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Entry door styles that will instantly update your home

Have you ever thought about the fact that the exterior of your home is the first impression of every visitor you get? And your front door serves as a focal point of that exterior. Whether you like it or not, your front door plays an important role in creating a positive first impression. Your front door can genuinely redefine the character of your home’s exterior. It’s the first thing your guests see when they arrive, setting the tone for what’s to come inside. So, whether you want to improve your home’s curb appeal or simply want to make a stylish statement, choosing the right front door is key. 

But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s where we come in. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a variety of front door styles, from classic to modern to statement-making options. We’ll break down the features of each style and give you tips on choosing the perfect door for your home. We also provide some exterior maintenance advice to keep your door looking its best for years to come. 

So sit back, relax, and let’s get deep into the world of entry door styles. By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to make a confident decision. Let’s give your home an instant upgrade!

Classic front door styles

When it comes to a classic front door style, a certain style comes to mind. It has a timeless elegance that never goes out of style. Some of our favorite classic entry door styles include: 

Let’s explore the classic door style options:

Panel style door

Traditional Panel Doors

When working with our customers on an exterior remodel, the traditional panel door is what we see most often. Because of this, panel doors often give us a sense of familiarity. They are the most common style of entry door but still manage to provide a sense of sophistication. Characterized by their rectangular panels, these doors offer a versatile option for homeowners to express their personal style. 

Whether designed with decorative molding or kept sleek and simple, traditional panel doors seamlessly blend into most architectural styles. They are easy to customize and come in endless colors. Additionally, the can also be customized with moldings, iron accents, and windows. Because of this versatility, they are a consistent favorite among homeowners looking for a timeless look. 

Craftsman style front door with a unique exterior paint job

Craftsman-Style Doors

You often see Craftsman-style doors at the entry of a historic home. It can be beautifully aged wood or painted a vibrant color as part of a carefully considered paint scheme. Craftsman-style doors pay homage to the Arts and Crafts movement, renowned for its emphasis on craftsmanship and natural materials. Featuring clean lines, sturdy construction, and occasionally adorned with intricate detailing such as vertical groves of decorative glass inserts, the craftsmanship, and attention to detail in these doors are easy to see. These elegant doors are a perfect choice for entry door replacements in Craftsman, Bungalow, or Prairie architectural styles.

Victorian style entry door

Victorian-Style Doors

Oh, so fancy! Victorian-style doors are filled with the grandeur and luxury of the Victorian era. You can spot a Victorian-style door by its elaborate embellishments and ornate detailing. These doors often feature intricate carvings, decorative or stained glass panels, and elaborate hardware. They are a perfect fit for a Victorian or Queen Anne-style home as they often create a striking focal point. With their intricate beauty and historical charm, Victorian-style doors add a touch of romance and nostalgia to any home’s exterior. Unfortunately, finding an original Victorian-era door that is in good working and physical condition can be challenging. While modern-day replicas are much more energy-efficient, they can be substantially more expensive than a traditional entry door. 

Traditional Colonial style front door

Colonial-Style Doors

Colonial-style doors draw their design from early American architecture. While similar in style to the panel door, you can recognize a colonial-style entry door by its symmetrical design, six-panel configuration, and understated elegance. Colonial-style entry doors are often larger, double doors. These doors seamlessly complement Colonial, Georgian, and Federal-style homes best but are a fairly flexible choice for many architectural styles. Colonial-style doors manage to offer a timeless yet modern look, making them a popular choice even for commercial exterior remodeling

Transitional front door

Transitional-Style Doors

Transitional-style doors bridge the gap between classic and contemporary design. Because of this unique feature, they offer a seamless blend of traditional elements with modern sensibilities and styles. With clean lines, subtle detailing, and versatile finishes, these doors perfectly balance old-world charm and modern flair. Transitional-style doors are ideal for homeowners looking for a timeless but modern style. This makes them a popular choice for a wide range of architectural styles. 

So, whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a traditional panel door or the intricate detailing of Victorian-style doors, there’s a classic front door style for almost every taste and home style. 

Infographic created by Custom Exteriors to explain which home styles work best with which front door styles

Modern Front Doors

When you think of a modern front door design, sophistication and sleek styling come to mind. Let’s take a look at some options that may be just the bold statement you are looking to make! These include: 

Let’s find out which option is right for your modern masterpiece.

Minimalist entry door

Minimalist Doors

Minimalist doors, as their name implies, prioritize simplicity and clean lines. Somehow, their understated elegance manages to make a pretty bold statement. You can spot a minimalist door with sleek, smooth surfaces, straight edges, and subtle hardware. This look completes a modern exterior makeover and pairs well with metal roofing, panel siding, and bold accent color statements. They have a very unassuming design that blends seamlessly into minimalist and contemporary architectural styles. This refined entrance will effortlessly emphasize your home’s simplicity and functionality. 

Modern glass panel entry door

Contemporary Glass Doors

A personal favorite of ours, contemporary glass doors blend indoor and outdoor spaces seamlessly. As a Colorado-based exterior contractor, there is a lot to see outside our homes. Modern glass doors flood the inside of your home with natural light and create a seamless transition between the comfort of your interior and the beauty outside its walls. Featuring expansive glass panels, sleek frames, and minimalist hardware, these doors add a touch of transparency and openness to modern homes. Ideal for homes with a focus on open floor plans and expansive views, contemporary glass doors add a natural sophistication to any space. 

Pivot style front door

Pivot Doors

Pivot doors are pretty rare, but when you do see them, they are almost always associated with a luxury home. They have a unique and innovative design that is visually striking. Rather than swinging on a hinge, like a traditional door, a pivot door pivots on a central hinge. These statement-making doors demand your attention. They are a dynamic, oversized door that creates a dramatic impression on anyone who visits. Pivot doors are a popular choice for modern and contemporary homes seeking to make a bold architectural statement while maximizing space and functionality. However, they are often priced higher than many entry doors. 

Steel Doors

Steel doors or doors with steel accents combine an industrial look with a contemporary design. They offer an unmatched blend of durability and style. Featuring industrial-style lines and smooth surfaces, steel doors give a sense of chic and modern sophistication. Steel doors with sleek finishes are a perfect fit for modern loft-style homes. They can also be a great choice for a commercial door replacement. When steel accents are combined with natural wood or aged glass, you create a perfect match for an industrial-inspired home looking for an entrance with an edge. 

Mid-Century Modern Doors

Mid-century modern doors get their design from the mid-20th century. These doors are easily spotted by their clean lines, geometric shapes, and bold statement-making designs. Mid-century modern doors feature horizontal grooves, bold design patterns, and vibrant colors, capturing the essence of the mid-century look. Retro-inspired doors add a touch of charm like no other style of door can. Opt for a color that complements your home’s architectural styles. This is a great way to make a statement that reflects your personality and your home’s style. 

Make a statement with your front door

As we discussed earlier, your front door has a huge impact on the overall curb appeal of your home. There are many other ways to make a statement using your entry. A few examples include: 

Exterior painting on front doors

Bold Color Choices

The simplest way to make a huge impact on your exterior is to paint your front door with bold color choices. This small choice injects just a touch of vibrancy and personality into your home’s exterior. A bold-colored front door is an attention grabber, perfect for those wanting to make a memorable first impression. Whether you thinking about a fiery red, a royal blue, or even sunny yellow, bold color choices add an element of excitement and individuality to your home’s exterior. With the right paint choice, your front door can create a focal point that sets your home apart in the neighborhood.

According to Zillow, black doors are associated with the highest offer price. Buyers showed they would pay up to $6550 more for a home with a high-contrast, black front door. The least desired entry door? Pink, which was described as "shabby looking" by participants. 

Intricate front door design

Intricate designs, carvings, and unique hardware

Front doors can come with intricate designs and carvings that turn the door into a true work of art. From intricate patterns to elaborate scrollwork, these add a touch of luxury and elegance to your entry. These doors complement a variety of architectural styles and truly make a statement. 

Unique hardware and accessories add the perfect finishing touch to your front door. We have seen everything from decorative doorknobs to ornamental hinges to unique door knockers, hardware, and accessories, which offer endless possibilities for customization. Whether you prefer a vintage look or a modern, sleek design, there are hardware options available to suit every style and taste. Some of these features provide not only an interesting exterior appearance but can also increase your home’s security. 

 

Custom-made Double Doors

Custom doors offer unmatched customization and personalization options. Whether you prefer sleek and modern or traditional and ornate, there is a door for you. Double doors, in particular, make a grand entrance. Double doors are perfect for homes with expansive entryways or those looking for a dramatic statement piece. Modern doors are available in a variety of styles and materials, from classic wood to sleek metal to contemporary fiberglass. With their impressive size, double doors create a memorable first impression that sets the tone for your home.

Choosing the right door for your home

If your exterior remodeling plan includes replacing your entry door, the importance of choosing the perfect door for your home can’t be overstated. Some important factors to consider when choosing a custom entry door replacement include:

Infographic made by Custom Exteriors to explain the steps to choosing the right front door

Installation and maintenance tips

Once you have selected the perfect front door, proper installation and maintenance are essential to ensure a long life with optimal performance. Here are some installation and maintenance tips to keep in mind. 

It is so important to ensure your front door is installed properly. You will likely need to hire a professional contractor with experience in door installations. The professional installer should provide you with a portfolio of completed jobs. This helps ensure that your new door is properly aligned, sealed, and insulated to prevent drafts, water infiltration, and security issues. 

After installation, regular maintenance is the key to preserving the beauty and performance of your front door. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and maintenance based on the material of your door. A wood door and a fiberglass door are going to have different maintenance needs, so research your door before proceeding with any type of maintenance. When cleaning your siding, windows, and front door, always use a gentle cleaning agent and the lowest water pressure possible to get the door clean. 

Final impression: the importance of selecting the perfect front door

Your entry door is a reflection of your home’s personality and style. So, whether you choose a minimalist door or merely a bold color choice that makes a statement, each option can transform your home’s exterior and elevate its curb appeal. Explore your options, consider your preferences, and find the perfect front door that will add to your curb appeal and make a unique and inviting statement. 

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