They say you should never judge a book by its cover but, when it comes to houses, first impressions mean everything. That's why choosing the right front door for your home is so important. Whether you want something sleek and streamlined to complement a modern aesthetic, or something with a more contemporary, coastal vibe – there is a front door to suit every home.
"A grand front entrance should provide a glimpse into the homeowner's interior style and adding to the value of the property," Corinthian Doors marketing director Athina Solomou says. "It's important to choose a front door that complements the architecture, but that also sets the property apart from neighbouring houses."
To boost your curb appeal and enhance your entrance ways, we've asked Athina to share her top door ideas to give your front entry door a makeover.
What size do you want?
The first thing to think about when selecting a front door is the size. While most single entrance doors are a standard 820mm wide and 2040mm tall, larger front doors are steadily growing in popularity. Many new build homes and renovations are opting for pivot door designs to make a statement.
"It's easy to take your home's entrance from bland to grand with one simple upgrade of installing a pivot door," Athina says. "A pivot door tends to be wider and taller, with the weight of the door carried at the top and bottom rather than on traditional hinged jambs."
If you want to install a larger – and, therefore, heavier entrance door - a pivot design is best suited to handle the extra weight and provides a smooth and secure opening. Plus, it gives your home that coveted curb-side appeal.
How would you like to frame it?
Next step to create a beautiful front door is the frame, which will often depend on the size of the entryway or the home's architecture. There are various door frames to choose from, such as single, single with sidelight, double or double with double sidelights.
"Entry doors with sidelights are not only on-trend and eye-catching but also offer the advantage of additional natural lighting," Athina says. "Frosted glass or clear glass panels will allow for sunlight to come through, providing a lighter and fresher atmosphere on the internal side."
Which material will work best?
Once you've got your size and frame figured out, the next step is selecting the front entrance material. "It's important to choose a door material that's not only aesthetically pleasing but practical, too," Athina says. "For those in bushfire-prone areas, a BAL-rated (Bushfire Attack Level) door is an important consideration. Depending on where you live, opt for BAL12.5, or BAL40 rated door for peace of mind."
If you plan on painting your front door, look for entrance doors with a primed door skin, which creates a smooth surface suitable for painting. Or, if you're going for a more natural finish, high-quality solid timber doors and timber veneers are best stained. Make sure you research the styling qualities of your home - Hamptons front doors look very different to French Provincial entrance doors.
Which design is right for you?
Athina says a colourful or exciting entry door design will provide an inviting preview of the beautiful rooms that lay inside the house. It's also a great chance for homeowners to release their inner stylist and experiment with design and colour. You could even DIY install a knocker or play around with paint colours - the styling is up to you!
"If you have an art-deco style home, make a statement by using a door with an interesting design," she says. "For heritage or coastal style homes, a classic design in neutral shades like white, grey and beige is best. Modern homes work well with simple designs, such as a timber frame with a large glass insert. Make your house pop with a splash of colour – such as a painted yellow or red front door or use a clear stain to accentuate the natural tones of the timber. This will offer a property a point of difference and standout feature."
Front door care tips for Australia
- Install entrance doors using quality materials in weather-protected openings to reduce the effects of weather exposure and to avoid voiding your warranty.
- Avoid getting your exterior doors wet, even after finishing/sealing, to prevent hassles down the line.
- Never use a hose on your front door. To clean, wipe down with a damp cloth and avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents.
- Regular inspection of your entry is essential. Pay special attention to door handles and possible paint breakdown around glass openings and joinery. Once the paint system has begun to decline, it is time to think about refinishing your door.
For more interior design ideas or style inspiration, visit one of our award-winning display homes, or check out our style gallery, where you can save and organise all your favourite Metricon home designs.
