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Are you doing a few renovations around the house? Is it time to pick a new front door?
Choosing a door seems like it should be an easy task, but you’d be surprised. A lot more goes into that decision than you’d assume at first glance. After all, the front door is the first thing that visitors will see before they come in.
Before you go rifling through all of your front door options, we’re here to offer some advice. Keep reading to learn all about the top factors that you should consider when you’re choosing a front door.
1. Curb Appeal
Regardless of whether you’re staying in your permanent home or you’re getting ready to sell, you should always consider your curb appeal.
Curb appeal is the overall “vibe” that your home gives off from the road or curb that it sits on. It’s the first thing that anyone sees when they look at the house and it should make an appealing impact, even if it isn’t flashy.
Several things go into curb appeal. They include (but aren’t limited to) your front lawn, your exterior paint color (if any), your walkways, your driveways, your windows, and your door.
All of these things should work together to make a cohesive and overall nice curb appeal.
If you already like what the outside of your home looks like, you need to figure out how the door should fit into it to match. Take a look from the curb and from the road to see how different styles might contribute to your home’s appearance.
When in doubt, consider using an online editing or designing program to add different doors to your home so you can imagine what they’d look like in real life.
2. The Entryway and Home
What about the inside of your home? Remember that the interior of your front door will be visible from your entryway or foyer, so it has to match (or at least look aesthetically pleasing).
This is a great time to consider door styles. While it doesn’t matter much from the outside, the inside is where styles become more obvious. Do you want it to match?
For example, a minimalist door with no distinguishing marks might fit well into an ultra-modern home, but it would stand out against a home that leans victorian.
Again, we suggest using editing or designing programs to consider different styles before you commit to one.
3. Your Neighbors
IF you live close to other people, you should also take your neighbors into consideration.
It’s not so much that you need their approval to decide on your door, but rather that you want the home to mesh well with the other homes that surround it. If you consider their homes while you’re making your choice, you’re going to have a better chance at picking something cohesive.
You also need to consider your HOA if you’re part of one. While doors aren’t often a primary concern, many may have regulations about the color or style of your front door.
Before making your commitment, check with your HOA so you don’t end up wasting time or money on something that you’ll have to get rid of.
4. Ideal Colors
There are so many options for door colors. Which one is right for you?
Most people opt for standard colors, like brown or beige. Keep in mind that white, while it’s a clean and bright color, will scuff easily and require more cleaning if you want it to look nice.
Consider opting for a statement door if you want a fun and unique look. Statement doors are growing in popularity. People often match a colorful door to colorful window frames or shutters.
Take a look at the rest of your home’s exterior to get a better idea of what’s going to work for your home. Would a bright flash of sunflower yellow look good against your gray bricks? What about a warm red tone against your beige siding?
Choosing a front door color is the most fun part of this process!
5. Material
This is often an afterthought when it comes to choosing a door because it’s not as obvious as the color or design. That said, you should still consider it.
Steel doors are an easy and obvious choice if you’re concerned about heavy security. While they’re steel, they don’t look like metal because they have designs baked onto them. You will need to touch up the paint from time to time.
Fiberglass doors are also a great choice. They’re often more affordable than other options and they mimic the general appearance of wood. They’re great for humid climates.
Wood doors are the most popular. That said, it may not be the best choice. While it’s beautiful, it’s also the least resilient when it comes to moisture and humidity.
6. Privacy
This is a minor factor, but it’s still one that you should keep in mind. How much privacy do you want from your door?
Many people love large french doors with big windows so they can see out into the world. Those doors also allow people to see in, though, which might be problematic.
If you want more safety alongside your privacy, you want to opt for a sturdier door, like one made of steel. If you choose a door with windows, you may want them to be textured so that it’s hard to see inside.
Choosing a Door: More Difficult Than You Thought
Make sure that you keep all of these factors in mind next time you’re choosing a door for your home. With all of the front door styles and colors to choose from, you have a lot to think about!
Are you looking for help with replacing your front door? At Forde Windows and Remodeling, we have more than 30 years of experience. Contact us so we can start working together today.