Front doors are an underestimated feature of your home. As the first thing you and your guests will see, your door and entryway can really make or break your overall aesthetic, so why not try something new?

Trends are constantly changing, so as we jump into 2024, you might be looking for a style that’s a little more up-to-date. But when it comes to front door ideas, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this handy guide for you, full of inspiration and new trends to lend a helping hand.

Table of Contents

How can I make my front door look nice?

You’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of ways to make your front door look nice. But before we get to that, it’s worth considering a few things. 

Take a good look at your front door. Do you like it? Does it match your home? Is it too boring? Too bold? This will help you determine whether you want a complete change with a new front door style, or if you’re just looking for ideas for front door décor. Front door decorating ideas often present easier and more affordable solutions as opposed to whole replacements, but it’s ultimately up to you. 

Is your front door safe enough? Will the changes you make boost security or hinder it? If you’re thinking of a glass door, you’ll have to weigh up the pros and cons. Maybe it looks nice and increases natural light, but will it break easily? Does it limit your privacy? If so, you might want to compromise with stained glass and side lights. 

Will the changes you make still conform to insulation requirements? According to the Building Regulations Approved Document L: Conservation of Fuel and Power, all external doors in new builds must have a maximum U-value of 1.6 W/m²K and existing dwellings must have a maximum U-value of 1.4 W/m²K following the changes made 15 June 2023. We always encourage you to check for any changes and updates. 

Black door with two glass panels and brick steps.

Large doors

Large front doors have been gaining the spotlight recently, making them fantastic front door ideas for homes in the UK. Standard front doors often reach 2m high and between 700mm and 900mm wide, whereas large front doors are now available in sizes close to 3m tall and over 1.5m wide.  

Larger and taller front doors add a hyper-modern element for new builds and grand appearances in existing properties, presenting a range of colours and styles to match your home. You don’t have to worry about heat loss either, as there are dozens of thermally efficient large door options to suit you. 

External side lights

Entryways can look dull and dreary, but natural light can be an easy and effective way of brightening up your space. So why not add external sidelights to your door?  

With frosted and obscured glazing options available, you can enhance the look of your entryway and hall while maintaining your privacy. Natural light can go a long way to upgrade your space, especially when paired with light tones and neutral colour schemes. Sidelights are ideal for both modern and traditional aesthetics too, and you’ll find a wide range of options to suit different doors. 

Stained glass and decorative glazing

Another option for additional lighting is stained glass and decorative glazing. Popular in churches and cathedrals, these options look beautiful around doors, especially those that embrace period styles and traditional aesthetics. They can also pair well with contemporary doors and homes. 

If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to authentic stained glass, you can find an array of films that easily adhere to existing glass and give the same look. They can be removed without hassle too, so there’s no need to worry about damage. 

Blue door with a window above it and plants on the step.

Neutrals

Neutrals are timeless. While trends come and go, neutral front doors are unlikely to go out of style. Warm browns, soft beiges and cool greys suit almost every exterior design out there, from the modern to the traditional.  

Whether you’re looking for modern front doors with glass or a traditional cottage front door, neutral tones work for every project. 

Wood or composite 

Natural hardwood doors are ideal for incorporating neutral tones and added luxury into your home as they offer durable and long-lasting options. Wood can be painted over again and again with the right maintenance and treatment, allowing you to keep doors looking fresh. Timber and oak are favourable in terms of looks and performance, especially for rustic aesthetics, but they aren’t the only available option.  

Composite front doors come in a plethora of colour options and styles and are made to last. They require minimal maintenance, offer great energy efficiency and can even resemble authentic wood, so they might just be the thing you’re looking for. 

Trendy colours

While neutrals are classic, a really easy and effective way to boost the appearance of your front door is to incorporate trendy colours. A lot of homes have white, grey and black front doors, and while these can look pleasing with the right aesthetics, you might find yourself wanting something a bit bolder and more exciting – especially if you’re looking to stand out against the rest of your street.  

Colour has made a real comeback recently and expected trends include bold and vampy colours, like deep reds, royal purples and midnight blues, and more muted shades of teal. Lilacs and other pastel shades are also forecast, continuing their growing popularity across both period and modern homes. These gentle shades are a great way of adding colour without opting for anything too bright, although a lot of homeowners have found that a pink front door looks better than they expected. 

You don’t always have to replace your door, either. Painting your door can give the same effect at a lower price and without the fuss of measuring, ordering and installation.   

Pastel pink door with 234 on, installed on a white house.

Metal doors

For modern aesthetics and new builds, you might be searching exclusively for contemporary front doors. If that’s the case, a metal door could well be the answer.  

Metal doors are lightweight, durable and long-lasting. They are ideal for industrial and urban aesthetics and come in plenty of shades. Ranging from black and anthracite to powdered bronze, you’ll be able to coordinate your front door with the rest of your home and match it to metal driveway gates and while upgrading security, longevity and even thermal efficiency.  

Door canopies

If you’re looking for a cost-effective and easy option to elevate the appearance of your front door, a door canopy is a fantastic option. Available in different colours, shapes and sizes, door canopies add a charming element and provide some protection against harsh weather conditions that are prone to chopping and changing in the UK.  

You can choose to coordinate your canopy with your home to create a cohesive facade. If you’re looking for more modern front door canopy ideas, however, why not add a pop of colour? 

A pastel blue door on a brick house with a white canopy above it.

Door furnishings

Another practical way of transforming your front door is to focus on furnishings and hardware. Old door handles, locks, knockers and letterboxes can be swapped out for new colours and styles, effortlessly elevating your door and tying into your desired aesthetics.  

Lever handles are a popular choice that flatters a range of doors and include backplates or a rose. Square and round roses hide fixings and offer seamless, often more contemporary, appearances. If you prioritise pull and grip, you might opt for a knurled handle. For traditional doors, doorknobs are still a favourable option.  

Modern doors may benefit from matt black or polished chrome with a sleek mirror-like finish, whereas brass can add a luxurious element that flatters a range of period styles. If you’re looking for a pleasing all-rounder, satin nickel offers a brushed hue with a subtle shine, forming a smooth finish for both contemporary and traditional homes. 

Wreaths

Contrary to popular belief, wreaths don’t have to go up at Christmas. You can have a wreath on your door year-round. They’re versatile, affordable and easy to install with screws or adhesive hooks, perfect for those wanting to spruce up their front door and entryway without any permanent changes.   

Wreath ideas for your front door can range in colour, size and shape. They often incorporate fake flowers and foliage perfect for cottage core styles, which have become a growing trend. You can even DIY your own wreaths to save money and add a personal touch. 

Greenish blue door with a gold wreath and flowers.

Letters and numbers

Another practical way to elevate your front door is to add numbers or letters. Available in screw and self-adhesive options with assorted finishes, numbers and letters are nice little detail that can really make your home feel like your own. Not only do they look nice when they match door hardware and furnishings, but they also prove helpful for post and deliveries, and if emergency services are ever required. 

Home security

While appearance is integral for complimenting your front door design, you can’t underestimate the effect of home security. Safety is always a priority, which makes home security a must. That said, as technology progresses, you’re no longer restricted to locks and bolts – now you can incorporate sensors, cameras and alarms to deter burglaries and prevent break-ins. 

These security systems often have discrete appearances too, so you don’t have to worry about bulky cameras and unsightly sensors disrupting your home exterior.  

Steps and planters

When trying to enhance the look of your front door and home, the changes aren’t always exclusive to the door itself. Front door steps supply endless ideas and front door planters make great ideas too. 

Front door planters are a great way to bring your front door to life. They incorporate bright colours into the space without having to paint or replace anything. With both floor and hanging pots available, it’s super easy to frame your door with your favourite seasonal flowers. Since planters can often be moved around, it can also make a renter-friendly solution.  

 If your front door steps are looking dull, don’t underestimate what a revamp can do. Steps come in a wide variety of materials which can supply different looks and aesthetics. If you don’t want an entire replacement, look into simpler ideas like painting, staining and removable accessories like welcome mats and lighting. 

A wooden door on a blue house with blue steps and planters.

Final Thoughts

The main takeaway from this guide is that, while front doors are often forgotten about, they really play a crucial role in setting the tone for your property. Something so simple can make a huge difference, so don’t shy away from exploring new ideas and embracing contemporary styles. Breathe new life into your home exterior and add some colour, change materials, or incorporate new accessories. 

It’s okay for trends to change and it’s okay for your preferred style to change, too. The world of home design is evolving constantly but, with a little help, we know you can make your way through it. 

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