Blog>Ideas>Front door ideas: 14 top trends in front door design
Last updated: 29 August 2024
Front door ideas: 14 top trends in front door design
Your front door is the first thing that people will see when they visit your home. So, you'll want to get it right. Check out our front door ideas for some much-needed inspiration.
Your front door is the focal point of your property’s exterior. As the entrance to your home, it should give guests a good first impression of your home’s aesthetic and welcome them in with style. That’s why we’ve packed this guide with front door ideas to suit every taste, style and budget.
From minimalist front doors for modern homes to traditional front doors for period properties, there's something for everyone. And we haven't even touched upon colour choices yet! Whatever your ambitions, browse through our front door decor ideas to see what's possible.
Types of external door
With so many front door ideas to consider, it’s easy to get overwhelmed when replacing your front door. Ideally, you should start the process with a list of preferences for your external door.
For example, would you like glass panes to filter in natural light? Do you want a striking colour to contrast the uniform brickwork? How about a double-locking system?
By making these key design decisions early, you can narrow down your choices to find a front door that fits your needs.
When it comes to materials, the most common types of front doors are made from:
Each material will have its own benefits and drawbacks. If you’re unsure of where to begin, our front door replacement planning guide will walk you through step by step.
Or, why not get in touch with a front door installer near you, who'll be able to offer professional advice on the right style and material for your home?
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
14 front door ideas for every home
Now for the part you've been waiting for! Read on for all the inspiration you need to choose a new front door for your home.
1. Go natural with timber front door designs
A natural timber front door is a classic choice that adds character to modern and period homes.
Grooved panels instead of glass panes make this traditional timber front door effortlessly timeless. A matching iron knocker, handle, lock and lantern lights contrast well with the white cladding on the external walls.
2. Explore front door ideas for brick homes
If you live in a brick house, a colourful front door can be a great way to create contrast and put your own spin on your property's exterior.
This homeowner has opted for a lively blue/green colour that balances out the red of the bricks.
Together with trailing climbers and cottage-garden planting, the result is whimsical yet full of life.
3. Complement the style of your property
This gorgeous front door perfectly complements this period property's brickwork and stonework.
A modern twist on a classic style, it combines modern features with a rustic edge to create a warm and authentic first impression.
The duck egg colour wash complements the horizontal grooves of the wood, while the diamond Georgian window and bronze letterbox are nice touches.
4. Go bold with colourful front door ideas
Be bold and make a statement by adding a colourful front door for an added 'wow factor' to your home's exterior.
Opt for a bright canary yellow, fuchsia pink or cobalt blue. They work best when contrasting brickwork or brick-effect cladding. But giving your door a lick of bright paint regardless of its backdrop is a surefire way to make a stylish introduction.
5. Match with front door step ideas
The UK isn't known for its large and elaborate porches. However, a nice front step for guests to stand on while they wait for an invite into your home offers the perfect introduction.
Coupled with a modern and elegant uPVC door like this one, the result is impressive. Here, twin paned windows, chromatic accessories and clashing textures work well with traditional brickwork.
What we particularly love is how white Roman pillars and adjacent plant pots frame the whole aesthetic. Despite being separated by different eras, these design elements work well together.
6. Embrace modern front door ideas
If you're a fan of a more modern aesthetic, why not run with it? This contemporary home boasts a minimalistic front door that fits perfectly with the style of the property.
With no details other than a slick T-bar pull handle that complements the stainless steel exterior lights and door number, it's a stripped-back look that's brave yet understated. We love the inclusion of a sidelight, which offers a tantalising glimpse into the home's modern interior while letting natural light into the hallway.
7. Combine old and new
This door is a beautiful example of how to mesh a contemporary aesthetic with classic elegance.
The diamond window and tongue-and-groove design ooze traditional cottage charm. But the black colour palette and chrome accessories add a slick and sophisticated twist that plant the door firmly in the 21st Century.
8. Don't shy away from traditional front door ideas
When all is said and done, sometimes a traditional design is the way to go.
Composite and uPVC doors are versatile and easy to maintain. This door is a great example of combining flattering design elements while keeping it simple.
Here, they've maximised the light with an arched window pane and adjacent porch windows. This setup will offer energy-saving benefits, and the first impression gives both a familiar and inviting aesthetic.
9. Factor in your neighbours
When you're choosing a front door style and colour, it's worth taking into account the doors of neighbouring properties. For instance, do you want to blend in? Stand out? Or achieve something in between?
These neighbouring black and yellow doors are a great example. While both doors are the same style, one neighbour has gone for a sophisticated and timeless black aesthetic, while the other has chosen a sunny yellow.
Better still, the black accessories on the yellow door tie in with the neighbouring door's colour palette, and the brass accessories on the black door have a similar effect. In this way, both doors feel they belong together without detracting from each homeowner's style and tastes.
10. Play with elegant front door ideas
The doors that shout the loudest aren't always those that have the most impact. Rather, opting for a more subdued colour that blends in with your home's exterior can be a great way to infuse your home with class and elegance.
This front door has been painted a warm mid-grey tone that ties in with the property's stonework.
With a simple black knocker and door pull, the result is understated and refined. Plus, it lets the homeowner draw attention to those beautiful pink geraniums framing the entrance!
11. Add a front door canopy
A front door canopy can be a stylish and practical addition to your home's entrance. It frames your front door and creates a welcoming place for visitors to wait while you answer the door, away from the sun, rain, and wind.
This front door canopy ties in wonderfully with this modern property's aesthetic.
The glass material means the canopy doesn't break up the slick and seamless facade, while the chrome metalwork ties in perfectly with the accessories on the front door.
12. Include decorative front door ideas
It's not all about installing the right front door. Rather, adding the right decorative accessories can also change how your entrance appears to visitors.
We love this bright teal front door, which pops against the white cladding. But it's the wreath that really elevates the overall look, giving the door a fresh and vibrant appearance that's perfect for the spring season.
After all, why wait until Christmas to crack out the wreaths? Sourcing beautiful wreaths to welcome in every season of the year can be a great way to add interest to your entrance and ensure you never get bored.
13. Consider classic front door colours
During the Victorian era, blue, green, black and red were solid choices for a front door - although red was certainly reserved for those who wanted to make an impression!
Opting for one of these shades can be a great way to highlight the authentic charm of an older property - or add character to a new build.
We love the choice of a red front door on this charming house. Not only does it draw your eye immediately to the entrance, but it also highlights the red tones in the brickwork above the bay window.
14. Tie everything together
On the topic of the Victorians, we think they'd be big fans of this distinguished black front door.
But we particularly love how it ties in with the black shutters framing the window beside it.
In this way, the front door is part of an overall look that feels cohesive and accentuates this home's period charm. Even the bike adds to the effect!
Key takeaways
Choose a new front door that appeals to your tastes but also complements your property's style
Take into account your neighbours' front doors and whether you want yours to blend in or stand out
Carefully choose your front door accessories to complete the picture
A front door installer near you will be able to advise you on some of the best doors for your needs
See the tradespeople we've checked and recommend for your job
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