Two very different front door designs from Structure Home projects.
The design of your front door can say a lot about your home.
Often the focal point of your home’s exterior, your front door design should combine both looks and practicality, complementing the overall style of your home and ensuring the security of what’s inside.
From structural design (single? double?), to color and material choice, glass or no glass, side windows or half moon window panels, the handle itself and any door knockers…. the options can seems rather endless.
The design of your front door can enhance your curb appeal, or take away from it. It can also be a place in your overall home design process to really showcase your personal preferences and style.
Whether a new build or a redesign of your current home, the front door design you choose will often be heavily based on the current structure of the house. Once you’ve chosen a front door, you will still need to design the area around it. Think planters, foliage, side windows, and the walkway to the door.
In general, there are 3 main types of front door designs – Single, Double, and Single with Sidelites.
From there, we can focus on the material. Your front door can be made from solid wood, steel, glass, fiberglass or a combination of these.
Once you’ve chosen the size and material, you can focus on panels (or lack thereof!). Check out the infographic below of the different paneling options that are common with wood and fiberglass doors.
Panels can be a decisive decorative element that adds texture and depth to your front door design.
Using Wood for your Front Door
Wood is the most common material used for front door designs. From oak to pine, maple to mahogany. Doors made from wood can be created in a variety of colors and finishes too, and are easily sized to the requirements your home needs.
Hardwood can indeed wear over time if not maintained properly. Make sure you choose a durable and solid piece of hardwood for your front door. Hollow doors or cheaper wood covered in veneer won’t last long or provide the security nor insulation you’ll want. Doors should be built with a solid-core at least 44mm thick, aiding in heat and sound insulation as well as security.
Looking to provide a nod to the past or do your part for the environment? Reclaimed wood is also a great design idea for your front door. Inspect wood closely for any signs of rot, cracking or warping and always go to a specialist reclamation yard or dealer.
Other Front Door Materials on Trend
Fiberglass
Manufactured using composite materials, front door designs made from fiberglass will be durable, energy-efficient and well-insulated. Often finished in a solid color or faux woodgrain, they are low maintenance and can be made to a very high quality.
Steel
Certainly the strongest of the front door design materials. Steel is simple to maintain and a great insulator, as well as the top choice for security. They can be prone to rust and the finish can fade, so occasional upkeep is needed.
Glass
Fully glass doors with steel or aluminum frames are very on trend right now. Seen often in French and Spanish homes, these doors can blend well with a variety of home architecture styles and do allow for a great deal of natural light into the home. They aren’t very private, of course, so are often opted for in areas where homes have a bit more room between each other or on larger properties.
Mixed-Materials
Front door designs made with a mix of materials are probably the most popular design at the moment. Mixing wood and steel or wood and glass (or all three!), provide modern and contemporary front doors with clean lines and simple calming aesthetics. Best for homes with neutral exteriors.
Make a statement with a standout color
A boldly-painted front door can make quite a statement and beautiful contrast against an otherwise neutral exterior. Just make sure it fits with the overall architectural style of your home as well our surrounding landscaping and walkway design elements to ensure a cohesive finish.
