When choosing a front door, consider how it reflects you and how you want your property to appear. Front doors are an important element in forming a cohesive plan for your house and design. The right entrance door can dramatically improve your home’s appearance, security and even value.
Given the wide variety of options, narrowing down what to choose can be challenging. In this article, we’ll explore the different styles and materials of front doors and how to pinpoint a door that reflects and aligns with your home.
Finding the right style
The first factor to consider when choosing a front door is its aesthetic – or style. You want your door to match your home’s interior and exterior design.
- Traditional front doors have a timeless appeal. You can personalise the style by choosing whether or not you want glass—and indeed what glass design you would like. Traditional front doors are ideal for period properties or houses with a classic aesthetic.
- Contemporary front doors are often bolder and sleeker. They would be perfect for homes with a minimalist or modern aesthetic. They are frequently paired with statement colours.
- Cottage front doors are perfect for those who like a rustic look. They are a popular choice for people living (as you might have guessed) in cottages or countryside houses. They are usually characterised by wood or wood-style panels.
- Domestic fire doors are fantastic for safety and for properties intended for rental. They can also be great between areas like the garage and the main house.
Choosing the right material
Whilst aesthetics remain very important in finding the right front door for you, the material can also impact the home’s insulation, maintenance requirements and security. These materials can be paired with any of the styles above and more personality can be added through the choice of colour.
- Composite front doors are a growingly popular choice but what are they? Composite doors are made from a combination of different materials. They have excellent durability, weather resistance and security benefits.
- Like domestic fire doors, steel front doors are ideal for those who wish to prioritise home security. They are also weather-resistant and robust. If you like the sound of the security perks but are unsure about the finish, see if you can mix-and-match different style options to design a door that provides a good compromise. Platinum front doors (a type of steel door) often provide this middle ground between sleek design and incredibly reliable security.
- Solid wood front doors depend more on the specific type of wood you decide to invest in. Woods like Alder or Hickory are considered some of the best. They provide an authentic appearance and traditional appeal. However, compared to composite or steel front doors, they require much more maintenance, are less secure and are more affected by weather.
Finalising your decisions
Considering all the above factors, how do you decide what front door is right for your home?
This decision is entirely about what you want your property to look like. On the surface level, traditional or cottage front doors may be most suitable for those who have a rustic or boho aesthetic in their houses. On the other hand, steel doors may be the option for those who prefer a modern look.
However, it is worth considering that these styles can also be created through general design and colour; for example, a traditional composite front door in black may give a modern look despite being a ‘traditional design’. Equally, a contemporary solid wood door in yellow may work with an eclectic or maximalist property instead of a minimalist one.
This article is intended to provide information and general tips, but the decision must reflect you and your house. So, if you want something completely mixed and matched, go for it! Don’t underestimate the power of a front door in tying together your property and your personality; choose something that symbolises your style and defines your home.
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