6 Tips for Choosing the Right Exterior Door Style

6 Tips for Choosing the Right Exterior Door Style

September 27, 2021
By:
Martin Whitmore, President of US Window & Door

One of the questions people often ask about the design of front doors is: "What door style looks best?" Whether you choose a front door for a traditional home or a more contemporary one, there are many design options and different types of door material for exterior doors to choose from for any home’s architectural styleFrom doors with curved tops to classic styles, you will find something that will suit your taste. Make sure that the door you choose fits well and compliments your style and your home’s interior decor.

Choosing a new exterior door style can be a conscientious process because aside from the costs involved, the door homeowners will choose will affect the aesthetics of their property and the security of their household. This article lists down tips to help homeowners choose a new front door.

Choose Doors That Suit the Home’s Architectural Style

Every home has its own curb appeal. It has its own style statement that plays an important part in the settlement of furniture, windows, and doors. Whatever you choose for your home, make sure that it complements the interior of your house and the style it exhibits. 

Contemporary homes usually have glass ceilings and fancy windows and will look great with sleek and unique front door styles. On the other hand, traditional homes look the best when placed with elegant designs and vintage looks. The door and windows you choose should always have the style statement of your home in mind. You cannot mix and match; otherwise, these windows and doors will look out of place and have a negative impact on the entire appeal of your home.  

Doors should match the style of the home to create a polished exterior design and give the entrance to the house a personal touch. For contemporary homes, instead of a simple plate door, you could choose an open or even more modern style with a glass or metal door.

Consider what makes your home unique when considering front doors. Consider the fabrics and the overall design. Is it dominated by straight lines or does it have a more nuanced appearance? The general rule is to choose a front door that does not detract from the overall appearance of your house.

Deciding the Purpose of the Door 

Depending on the requirements, exterior doors in San Diego are generally designed to serve various purposes. When choosing an exterior door style, homeowners should decide on the purpose of the door.

Although sliding glass doors are primarily used to let light in, they can also be used as a threshold through which you can enter your patio. Consider which rooms your doors open to. and be mindful of how they connect areas in the house. Make sure you know all the entrances and doorways. Analyze your chosen doors and see if they serve their purpose of opening up your home and creating better living spaces rather than inconveniences. Make a mental note of the rooms that offer a breathtaking view and those that don’t offer one. 

Classic Wood

Wood is one of the most popular materials for exterior doors. If you prefer a more traditional look and hope to add a little character to your entrance area, wooden doors are a good choice, especially with their natural and energy-efficient components.

Robust Steel

If your home simply needs a standard and durable exterior door, aluminum and steel exterior doors are an excellent option.

Fiberglass

Fiberglass exterior doors are also a good option as they are inexpensive and ideal for people that are willing to renovate and have some flexibility in their front doors.

Decorative Sidelights

To bring light into your home, a traditional front door can be fitted with a sidelight. Sidelights are flanked by vertical sidewalls that are integrated into the design of the door panels or rounded off with cross windows.

If your new front door leads you into an entrance hall that has no natural light, you should choose a partially glazed design with a side window. You can enhance your door style by adding features such as side windows or curved transom glass to your doors.

Play with the Colors 

Adding frames and different types of mullions can be the way to go. Once you have considered the aesthetics of your home, decide on the color combination and color hues for your door with one that best compliments your home. While a splash of color can brighten a home, bold colors might also dampen the attractive vibe of your home. Therefore, it is essential to consider your architectural design before diving into this business. 

If you are having a hard time deciding the perfect blend of colors for your doors, you should consult a professional at US Window & Door. They can offer style advice and recommend the best door designs for your home.

Choose the Right Colors for the Door Frames

One of the basic things to consider when looking for a new front door is to find exterior doors that match the style of the interior and the color of the exterior walls of your home.This can easily increase its appeal by creating a harmonious look. The colors prevalent in the exterior doors should match the theme of the home’s exterior. 

More often than not, people choose two different colors for their homes – one to paint the trim and the other for their windows. Make sure you have the best options at hand.   

Consider Ventilation

Some doors are often closed, while others are left open frequently. Homeowners should always consider how much ventilation they need before choosing the perfect door style for their homes. Since a large amount of carbon dioxide accumulates in rooms, all rooms must be constantly ventilated.There are several doors on the market today that already have the grille or ventilation. However, if you’ve already purchased a door without proper ventilation, you can purchase and install the grill yourself to ensure air circulation. 

Consider the Position of the Sun

A door that allows too much sunlight can be problematic. On the other hand, doors that block natural lights can make home look dull and dark inside. The orientation of the sun is important when determining your door’s location to ensure that the room where it’s going to be placed will maximize its benefits.

Make sure your home has enough sunlight so that it doesn’t look too bright or too dark. Consider the position of the sun at the time of dusk and dawn, and how it affects your home.If your home is too bright, getting a sliding glass door can be a foolish choice. These doors reflect the light, making it difficult and unbearable for you to watch television or work on your laptop. On the other hand, if your house is too dark, installing sliding glass doors and windows can be a wise choice. 

Choosing Exterior Doors

First impressions are everything and before you start narrowing down the selection of the best front doors, understanding these doors, their benefits, and functions will help you navigate through the various products on the market. If you want to replace a door with one that has glass panels to let more light in, you'll find plenty of choices. 

There are modern wood doors that are more weather resistant than older models, as well as metal and fiberglass doors that look like wood but provide greater protection and are also less expensive.

You should also remember that exterior doors are not only front doors, but they can be also utilized as a gateway to your home. Exterior doors may include front doors, back doors, or doors to your patio. Every door should provide security, privacy, and energy efficiency to the home. These are the most important factors in choosing the right exterior door style or new front door design. The right front door saves energy, lasts for decades to a lifetime, and ensures that your home is safe.

Take a look around, browse our website for more information on our products and services. With so many exterior door lines to choose from at US Window & Door, you want to make sure you're getting the best door for your money. We offer only the best doors, from exterior door options from Masonite to patio doors and more from Milgard. To get started on your home's front door, visit or call an in-home expert for a door consultation.