Selecting a replacement exterior doors style harmonizes beautifully with your home’s architecture and ensures visual cohesion. You can maintain or create the aesthetic you desire. Historic homes may suit Craftsman or Farmhouse styles, while mid-century buildings pair well with Contemporary doors.
Outdated or damaged exterior entries negatively impact aesthetics and security. Replacing them provides an opportunity to restore and enhance your home’s style. A careful selection of designs and elements reflecting your taste creates maximum appeal. Explore some top types of exterior doors to make your home stand out.
Craftsman Style Doors Suit Bungalows and Historic Homes
Also called Mission or Arts and Crafts doors, Craftsman styles feature overlapping horizontal or vertical wood planks, exposed joinery, and handcrafted accents. Stained glass windows, carved geometric patterns, and wrought iron fixtures reinforce the traditional charm.
These aesthetics match bungalows, Victorian cottages, and other early 20th-century homes. If your residence has abundant natural wood details, peaked gables, and stone/brick elements, a Craftsman door brings harmony.
Pair rich woodgrains with vivid red, navy blue, olive, or ebony-stained finishes and chrome fixtures for a bold contrast. Or select matching wood tones for subtle uniformity.
Craftsman doors commonly incorporate smaller rectangular window panes, cross buck patterns, sunburst accents, and arched transoms reminiscent of old-world style.
Modern and Contemporary Doors Create Sophistication
Contemporary doors make stunning statements with minimalist, clean lines instead of elaborate accents. Oversized glass windows and doors generate an airier open concept. Metallic finishes like stainless steel, bold solid colors, and sparse lean hardware embody contemporary style.
For modern flair, integrate innovative technology like digital locks and video intercoms. These sleek, unadorned looks ideally suit mid-century homes. Contemporary styles harmonize beautifully in newer suburbs featuring open layouts and abundant natural light.
Oversized wraparound glass panes, transom windows, and door sidelights allow plentiful light while creating an airier, expanded feel. For privacy, choose frosted, reflective, or obscure glass patterns.
White, black, and gray stained doors set a sophisticated monochromatic tone, especially with chrome or stainless steel hardware and fixtures for contrast.
Hidden hinges, absent hardware, and electronic smart locks continue the streamlined modern look. Recess all components flush with door faces.
For contemporary industrial flair, opt for smooth, ribbed metal exterior doors Toronto in gunmetal, bronze, or galvanized tin styles, exposing the underlying surfaces.
Rustic Farmhouse Doors Incorporate Natural Elements
Farmhouse-style doors feature visible wood grains, planks, mimicked age spots, and artisan hand-forged hardware to create rustic charm. Distressed stains, curious textures like wire brushing, and imperfections celebrate natural authenticity.
Paint or stain colors like brick red, olive, navy, and ebony complement classic farmhouse palettes. Wrought iron fixtures, divided window panes, and barn door handles reinforce the timeworn, welcoming look. Farmhouse styles match cottages, historic homes, and ranches using reclaimed woods for decor.
Dutch and Double Doors Broaden Grand Entrances
Double-door designs open up spacious passageways and generate an inviting, grander entry experience. Extra wide pathways suit large foyers and elaborate entrance halls. Separating an expansive door into two synchronized smaller ones enables easier operation than a heavy, oversized single slab.
For wide openings, double doors deliver beautiful symmetry and elegance. Include coordinating sidelights and transoms to complete the look.
Dutch doors feature an upper and lower half operating independently, allowing you to secure the bottom before opening just the top section to speak with visitors.
Match double door finishes, carvings, glasswork, and hardware patterns perfectly for seamless uniformity. Mismatched pairs clash instead of impressing.
For historic charm, select French double doors featuring full-length glass panes surrounded by intricately carved wood frames and column dividers. Excellent for porches.
Carefully Measure Openings Before Purchase
Your replacement door must fit its existing frame opening to operate correctly, seal out weather, and resist intruders. Take highly detailed measurements of all dimensions and record peculiarities before shopping.
Account for trims and moldings that encroach on the opening size as well. Trying to install a door slightly off in size jeopardizes functionality, security, and insulation. Precise sizing during manufacturing prevents problems.
Use steel tape and laser measuring devices to capture opening width, height, and diagonal measurements to the 1/16th inch. Record them for the sales representative.