14 Eye-Catching Options for Your Front Door

With all the emphasis on paint color and siding, a front door could easily get lost in the shuffle of exterior updates. But as the first and last part of your house a visitor sees, it’s the perfect place to make a design statement. Replacing an old or dated looking front door is actually one of the most popular curb appeal ideas, making the choice of your a front door for a new home hugely important. It's more than a decorative feature—it's an important investment. Both the security and style your front door provides impact your home’s worth. So, there are several practical matters to consider when selecting a new front door: namely material, cost, and style. Style-wise, your front door should fit in architecturally with the rest of your home, but don't let that hold you back and miss the opportunity to express your personality. A six-panel door is very traditional, while an arched door with stained glass has more whimsy and a single French door adds elegance (not to mention a great source of natural light). Even a nontraditional steel door has gained popularity in modern architecture, boasting in strength and affordability; the metal, however, does conduct temperature, so it’s always not the most efficient option in extreme climates. A solid wood front door will always endure as a classic, despite being a bit pricier and requiring a bit more TLC and repair as necessary due to its sensitivity to moisture and sun. Fiberglass doors hold a middle ground as both affordable and durable—not to mention available in many styles, including those that mimic wood. Finally, no matter the material underneath, color is key to evoking the exact emotions you want from guests who enter your home. Whether you're looking for the vibrancy of red or the cheeriness of yellow, let whatever color you choose be an expression of you. Not sure where to get started? Click through these great front door ideas we've scouted from around the web.

By Jennifer Noonan

Posted on Sep 8, 2018 2:09 PM EDT

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Classic Red

Zillow home in Whispering Pines, NC

This raised panel door, framed by glazed side lights, has classic charm and gobs of curb appeal. The white trim around the door frame adds contrast and visual pop.

Related: 11 Fresh Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Door

Traditional Wood Raised Panel

Zillow home in Oakland, CA

This wood entry door looks fresh with a bright yellow paint job. Wrought iron hardware contrasts nicely with the white trim work, and a collection of small windows lighten the look while giving the occupant a view of visitors.

Related: 9 Bright and Bold Colors for Your Front Door

Contemporary Double Door with Glass & Sidelites

Zillow home in Snoqualmie, WA

This custom door revels in luxe style. The geometric glass design and black finish combine create a stunning contemporary effect.

Related: 12 Outdoor Upgrades That Make Your Home More Valuable

Split Door

Zillow home Pebble Beach, CA

Split doors are not just for stables anymore. And while they are not commonly used as entry doors, they can be an excellent choice. They offer a bit of extra security, as you can open the top half to greet a visitor while the bottom half remains locked. They also handily keep small children and pets corralled while still allowing for ventilation with the top half open.

Stained Glass

Zillow home in Aurora, CA

Stained glass allows light to filter through this entryway, while still providing privacy. Not to mention, residents can greet every visitor with a work of art before they even walk into the home.

Fiberglass with Sidelites & Transom

pella.com

It looks like wood, but it’s not. This fiberglass door with decorative glass and sidelites looks as warm as solid wood but offers better durability and insulation value.

Single Arched Door

Zillow home in Phoenix, AZ

Painted in bold black paint, this single, solid arched door is simply elegant and so inviting.

Decorative Glass with Sidelites

pella.com

Decorative glass sidelites echo and compliment the pattern in the window of this paneled door.  Giving this entryway its distinctive look is a classic design of gray and clear water glass set off with clear bevels.

Related: 7 Ways to Get Better Curb Appeal in 60 Minutes or Less

Decorative Iron

Zillow home in Coronado, CA

Decorative wrought iron overlays frosted glass for this beautiful arched entryway. Iron provides a unique look as well as added security.

Double Arched Mahogany

Zillow home in Las Vegas, NV

These arched-top, mahogany doors are just as earthy and appealing as the frosted embellishments gracing the glass panes. The doors are the perfect complement to the stonework of the facade and bricked porch ceiling.

Quirky

Zillow home in Saint Augustine, FL

The front entry door of this unconventionally colored home is covered with a vintage screen door that complements the home’s quirky aesthetic, and showcases the owners’ personal taste. 

Related: 9 Ways to Crank Up Curb Appeal with Nothing But Paint

Textured

Zillow home in Dallas, TX

Vertical stripes of raised wood adorn this front door for a unique look that sets it apart from the rest of the houses on the street. A colorful paint job sends a welcoming message to guests.

Carved wood

Zillow home in Vallejo, CA

Custom carved wood doors bespeaks luxury and elegance and gives visitors a hint of the stylish interior. Heavy wrought iron hardware completes the look.

Pivot Door

Zillow home in Austin, TX

Entry to this thoroughly modern, light-filled home is gained by passing through this stunning pivot door. Wide strips of glass allow sunlight to pour through, keeping the door consistent with the rest of the home’s airy aesthetic.

Related: Tight Quarters? 10 Smart Space-Saving Door Solutions

Decorative Doors

bobvila.com

Amp up your curb appeal with a new door style.