Front Door Design Ideas
Inspirational Front Door Design Ideas
An elegant entrance adds instant curb appeal to your home. But it’s not just the visual impact to consider - a front door must be functional and secure as well. At Doorstation, our range of front doors gives you all the options you need to make the right choice for your space.
First Impressions – Apply Your Style
The front door is often the focal point of a home’s exterior. It’s naturally what everyone looks for when they approach your house. It can be memorable, subtly captivating…or just a bit of you. A classic timber door offers warmth and traditional charm, while aluminium and steel doors are known for their durability and low maintenance. We all have different tastes, but thankfully front doors are available in a multitude of colours and styles, and if you can’t find what you’re looking for, try a bespoke front door – let your creativity run wild!
At Doorstation, our range of external front doors is extensive. Consider a six panel door or a top glazed door for the ultimate in privacy. Introduce more light with increased glazing like the Oak Winchester Glazed Door or Windsor Glazed Door. Apply a cottage feel with the Oak Suffolk Door or continue the tradition with an ageless Hardwood Carolina style. With over 90 styles of front door available at Doorstation, there’s sure to be something right up your street.
Once you have your style chosen, you can start to think about colour… For a wooden door, the options are literally endless. The latest trends lean towards bold greens, blues and yellows, with red offering a timeless choice exuding warmth and energy.
Things to Consider When You’re Choosing a Front Door
When it comes to investing in our home, most decisions need a bit of thought and consideration. Choosing the right front door is no different, so here are some things to look out for when making that all-important front door purchase.
Security
At the top of the list when it comes to front door decision-making is security. No matter what colour, style or material, a front door must be secure. Take a look below at our more detailed guide to front door security.
Design
Marking the entrance from the outside world into your own space, a front door should represent the style and mood you want to convey. While other more practical factors are important, after all, a front door has a crucial role to play in terms of security and functionality, there’s still room to add your own personalisation and flair. If period features are your bag, pick a cottage or traditional style, or if you’re into contemporary décor, try more modern designs. Colour, style, glazing, and accessories can all be tailored to meet your design taste.
Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs today, energy efficiency is an essential part of the decision-making process when choosing a front door. Certain materials are naturally more energy efficient, and the amount and type of glazing will have a big impact on heat transfer. Front doors that include double or triple-glazed units are particularly good at reducing heat loss and improving insulation. If you’ve opted for a wooden front door, make sure it fits tightly and has quality weatherstripping around the frame to prevent draughts and heat escaping.
Functionality
Ease of use and functionality are super important in a front door. As the primary entrance, most of us use our front door multiple times every day. So consider whether you want a front door that locks automatically, or one you must open and lock with a key. Perhaps maintenance is high on your agenda, look at aluminium front door designs for a modern, maintenance-free option. Glazing can also affect the functionality of a front door. If your internal space requires more natural light, choose a highly glazed door, or if privacy is important choose no glazing at all. These are all aspects of a door's functionality that can be tailored to your individual needs.
Aesthetics
Matching your front door with the aesthetics of the building and its surrounding environment is an important consideration. For instance, a modern design like the Hardwood Balham Glazed Door is not necessarily a good fit for an 18th-century stone cottage. When looking at front door options, always consider the building's era, construction materials and overall style. It’s also worth thinking about other front-facing doors, like a garage door. Consider whether you want your front door to match or offer a complete contrast.
Front Door Security
According to security professionals, your home is only as secure as its weakest point of entry. This makes complete sense, and research shows that your front door will always reveal the level of security surrounding your home to a thief. A secure front door will make a burglar think twice before trying to gain entry and likely move on to the next property.
- Deadbolt – more difficult to pick than a standard lock
- Anti-Snap Cylinder - prevents intruders from snapping the cylinder to gain entry
- Multi-Point Locking – offering multiple locks around the door frame
At Doorstation, our front door security can be enhanced by adding your preferred type of locking system.
Fire Safety Guide to Front Doors
In the UK, there are specific fire regulations for front doors, and in certain situations, a fire-rated door is required. A front door to a private home doesn’t generally need to be fire-rated, unless it opens into an integral garage or connects to a property with three or more stories. But the rules are stricter if the front door opens into a common area or corridor.
Multi-Occupancy Buildings
In flats or other types of multi-occupancy dwelling, front doors must meet the FD30S standard meaning they are fire and smoke resistant to 30 minutes. The front door must also be self-closing and fitted with an intumescent smoke seal.
Doorstation offers a full range of front door designs. Our range includes options and accessories to tailor your front door exactly as you want. There’s no need to compromise on style because our front doors can match the rest of your internal and external doors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a hardwood front door?
Maintenance is key to the lifespan of a wooden front door. A well-maintained hardwood front door can last around 50 years. Use weather-resistant coatings, and address maintenance issues as soon as they arise. A canopy or overhang will also increase the lifespan.
Do I need planning permission to add an external door?
Planning permission may be required depending on where you live, the type of property, and the extent of changes. Our blog provides a detailed look at front door planning permission.
What is a Hemlock door?
A Hemlock door is a door made from hemlock timber, a softwood known for its smooth grain, consistent texture, and pale, even colouring. Hemlock is often used in internal doors due to its excellent workability and attractive appearance.
