Perhaps you’ve heard that the first thing people notice about a house is its front door. What that door looks like – as well as the entry area around it – can speak volumes to the viewer. It makes a statement about the home itself as well as those who live in it. The right front door makes visitors feel welcome and shows that the owners care about their home. But how to you choose the right door for your house?
Do I want my home to stand out or blend in with the neighborhood? This is probably the first question you should ask yourself, because it will make all the difference. Want your home to have a unique appearance that gets noticed? One of the best ways to do that is with a vibrant color. You can either choose a prefinished colored door (they’re available in many colors, from cherry red to lemon yellow), or add a coat of paint to a wood or other type of door that can be painted. The most popular colors (besides black) include red, deep purple, coral, lime green, and sky blue. Of course, you can choose another color – just make sure it works well with your existing exterior color scheme. What you’re looking for is high contrast.
On the other hand, if you want your home to blend in seamlessly with your area, choose a door that works well with the other exterior elements on your home. Natural wood tones go with neutrals as well as brick and other masonry. And while splurging a bit on your new front door is justified, you don’t want to go overboard. For example, an elegant double door with art glass or decorative features would look out of place on a small, simple ranch home.
Pay attention to size. While getting people’s attention with your front door is important, you don’t want it to be out of step with the rest of the house. Small home, small entry area? An attractive, single door would be appropriate. You might consider partial glass for more light in your inside entry as well as giving it more visual appeal. But if your entry area is expansive and your home is a larger one, a double set of entry doors or a single door flanked by sidelights (like the one shown here) would be fitting.
This door configuration checks all the right boxes. The gloss black finish contrasts with the wide siding while coordinating with the black window frames. The sidelight glass panels on either side expand the entry area itself visually. And by the way – don’t forget touches such as the potted plants as well as the pendant light that illuminates this door and makes it the focal point of the home.
Don’t forget about these other factors. Of course, your budget matters. But go for the best door you can afford – this isn’t a project you’ll want to cut corners on or save money. Also think about the weather and climate factors. Is your door going to be in full sun or exposed to rain or snow? Then a wood door probably isn’t a good idea. A fiberglass or steel door would be a better choice. But you can protect that entry door with the installation of a storm door. Doors that are set back and covered by a roof such as the porch above will hold up better because they aren’t getting direct sun and moisture exposure.
As a licensed Minnesota entry door installation contractor, we can help you choose the right door for your home. We offer energy-efficient exterior doors and storm doors from a number of manufacturers, and we’re confident we have the right door for your home and your budget. Contact us today for a free no-obligation consultation.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.