The Ultimate Guide To Popular Front Door Styles

First impressions matter, with people and places. At home, it’s all about your yard—for example, the landscaping, siding, and front door. “Choosing the perfect front door can enhance your overall curb appeal,” says Emily Brown of Emily Lauren Interiors in Austin, Texas. With so many options, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for your house. Brown’s advice? “Opt for a design that stays true to the overall style and architecture of your home, which will create a cohesive and welcoming entrance.” Find out everything you need to know about your options with our guide to popular front door styles.

Materials

Fiberglass

Low maintenance and long lasting, fiberglass is popular because of its durability, affordability, and realistic wood appearance. Harsh and humid climates will find these pros especially useful.

Wood

There’s nothing like wood’s natural beauty, but it does require upkeep. Solid wood doors cost more than engineered wood doors, which are most widely available. “For a natural or stained door, go with oak or mahogany. If you plan to paint your door, choosing a more economical option like douglas fir is a great alternative,” Brown advises.

Steel

If safety and durability are top of mind, opt for steel. It’s even stronger than wood or fiberglass, and won’t crack or warp. Bonus: It’s the least expensive option. 

Aluminum

Aluminum doors have to be custom ordered and are very expensive. The benefit is that their baked-on enamel finish requires no touch ups and won’t rust.

Styles

Craftsman

Craftsman style doors are especially charming, with a panel of windows at the top and decorative molding below (usually). If you lean toward a more traditional aesthetic but want something with a little more character, this could be a winner.

Double Front

For wider homes, double doors can be both proportional and practical. They also add a certain elegance to the exterior, making them especially ideal for more traditionally designed houses.

Dutch Door

Named for the Dutch immigrants who brought this style from the Netherlands countryside, Dutch doors are the best of both worlds. Open the top part to let the breeze and sunshine in without disturbing the bottom part (that makes a great gate for kids and pets alike).

Traditional

This is the most common and versatile style, designed with solid raised panels. Other accents like trim and windows set each door apart.

Paneled

“If you’re seeking a modern look that never goes out of style, a vertical paneled door is a unique choice,” recommends Brown. “Using a pivot hinge instead of traditional hinges keeps the door clean and minimal while adding distinctive functionality.” Horizontal panels can lend an equally modern touch.

Arch Top

When you want to make a statement, consider Old World-inspired arches that add a lot of character. Most homes aren’t built for an arched front door, and the installment of one creates a custom look.

Decorative Glass

Glass doors are a great opportunity to maximize your natural light and can represent all kinds of aesthetics. If security is a concern, you can opt for beveled, stained, or glazed glass that obscures the view without compromising on sunshine.