How To Choose an Entry Door

We’re going to be spending the next few weeks focusing on the ins and outs of entry doors. Choosing a new front door is a large investment and a weighty decision, so we’ll take the time to look at each factor individually: safety, energy efficiency, options, and cost. While each of these factors matters, there’s no getting away from the fact that your front door is the first thing your friends, family, and neighbors notice when entering your home. It’s the visual focal point of your home’s architecture, and it’s a major factor in the exterior aesthetics of your home.

Whether you’re preparing to put your home on the market or simply looking to improve the curb appeal of your home, replacing your entry door is a great place to start. A quality, beautiful front door is sure to make a great first impression on guests and potential buyers alike. But like any other home improvement decision, you’ll want to consider how a new entry door can fit into the existing aesthetics of your home. Not sure what style would best suit your home? Consider these popular styles, outlined by the DIY Network here:

• Traditional: Raised panels, glass inserts, scrollwork, and colored panes are all features of traditional doors. This style might work best if you own a home in the Colonial, Neoclassical, or Victorian style of architecture. It could also work nicely for a Cape Cod or Townhouse style home.
• Craftsman: These doors are derived from Shaker style furniture, and feature simple, elegant lines. They are usually wood, as this style emphasizes natural materials. A Craftsman style door would be well suited to homes of the same style, or to Bungalow homes.
• Modern: These sleek entrances are minimalist, often feature frosted glass, and tend to be large. They work best for homes that would be labeled Contemporary, Mid-Century Modern, and Modern.
• Rustic: Wood is the primary material used for doors in the rustic style, and they are generally thicker and more rugged in their hardware. Clear glass and raised panels are common features of rustic doors. This door style works best for homes that feature exteriors of brick, wood, or stone. You might consider this style if you live in a Cottage or Farmhouse style home.
• Arched: These doors are defined more by their unique look than by a particular architectural style. Usually a custom-designed item, you might consider this style if you’re looking for a charming addition to a home that is distinctive and features a good deal of ornamentation.

If you’re unsure of your home’s architectural style, here is a helpful overview of many different types of homes.