How To Identify The Style Of Your Door
You can identify the styling of your door by looking at its glazing, panel design, material, colour, hardware and the age of your property. Modern doors usually have cleaner lines and simpler finishes, while traditional doors are have more detail.
This article will explain to you the main features to look for, including helping you understand whether your door is modern, traditional, victorian, georgian or another style of front door.
Quick Answer
To find out your door style, look at the glass design, panel layout, material, colour, hardware and the age of the property. Decorative glass, raised panels,and classic colours often mean a traditional style, while slim glazing, flat panels and simple hardware point more to a modern door.
Door Style Finder
These are some of the main features to look for when trying to figure out the style of the door.
Panel Design
Raised door panel designs are usually more traditional, while flat panels with clean looking grooves are more modern.
Glass Style
Patterend glass, leaded or decorative glass often found in classic door styles. Slim simple glass styles tend to look more modern.
Colour
Classic colours such as red, green, black and blue often give a traditional feel. Anthracite grey and other colours of grey give a more contemporary feel.
Hardware
Decorative handles, knockers, letterplates can all give a traditional feel. Minimal handles can look more modern.
Material
Timber-style, uPVC, composite doors can all have different looks depending on the final finish and design.
Property Age
The style of your home and age can give you many clues about whether your door is period-style, modern or traditional.
Common Front Door Styles
These are some of the most common door styles found on UK homes.
Traditional Front Door
Traditional doors tend to have decorative glass, raised panels and classic colours.
Best for: Older homes, terraces, cottages and period-style properties.
Modern Front Door
Modern doors feature a flat panels, clean lines, simple hardware and slim glazing.
Best for: Newer homes, rendered homes and contemporary entrances.
Cottage-Style Door
Cottage style doors often have softer colours, vertical panels and traditional hardware.
Best for: Cottages, character homes and properties with a softer traditional look.
Georgian-Style Door
Georgian style doors usually have classic proportions, balanced panels and might have a fanlight.
Best for: Period homes, symmetrical entrances and classic property styles.Traditional vs Modern Doors
| Feature | Traditional Door Style | Modern Door Style |
|---|---|---|
| Panels | Raised, shaped or detailed panels | Flat panels or clean grooves |
| Glass | Decorative, leaded or patterned glass | Simple, clear or slim glass sections |
| Colours | Classic shades such as black, white, green, red or blue | Grey, black, anthracite or bold modern colours |
| Hardware | Decorative handles, knockers or letterplates | Simple, minimal or stainless-style hardware |
| Best Suited To | Period homes, cottages and classic properties | Newer homes, rendered homes and contemporary entrances |
Door Style Identification
| What You Notice | Possible Door Style |
|---|---|
| Raised panels and decorative glass | Traditional or Victorian-style door |
| Simple flat design with slim glazing | Modern front door |
| Vertical boards or panels | Cottage-style door |
| Balanced panels and a fanlight above | Georgian-style door |
| Grey or anthracite colour with simple hardware | Modern composite door |
| Bold colour with classic glass | Traditional composite door |
Can You Change The Style Of Your Door?
Yes, changing your front door can change the whole appearance of your homes entrance. A traditional door can add character to old properties, while a modern door can make the home feel more contemporary and cleaner.
When considering a new doors, it always helps to consider the porch, brickwork, windows and colour scheme.
You may also want to look at composite doors, porches or grey doors, if you plan on having a wider entrance to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what style my door is?
You can identify the style of your door by looking at the glazing, meterial, panel shape, colour and the age of the home. Traditional doors usually come in more detail while modern doors are cleaner and simpler.
What is a traditional door style?
A traditional door style usually includes raised panels, decorative glass, classic colours and more detailed hardware. These doors often suit older homes, cottages and period-style properties.
What is a modern front door style?
A modern front door style has simple glazing, clean lines, flat panels and minimal hardware. Black, grey and anthracite colours are used for modern doors.
What are door side windows called?
Door side windows also known as sidelights. They sit next to the door and can add more kerb appeal, natural light, and more open front entrance design.
What is the window above a door called?
The window above the door is commonly know as a fanlight. Fanlights can help to add more natural light and are often found on period style or traditional entrances.
Can I replace my front door with a different style?
Yes, you can replace your front door with a different style, provided the new door suits the opening and property design. A new design can help to change the whole appearance of your homes entrance.
Need Help Choosing A New Door Style?
Here at St Helens Windows we can help you to design a new front door style that not only suits your home, but provides improved insulation and security. Whether you are looking for modern styles, traditional, cottage-style or different composite door style we can help.
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