Our Austin Architects Explain How to Choose a Welcoming Front Door With Curb Appeal

The front door is one of the biggest components to consider when designing the front elevation of your home. In fact, front doors have over a 90% return on investment when it comes time to sell your house. It is easy to see why. Front doors provide a focal point to your home’s exterior, the first impression for your guests, and a welcome home to you and your family every day. When it comes down to it, the front door may be one of the most used features in your house! So, it is crucial to select the right one. Our Austin architects explain the types of front doors available and how to choose the right front door for your home.

3 Different Types of Front Doors

Single Doors

Single-hung front doors stand alone. Depending on the style and materials, single doors can look sleek and minimalist or charming and quaint. So, they are perfect for both modern homes and cottage homes. Single-hung entry doors are often flanked with sidelights or transom windows to add visual interest and make the door appear larger.

Photo by DK Studio

Double Doors

Double-hung front doors provide an elegant look, perfect for larger homes. Typically, one door will lock in place and not be used on a day-to-day basis. However, both doors can be opened, offering a large threshold that makes moving furniture in and out of the house a breeze.

Pivot Doors

Pivot doors rotate on a pivot box secured in the floor and at the top jamb rather than traditional side hinges. As a result, pivot doors have a contemporary feel and offer a dramatic effect when opened, which creates a great first impression for guests. However, since a pivot door opens from both sides, it forms a blind spot and poses a small safety risk for small children and pets. Glass panels in the door can help minimize this risk.

Front Door Accessories

Transoms

Transom windows are a panel of glass above the door. Transoms add height and allow plenty of natural light to enter the front entryway while maintaining privacy from the street.

Sidelights

Sidelights are vertical panels of glass on either side of the front door. These glass panels accent the door, make the entryway appear larger, and allow for natural light.

These glass panels accent the door, make the entryway appear larger, and allow for natural light. Photo by DK Studio — These glass panels accent the door, make the entryway appear larger, and allow for natural light.
Photo by DK Studio

Doorknobs

Traditionally, the doorknob on the front door will differ from the knobs used throughout the rest of the home. The front door offers an opportunity to select a large statement door handle, providing a sense of grandeur and stability.

Door Knockers

Door knockers are another accessory to consider, especially for homes with an old-world look. They provide guests a fun way to announce themselves, rather than the standard doorbell.

Decorative Ironwork

Decorative ironwork is a popular front door accessory, especially for doors with glass panels. Ironwork can provide a grand effect and visual interest to both traditional Hill Country-style home and Mission-style home exteriors.

Smart Home Upgrades

Smart home upgrades to the front door are popular among many homeowners. Options include video camera-enabled peepholes, keypads, and remote access. Upgrades like these make it easy to secure your home while out of town.

Front Door Finishes

Stained Wood

Stained wood is a classic front door finish that brings natural warmth, charm, and character to the home exterior. This option is perfect for both traditional and rustic homes.

Painted

Painted front doors bring a bright accent of color to the front of the home, adding character and defining a clear entrance. Popular colors include yellow, red, turquoise, and sage. Make sure the door accent color coordinates with the other exterior paint colors of the home.

Metal

Front doors with metal finishes are less commonly seen, which means they have the potential to make a big statement. A metal door could be the perfect feature for a contemporary home exterior.

5 Tips for How to Choose the Right Front Door for Your Home

Whether you are building your first house or planning your first remodel, keep these five tips in mind for choosing the right front door to complete the exterior design.

1. Match the Architectural Style

When selecting a front door, make sure it matches the architectural style of your home. There are many door designs out there, ranging from streamlined contemporary to ornate traditional. When selecting a door, consider the lines of the house, materials, and exterior paint colors.

2. Measure the Width of the Doorway

The opening of the front doorway will determine if you need a single door, double door, or additional transoms and sidelights. Make sure the door you want fits within the confines of the structure.

3. Bring in Natural Light

The front door choice affects more than the exterior of the home. It also has an impact on the design and feel of the foyer. Doors with glass panels are a great way to bring in more natural light, creating a welcoming foyer that will give guests a good first impression.

4. Consider Privacy From the Street

When selecting the front door, consider the relation of the home to the street. Depending on the site of your home, privacy from the road may be a concern. However, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice natural light in the foyer. Consider adding a transom window above the door or opting for frosted glass panels instead of transparent.

5. Make a Good First Impression

The front door is all about making a good first impression. Don’t be afraid to make a bold selection that showcases your personality, whether that’s with a fun color or personalized accessories like a door knocker. The right front door can make all the difference!

Do you need help selecting the right front door for your home?

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