“One of the first exterior features to welcome you when you approach a home is the front door, so it’s important to make a positive first impression,” said Dan Bast, exterior product specialist with Callen Construction. “Investing in a new, safe, and stylish front door will not only improve security, but it will also help maximize a home’s curb appeal. It’s highly encouraged to select a new front door that compliments a home’s architectural design, but don’t feel that you have to limit yourself because of this.” There are many attractive front door options homeowners can consider.
Typically, doors are constructed from wood, fiberglass, steel, or a combination of these materials, but in terms of color and style, there are endless options from which to choose. “With every color of the rainbow available and front door styles ranging from classic to contemporary and everything in between, you’re sure to find one that will blend with your home’s design as well as express your unique character,” he said.
Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is all that is needed to create an alluring and memorable front entry. “For instance, a cheery daffodil yellow on a wood door framed by white trim offers the perfect contrast and gives your home that pop of color,” said Dan. “Alternatively, if you prefer something more classic, then a deep navy blue may be more appropriate. If you are drawn to the bold and vibrant, you may favor a bright orange color.” It is important to select a front door color that not only flows well with all of the home’s other exterior features, but also accurately conveys a homeowner’s unique taste.
With regards to style, if you prefer a more vintage look, you may want to consider a front door with raised panels, which can range in quantity from a couple to a dozen. “You can also choose to incorporate glass inserts, including colored glass inserts, into the front door to help increase the amount of natural light that enters the home,” he said. “If you have your heart set on a specific design, then note that conventional doors can be customized to fulfill your requests.”
Front doors that embody the countryside are commonly built from wood and pair well with home exteriors that consist of stone, brick, or wood. “If you want your rural door to really catch the eyes of passersby, you can elect to have the door arched to achieve a more distinct look,” Dan said. For those who lean towards the conventional, rural doors are also available in the standard rectangular shape. In reference to composition, rural doors tend to be thicker and stronger, so keep in mind that the hardware will be larger compared to other types of front door styles. Normally, rural doors have a transparent glass insert and are notable for their straight lines and raised panels.
Inspired by craftsman architecture and furniture, craftsman entry doors are popular and versatile, making them a fitting option for a variety of home styles. They are generally composed of fiberglass or wood and exhibit a recessed panel look. “Similar to rural doors, craftsman front doors are also known for straight lines, but often feature stained glass panels, usually one or two at the top and two rectangular panels on the sides that help frame the door,” Dan said.
“Clean, straight lines are one of the defining characteristics of contemporary front doors, which is a concept that applies to the hardware as well as the door itself and is accomplished in a way that distinguishes itself from other front door styles,” he said. Semitransparent or frosted glass panels on contemporary doors are popular. Another option is to include elevated square panels. Although simple in nature, contemporary doors are usually substantial in terms of area.
Repainting or replacing the front door is one of the simplest exterior projects that will improve safety, increase your home’s value, and create a space that draws guests inside while expressing personality. “Even though there are many front door options and colors and styles to choose from, when you consider your home’s architectural design and your personal preferences, you help narrow down your choices,” said Dan. “From a new coat of paint to the various front door options available, you’re sure to find an entry door that matches your home and lifestyle.”
