When you look at your home, what do you want to see? Are you a modernist who wants to see the trends of minimalism and clean lines reflected in the facade? Do you want to step through cottage front doors into a country-styled abode? Or, you might be more of a traditionalist. If you fall into the last category, investing in traditional front doors is a smart move for both functionality and aesthetics.
These days, a traditional door can be made as a piece of modern, high-tech, quality equipment, while still maintaining the visual qualities of the Victorian or Georgian eras of architecture. If you’re curious about traditional aesthetics for your home’s entryways but unsure exactly what it entails, this blog will highlight the best things about a traditional front door.
The classic panelled architecture & wooden grain
Traditional doors are generally made with an aged but timeless look, with panelled architecture that creates a sense of depth and shadow within the door. A good dealer will offer doors with different panel numbers, contrasting with the slatted nature of a traditional cottage front door or the flat ‘slab’ approach of many modern doors.
It’s also worth noting that even composite doors will often be skinned with materials designed to mimic the natural grain of traditional timber doors, without the same risks of rot and degradation.
The pleasing weight and build of traditional doors
A lot of cheaper or more modern doors can be quite light or even hollow, which doesn’t do them any favours in terms of tactility, along with insulation. A well-made traditional door should be well insulated, with a nice degree of weight, along with proper edge banding. These kinds of design elements add to a pleasing feel when opening and closing the door, while also helping to maintain home temperature.
The windows have an appeal of their own
Traditional design is often defined by attractive, decorative windows that enhance the sense of grandeur and classicism. They’re generally integrated as balanced cut-outs at the top half of the door or in columns, allowing the light through in a controlled manner. The aesthetic appeal is furthered with decorative elements like bevels, leadwork and stained glass.
Heritage hardware helps to complete the package
Some heritage hardware is a great way to increase the feel of the traditional front doors. Traditional door handles and knockers, finished with antique black, gold and polished chrome, will help ground the door in its design styles’ roots. Traditional doorbells are also an effective choice for respecting the past, especially considering the rise of the modern Ring doorbell and its competitors.
Other reasons why traditional front doors are timeless choices
Beyond the more technical and physical aspects of traditional doors, there are some more abstract, almost artistic reasons that you might want to take the route into classic styles.
- Modern traditional doors act as a bridge between the old and the new, ensuring you get the old-school charm with the technical qualities of today. This means you get a lot of character without the need for the same maintenance.
- Traditional doors fit within classic design principles, meaning they can fit seamlessly onto cottages and new builds alike.
- When it comes time to market and resell your property, traditional doors will be the most reliable choice in terms of fostering proper kerb appeal.
Go traditional with your front door
If you’re interested in capturing the classic aesthetic of British homes with your entryway, browse traditional front doors from a reputable, well-known dealer. The balance between modern technology and traditional styles will come with aesthetic and functional gains for your home.