwork, ornate carvings, and colorful glass inserts. They are typically made of wood and have a warm, welcoming feel that complements Mediterranean or Spanish-style homes.
Lighting
If lighting is something you’re looking for, there’s a quite a few options that can fit your room’s style and shape.
Full-glass doors
These are doors where the entire panel is made of glass, which can be either clear or frosted. Full-glass doors are popular for their ability to let in natural light and provide an unobstructed view of the outdoors.
Divided-light doors
These are doors that have multiple small windows, separated by mullions or wooden bars. Divided-light doors are popular for their traditional, classic look and are often used in colonial or Craftsman-style homes.
Sidelights
These are narrow, vertical windows that are installed on either side of the door. Sidelights can be made of glass, frosted glass, or decorative glass and are often used to provide additional natural light or add visual interest to a door.
Transom windows
These are windows that are installed above the door. Transom windows can be either rectangular or arched and can be made of glass, stained glass, or decorative glass. They are often used to add height and visual interest to a door.
Dutch doors
These are doors that are divided into two parts horizontally, allowing the top portion to be opened independently of the bottom. Dutch doors often have windows on the top half, which can be either full-glass or divided-light.
Check Out Additional Door Resources
Anna has over six years of experience in the home services and journalism industries and serves as the Content Manager at MyHomePros.com, specializing in making complex home improvement topics like HVAC, roofing, and plumbing accessible to all. With a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, she excels in crafting localized, comprehensive guides that cater to homeowners’ unique needs. Living on both coasts of the United States has equipped her with a distinctive perspective, fueling her passion for turning any house into a cherished home through informed, personalized decision-making.
