With hurricanes causing a real threat to homes, we discuss the benefits of impact windows
Strong winds, flying debris, and heavy rain are all tell-tale signs of the hurricane season approaching, all of which can cause severe damage to your home. You’ve probably heard about impact windows, also called hurricane windows or impact-resistant windows. But, do they really protect your home and are they worth the expense?
Understanding the Cost of Impact Windows
Impact windows consist of a near-invisible plastic sheet, made from ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyvinyl butyral (PVB), which is sandwiched between two panes of glass. The window frames are usually made from heavy-duty materials like steel, vinyl, or aluminum. This composition prevents the glass from shattering and adds extra strength to cope with damage much better than traditional windows. For this reason, impact windows are more expensive but the initial cost can be offset by various benefits. Impact windows don’t just add extra protection, they can also add value to your home and save on energy bills. Plus, many insurance companies will offer reduced premiums and discounts for homeowners who have installed impact-resistant windows. Just be sure to use a professional window installer to ensure your hurricane windows are secure.
Overall costs for impact windows will depend on numerous factors including:
The window size and type
The material and quality
Installation complexities
At Clark Hall, we offer one of the industries’ leading warranties, giving you peace of mind that you are buying the highest quality product. So, if you’re thinking about installing impact windows in your home, contact us for a chat to see what we can do for you.
Key Benefits of Using Impact Windows
Impact windows are popular for a reason. Once installed, they offer many benefits to homeowners, including:
Enhanced Security and Safety
Impact-resistant windows offer unbeatable protection from anything that nature throws at you, making them an important addition to homes in hurricane, tornado, or blizzard-prone areas. Due to their strength and durability, impact windows are very difficult to break or pry open. So, they also give additional home security from burglars. Hurricane windows have reinforced frames and multi-layered inside panels that prevent the glass from shattering on impact.
Energy Efficiency and Savings
While the upfront cost of hurricane windows may seem daunting, they also offer lifetime energy savings. Impact products offer in-built insulation properties that minimize heat transfer between the inside and outside of a home. So, you’re less likely to need to turn the heating or the air conditioning on in response to outside weather conditions. In addition, some energy companies offer incentives or discounts for installing energy-efficient windows.
Noise Reduction
Impact windows are very beneficial for people living near a bustling city or busy road because they have soundproofing properties thanks to their multi-layer construction. This allows for sound sleep and a more relaxed home environment.
UV Protection
The sun’s UV rays can damage parts of your home interior over time, including carpets, wood, and other fabrics. Fortunately, impact-resistant glass can effectively block these harmful rays from entering your home, meaning your furnishings will resist fading and discoloration for much longer.
Efficiency of Impact Windows During Disasters
In recent years, there have been an average of 12 named storms annually in Florida alone, the majority of which registered at category 3 or above on the Saffir-Simpson Scale. Impact or hurricane windows can withstand strong winds of up to 200 miles per hour, which is equivalent to wind speeds found in a category 5 storm. If just one window breaks during severe weather, the barrier between inside and outside pressure is compromised, leaving your home interior open to further damage. Impact windows aren’t completely resistant to breaking, but the durable plastic sheet that’s fused between layers of glass prevents the glass from shattering. Basically, when an impact window does crack, it’s designed to stay within the window frame, creating less of a hazard to homeowners.
Aside from potential weather damage, burglaries are another major worry for homeowners. Fortunately, impact windows and doors are much more resistant to damage than traditional windows, making them harder to break into. Their solid construction ensures that breaking them is a labor and time intensive process, which are factors that are likely to deter burglars from trying to enter your home in the first place.
Impact Windows vs. Other Types of Windows
So, now we know a little more about impact windows, how do they compare with other types of windows?
Versus Non-Impact Windows
One of the major factors that set impact windows apart from standard windows is their ability to withstand high pressure and force without shattering. These products undergo a series of stringent impact and pressure tests, known as Testing Application Standard tests (TAS), at a laboratory to ensure they meet specific hurricane building codes. These standards give you peace of mind that your new windows will be able to withstand high winds and flying debris during hurricane season. Furthermore, impact windows are highly durable and built to last. Regular windows can get damaged easily which means they will need to be replaced or repaired more often.
Versus Traditional Shutters
Traditional hurricane shutters are installed over windows to protect the glass. While they are the cheaper option when compared to impact windows, the latter offers year-round protection from other elements such as UV rays and noise pollution without compromising the appearance of your property. Traditional shutters are easy to remove but you will need to put them back up every time there is a severe storm. When they are installed, they don’t let much natural light into your home, unlike impact windows.
Return on Investment for Impact Windows
Impact windows have a great return on investment (ROI). Homeowners can expect an average of 80% ROI when it comes to resale value. In addition, impact windows are made of heavy-duty materials that are designed to last for years with minimal maintenance. They just need a regular wipe down with a non-abrasive material and warm soapy water. While you do this, it’s also a good idea to check the window seals for any wear and tear so you can identify and fix damaged areas as soon as they appear. Bear in mind that any cracked glass will need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of your impact windows.
One of the biggest concerns for homeowners, especially along the East Coast, is potential hurricane damage, making impact windows a vital investment. Contact one of our experts at Clark Hall to find out more about our custom windows and window walls to protect your home while still maintaining style and aesthetic appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the negatives of impact windows?
Perhaps the biggest downside of impact windows is the higher upfront costs when compared to normal windows. However, they offer unbeatable protection for your home, particularly in hurricane season, and can reduce your energy bills, making the initial cost of hurricane windows worth it in the long run.
Are impact windows a good investment?
There’s no denying that impact windows can be expensive. However, they don’t only protect your home from damage, they can also reduce noise pollution, reduce your energy bills, minimize harmful UV rays from damaging your interior furnishings, and increase your home value. For these reasons, many homeowners consider impact windows to be worthwhile investments.
How much value do impact windows add?
The return on investment for impact windows is around 80% on average, and potentially even higher in hurricane-prone areas such as South Florida. How much impact windows increase home value is dependent on a number of factors including the location of your house, as well as the labor costs of installation.
Do hurricane impact windows really work?
Hurricane windows consist of a polymer layer sandwiched between two panes of glass in a solid, heavy-duty window frame. These components make impact windows incredibly durable, hardwearing, and shatterproof. Furthermore, all hurricane windows need to be rigorously tested to ensure they meet specific state building codes so you can be certain that they will work as described.
Keep your home’s focal point up to date
While some styles are timeless, many home décor trends continually evolve. Front door trends are no exception. Design and functionality have come a long way from Dutch doors to modern smart locks. Bright colors, modern designs, security, and energy efficiency are some of the most highly desired features for front door designs this year. From basic wooden doors to mid-century modern (and everything in between), the style of your front door is a statement that sets the tone for the rest of the home. In order to keep your home up to date, it’s also a good idea to keep up with the ebbs and flows of what’s popular. Keeping your front door current will boost curb appeal and increase your property value.
Explore Different Front Door Styles
Personal style is a big factor in selecting front door color, material, and design. Exterior door options can range significantly, so learning about the most popular styles is a great way to generate front door ideas that suit your personal preference.
Modern Front Doors
Modern doors are marked by a minimalistic style and clean edges. Minimalism continues to be a popular trend in 2024, and homeowners may be interested in French doors or double doors with contemporary designs. Modern design often features glass windows for plenty of natural light, plus sleek hardware and charcoal or other dark finishes.
Traditional Front Doors
Traditional entryways never go out of style. Classic and inviting, traditional iron doors are a great way to maintain timeless elegance and steadfast style. Think of curved archways, steel panels, and classic hardware, plus fully customizable finishes.
Ornate Front Doors
Ornate doors are a statement style for a grand entrance. This front door design features handcrafted linework and a unique overall look. Whether single or double, ornate doors are memorable and stylish. Clark Hall makes ornate doors with operable glass doors that open for ease of cleaning the intricate scrollwork.
5 Current Front Door Trends
The best front door trends are those a homeowner won’t regret a year later. While the right style for you comes down to personal preference, getting the right overall look will enhance the character of your home. Here’s a few current trends to consider:
1. Vibrant, Bold Colors
While black front doors have been among the top choices for front door colors for years, vibrant tones and bold hues are gaining popularity. Navy and red, in particular, are two bold shades that have been trendsetters for 2024. Clark Hall offers 13 custom finishes to choose from, including traditional colors like Gold Mist and Charcoal, plus exciting and unique finishes like Pearl, Juniper, and Cardinal.
2. Metal & Glass Front Doors
Metal and glass are the designer’s go-to materials for modern homes. Custom iron doors and fiberglass are popular options, but for very different reasons. There’s a common misconception that fiberglass doors offer more customization than metal, but when it comes to Clark Hall doors, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Our iron doors are handcrafted with unique finishes, one of a kind design, multiple glass options, plus the security and durability homeowners expect from steel.
3. Oversized Front Doors
Oversized front doors are a popular trend that creates luxury and grandeur. A great way to incorporate an oversized door is by utilizing a pivot hinge. Pivot doors can create the appearance of a much larger entryway and a striking design without sacrificing durability and security. Pivot hinge and other oversized front doors are mostly glass with simple designs to give a modern look. Clark Hall recommends using a textured glass for any customer concerned with having too much visibility into their home.
4. Mediterranean-Style Doors
Mediterranean-style doors are inspired by coastal homes that line the Mediterranean coast. This particular entryway style often features intricate, ornate design themes. Mediterranean doors may be arched but the style can vary.
5. Smart-Home Doors
As technology advances, many homeowners are interested in designing a door with smart capabilities. Smart locks and doors that allow video doorbells to easily blend in are among the most popular options. Lights, sensors, and speakers are also available, and many features can be controlled remotely from the homeowner’s phone.
Sustainability and Front Doors
The most sustainable doors are those that create a strong seal between inside and outside and provide energy efficiency for the homeowner. Sustainability never goes out of style and is always something to keep in mind when designing or upgrading your home entrance. Wood doors are the least sustainable option, since they can easily warp, crack, and splinter, allowing heat or cold to enter and escape. Other materials, like iron, can be a better long term solution for your entry way.
Whether you’re thinking of first impressions for your guests, curb appeal, security, or self-expression, there’s a custom iron door for you. Get in touch with us to find out which of our styles is best suited for your personal preferences. We’ll work with you to create a custom iron door that’s unique to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does my front door impact the overall aesthetic of my home?
For most homes, the front door is the focal point that sets the tone and speaks to the character of the home. A front door can increase (or decrease) curb appeal and marks a home as modern, unique, traditional, elegant, or other adjectives depending on the state of the door.
What trends in front door security features should I be looking for?
Smart locks are a popular choice in security features, as well as video door bells, sidelights, and sensors.
How should I choose my front door color?
Front door color is mostly personal preference. Black front doors remain the most popular choice in many states, but navy and red are growing in popularity in 2024.
If you think about it, your front door is something you see all the time. When designing our homes, we often think about the interior decorations and exterior lawn care, but what about the space that brings those two worlds together? At Clark Hall, we specialize in making beautiful iron doors that you’ll enjoy passing through for years to come. As our most intricate style, ornate front doors have endless design opportunities. To start, begin gathering inspiration for your project by reading our top five design considerations.
Design Options for Ornate Front Doors
1. Design Intricate Scrollwork
The hallmark of an ornate door is its scrollwork and elegant silhouettes. The custom wrought ironwork details, like scrolls and spirals, make ornate doors especially distinctive. Some clients have even created designs that feature natural-looking vines. Each custom iron ornate door is hand-perfected by our artisans and recognized for their attention to detail. Our extensive detailing includes a seven-step automotive grade finishing process, allowing the completed scrollwork to stand out.
Ornate front doors are available in three customizable shapes including square top, eyebrow, and round, making the design options nearly endless. And, each door and jamb is enclosed with high-density polyurethane foam to optimize design while keeping your home properly insulated.
2. Consider Your Surroundings
Ornate doors take up space—literally and figuratively. They are the star of the show and deserve attention. The design is up to you, but we’ve found that with simpler surrounding architecture, the ornate door really gets to shine, whereas with more complex exteriors, ornate doors might get overshadowed.
Considering this step of the process will lead to great success when selecting the remaining components of your ornate front door. Check out some of our past ornate door designs in our gallery.
3. Choose a Finish
Finding the right finish to pair with your ornate design has the potential to create a truly one-of-a-kind entryway. Just as it’s important to consider your surrounding architecture, it’s also pertinent to consider its color. At Clark Hall, we have six exclusive finishes, from our darkest, Burnt Copper, to our lightest, Slate.
Bronze is our most popular finish and has the warmth of wood, which complements most exteriors. Sometimes overlooked, Gold Mist is our secret shining star as it has an irresistible glimmer in the sunlight, which could add a layer of intrigue to an ornate door. Whatever you choose, each door is a unique work of art that sets the tone for your entryway.
4. Select a Glass
Clear glass is always a classic, but we have over 10 different styles of glass featuring unique textures like Seedy Baroque and Cotswold. Our wide range of glasses allows you to customize the amount of light you want to flow through without sacrificing privacy or style.
For example, this ornate front door is equipped with Flemish glass, which has a slight ripple pattern obscuring the view inside. The complex pairing of embellished glass, ornate door handles, and elaborate scrollwork is sure to incite awe upon entry. And, this ornate door has more than just textured glass going for it. The window above the arched door is called a transom, which also increases natural light.
5. Customize the Hardware
One of the most practical finishing touches to determine about your door is the pull hardware. At Clark Hall Doors, your sketch is our command—even down to the ornate door handles. There are many types of ornate door knobs including keyed entry, simple passage, and privacy door handles.
If you’re designing ornate door handles, try pairing them with more traditional locks and handlesets that contribute to the embellished quality of the door. For example, Tubular Entry Sets or Modern Rectangle Mortise Entry Sets from Emtek are great options for an ornate front door.
Feeling inspired? We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. Now that you have plenty of ideas to design your ornate door, read our blog Single vs. Double Iron Door Entryways to decide which suits you. Schedule a consultation with our experts to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ornate Doors
How can I make my ornate door look attractive?
Ornate door designs speak volumes on their own, but giving your door a touch-up every few months can keep your door looking attractive and inviting. Thankfully, iron doors require minimal maintenance. If you haven’t already, we recommend cleaning your door(s) at least twice per year during the spring and fall seasons to remove any buildup of pollen or other debris. And, there’s always seasonal opportunities like flowers, pumpkins, and wreaths that can add some extra life to your entryway.
Should an ornate front door be lighter or darker than the house?
That’s up to you. If your house’s exterior is neutral, a bold front door color may provide a subtle contrast to your home’s aesthetic. In general, if the architecture surrounding your door is light, a darker color door is best and vice versa. However, don’t be afraid to be a little unconventional.
Do ornate door handles increase home value?
They may seem like a small detail, but ornate door knobs can have an impact on the value of your home. If you decide to sell, your front door will be one of the first parts of your home that prospective buyers will see. If they notice bespoke, ornate door handles, it could make a grand first impression.
Learn more about iron doors today.
Clarkhall contact form - Dual Column
"*" indicates required fields
There are a lot of ways to increase home value including renovations, updated décor, and even smart technology like security systems and camera door bells. Notably, curb appeal can account for up to 7% of a house’s sale price, according to a 2020 study from The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, so improving your home’s curb appeal could significantly increase its value.
Custom iron front doors are dominating the market because of their aesthetic appeal, low maintenance, and customizable nature. Iron doors are also more secure and durable compared to traditional wood door options. According to ADT Security Services, 55.7% of break-ins involve forcible entry. However, the weight and strength of iron doors make it more difficult for burglars to enter.
From an aesthetic, financial, and security standpoint, custom iron front doors are a valuable asset to any home. Follow the four steps below to get started on creating your own custom iron door.
How to Plan for a Custom Iron Front Door
Step 1: Create a Budget
Whether your goal is to upgrade your entryway aesthetic or make improvements that will help your home build equity, adding a custom iron door will increase your home’s value for years to come. Once you’ve contacted our team, we’ll set a timeline and lay out the scale and scope of your unique project.
On average, a custom Clark Hall double entry door that involves design, custom drawings, hardware, and installation starts at around $10,000. Prices may vary depending on the complexity of the design decisions and sizing.
Step 2: Consider Energy Efficiency
Reducing your utility bills through energy efficient upgrades can be great for you as a homeowner and appeal to buyers. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical family spends at least $2,200 per year on energy bills. However, energy-efficient upgrades, like double-insulated glass, could reduce that cost by up to 30%.
A majority of buyers today are looking for energy efficient lighting, windows, and appliances. Check lighting and windows off your list with a Clark Hall custom iron front door that comes with tempered, double-insulated glass. This additional layer of glass can help improve energy efficiency. And, there are plenty of other ways to let more light flow into your home—like sidelights and transoms—that reduce the amount of lamps and lights needed in your foyer.
Step 3: Choose a Versatile Style
At Clark Hall, we have three main styles for custom iron front doors: ornate, traditional, and modern. All of these doors are fully customizable and carry their own unique personality. However, choosing a more versatile style may increase home value and attract a wider buyer audience if you choose to resell.
For example our modern doors are the most adaptable style because of their clean, sleek lines. Modern doors are contemporary and brighten the interior and exterior of your home. On the other hand, choosing an ornate or traditional door could make your home very distinctive and attract buyers who are looking for something more elaborate. Browse our project galleries for more inspiration.
Step 4: Maintain Your Door
Unlike a factory-built product, our custom iron front doors and windows are hand-crafted iron and steel. A certain amount of uniqueness is to be expected and we believe it adds to the door’s overall value and beauty. Read more about this process in a conversation with our artisans.
Similar to a car, iron doors develop minor scratches over time that need minimal touch-ups. To enjoy your doors for a lifetime, follow these simple directions to preserve their attractiveness and functionality with minimal maintenance.
We recommend cleaning your door(s) at least twice per year during the spring and fall seasons to remove any buildup of pollen or other debris. If you live in coastal areas or areas with high humidity, you may need to care for your door more frequently.
To prevent any rust issues as your door ages, it is important to seal up any small scratches on the surface of the door. A touch-up kit is provided upon installation for your doors and windows.
For more information on product care, cleaning and touch-up instructions, and extra tips, check out our detailed care and cleaning instructions.. Keeping your door in good condition can increase home value.
If you have additional questions on how to increase home value, or are ready to get started with your designs, contact us. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create. For examples of ways other home owners have increased the value of their homes with custom iron doors, take a look at some of our home makeovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Increasing Home Value with Custom Iron Doors
What adds the most value to a house?
Kitchen improvements are the most recommended place to start with home upgrades, but energy efficiency and curb appeal are right behind. Curb appeal is important to consider because first and foremost, buyers want to feel welcomed when entering a home. If the outside looks uninviting, a home’s value decreases. Adding a bespoke iron door is guaranteed to up your curb appeal.
What upgrades do not increase home value?
Perhaps considering a custom iron door has inspired you to take on other home improvement projects. Keep in mind that not all upgrades are equally beneficial. For example, adding a swimming pool, remodeling a bedroom, or adding unique wallpaper to your favorite space all present different “payoffs” when it comes to recoup value.
Is iron good for a front door?
Iron is one of the most resilient and durable materials you can select for front doors. Every Clark Hall door is made specifically for you, and goes through extensive detailing before it’s installed—including a 7-step automotive grade finishing process.
Learn more about iron doors today.
Clarkhall contact form - Dual Column
"*" indicates required fields
6 Ways to Design Custom Doors
1. Custom Door Handles & Knobs
Custom door “knobs” and “handles” are usually used interchangeably, but in the world of door design, they are quite different. Handles tend to be more rectangular and can provide more flexibility to open a door, whereas door knobs usually have a circular head. There are many types of custom door handles and knobs including keyed entry, simple passage, and privacy door knobs.
All of Clark Hall’s lever hardware can be customized with different finishes that complement or contrast your door color. For example, if your custom iron door has a Burnt Copper finish, you could consider adding a Charcoal door handle for contrast.
2. Bespoke Transoms
Transoms are transverse horizontal structures that separate a door from a window. There are several functional and aesthetic reasons to consider adding a custom transom when designing a door. Since they accompany your door as an extra window, they are excellent for increasing the natural light that can flows into your interior space. For even more light, see our next point: sidelights.
Whether your door is modern, ornate, or traditional, adding a transom can give your front door distinctive character as transoms trace their origins back to 14th century Europe. Lastly, with a transom, you have an added level of privacy—you can see out, but others will have trouble seeing in.
3. Expansive Sidelights
Sidelights are vertical pieces of glass on the sides of an entry door that create the illusion of added width, and function as accent windows. Like transoms, sidelights add more natural light. Regarding privacy, sidelights will expand the amount of glass you have in your front entry, but you can opt for a textured glass to obscure the view inside your home.
To find a sidelight design that is right for your home, we recommend taking a step back and assessing your roof line to determine what type of silhouette would accent the shape of your entryway. Taking inventory of your measurements will help you decide whether to add one sidelight, or two slim ones.
4. Textured Glass Windows
Another way to personalize a custom design door is through textured glass. Clear glass allows for maximum visibility and light, while decorative glass like Flemish, Aquatex, Rain, or Seedy Baroque provide different levels of privacy. If you want to design with a specific era in mind, one example is our Horizontal or Vertical Reeded glass, which is reminiscent of the Art Deco style. Timeless and versatile, it can add a sense of luxury to any space.
All Clark Hall doors come with double insulated and tempered glass, which can cut down energy costs in the long run. They can also be customized with impact-rated glass to meet specific building codes and requirements.
5. Ornate Scrollwork
A custom door is a functional piece of art and our ornate iron door designs are one-of-a-kind. The detailed lines and spirals in these designs make an elegant statement without being pompous. Whether you want to design the scrollwork to be enchanting, regal, or something else completely, our design team will work with you to make it come to life.
And, our iron doors can be custom built to meet any size or design requirement so you don’t have to worry about complex sizing needs. If you’d like to see more examples of personalized ornate scrollwork, browse our ornate door project gallery.
6. Complementary Finish
Finally, choosing the right finish for your custom design door brings it all together. Whether you want your door to blend in with the rest of your entryway or completely stand out, we have six exclusive finishes to choose from. Burnt Copper is our darkest finish and complements exteriors with dark or black accents. On the other hand, Slate is our lightest finish and goes well with gray tones or stone accents.
Bronze is our most popular finish with a warm wood color, which complements most exteriors, but in the photo above, these French doors with a white exterior look great with the Charcoal finish. Whatever finish you choose, each of our doors are hand-perfected by a skilled artisan, creating our hallmark smooth-to-touch finish.
At Clark Hall, design is in the details! Contact us to schedule a consultation at one of our showrooms, and we can chat through your latest inspiration as you get the chance to experience our doors up close. Searching for inspiration before you visit? Check out these 6 modern front door design ideas. And, before you connect, be sure to check out where to add custom entry doors for more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Designing Your Custom Door
Can I order a custom size door?
Yes, Clark Hall can accommodate almost any size request. From the initial consultation and sketch to installation day, we partner with you throughout the entire process to provide a seamless experience.
What are the most popular traditional door finishes?
Bronze and Charcoal are the most popular door finishes because they effortlessly complement most exteriors. Whenever we’re working with a client, we start with the end in mind. How is this door going to look with the exterior of the house once it’s finished? Learn more when you read our interview with the head of manufacturing.
Are door handles a standard size?
The most common sizes for door handles are 2 3/8 inches and 2 3/4 inches, but some hardware can fit multiple backsets. The most important thing to consider is making sure the hardware you select fits your door.
Can you put any door knob on a door?
At Clark Hall, we have suggestions for which handles or knobs would look best on each style of door, but we can custom make hardware to suit any client’s preference. For example, a modern door looks best with a simple door handle, whereas traditional doors look great with door knobs.
Learn more about iron doors today.
Clarkhall contact form - Dual Column
"*" indicates required fields
Custom Iron Door Designs for Every Taste
At the start of any door design lies inspiration. All of our front door styles are fully customizable and available in singles and doubles, and can be personalized with added elements like sidelights, transoms, and textured glass windows. At Clark Hall, your sketch is our command. Take a look at various modern popular front doors, as well as traditional and ornate to spark your imagination.
Popular Modern Front Door Styles
Arched Modern
This unique arched shape gives this entrance a luxe, modern look. And the exclusive Charcoal finish is a popular front door color that compliments gray and white exteriors. This is a great example that single panel entry doors can be large and expansive while still remaining charming and welcoming.
2. Unique Pivot
This door says, “Go big and come home.” This custom made 50/50 split pivot door reveals scenery from both sides of the entryway. The wide nature of the door allows light to effortlessly fill the space, which is accentuated by custom sidelights.
3. Contemporary Sidelights
Adding sidelights to your entryway increases the amount of natural light being brought into the foyer, which can add warmth and beauty, creating a sense of openness — not to mention decreasing your dependence on electrical lighting in that area. This modern sidelight is complemented by a crisp, white exterior entryway and some greenery for added color.
4. Mid-Century Inspired
The experts in modern front door styles will note the difference between contemporary vs. modern, but this mid-century modern inspired home brings popular front door color aesthetics to life — we just love the neutral tones. Choosing a Bronze or Cinnamon finish would be a great way to accentuate the popular front door colors of the mid-century modern style.
5. Pointed Silhouette
This modern front door style is especially eclectic and eye-catching — a great example that it’s possible to pair a vibrant foyer with a sleek modern door. This client was able to work with our design team to dream up the beautiful pointed silhouette which also subtly functions to draw attention to the whimsical chandelier.
Popular Ornate Front Door Styles
6. Styled Glass
This traditional iron door achieves an elegant look without sacrificing privacy with its pairing of a Seedy Baroque glass with a traditional iron door. Another glass style that might go well with this traditional door is Cotswold, but it’s all up to your vision. You can add any of our 12 exclusive glasses to customize any iron door.
7. Traditional Transoms
Let light flow into your home with custom transoms. Transoms first appeared in 14th century Europe, but are making a comeback in many front door styles. They can also add a unique architectural element, giving your curb appeal a timeless feel.
8. Expansive Sidelights
Sidelights provide so many styling opportunities that we just have to mention them again. This traditional iron door features custom sidelights that perfectly complement the exterior’s red brick, evoking the classic look of an all-American home. Adding sidelights can also upgrade your curb appeal by adding visual width without needing to knock down any walls.
9. Parisian Flair
The inspiration for the Stately Summerford Home came from the tall front door styles that line the streets of Paris, resulting in a chic European style that is simply timeless. Everything from the extravagant double door to the grand pull knobs makes a grand first impression.
10. Classic Craftsman
Although craftsman doors are typically made of wood, this iron door takes inspiration from the craftsman style of curved glass and surrounding light trim. Pairing the light toned brick with a dark Charcoal finish creates a classic charm without being too heavy.
11. Elegant Scrollwork
The hallmark of ornate iron doors are absolutely their intricate scrollwork and bold silhouettes. The large swoops and swirls in this design create a sense of sophisticated playfulness. Whatever your custom ironwork dreams, no design concept is too complicated.
12. Arched Ornate
This breathtaking ornate iron door speaks for itself. The unique white washed brick contrasts the Charcoal finish, making the entryway an experience to enjoy. Adding arches can bring a classic appeal that’s reminiscent of Gothic or Roman architecture that is sure to impress.
13. Intricate Transoms
By now, you can see how many of these styles can be combined. For example, this ornate door has a beautiful arch and a Flemish glass style. Important to note for this door is the choice to include a transom, which complements the surrounding windows of the house very well. Natural lighting and added privacy are just a few of the benefits of transoms.
14. Double Doors
One of our most unique doors created wouldn’t be the same without its double door design. Iron double doors can provide more benefits than simply extending the width of your entryway. Double doors can elevate your exterior architecture and allow more light inside your foyer — and in this case, make some pretty unique shadows!
15. Natural Vines
Want to bring a touch of nature to your front door? Consider the intricate and detailed lines of the tree designed for this ornate door. Paired with popular front door colors like Bronze or Burnt Copper, this door’s curb appeal is certainly unique.
Bonus Door Styles, Just for Fun
16. Patio Doors
French doors and scenic windowscapes are just the beginning when it comes to patio design. Like all Clark Hall doors, each custom patio door can meet some of the strictest hurricane wind ratings and Florida building codes. Enhance any room or outdoor space with an iron patio door.
17. Wine Cellar Doors
Lastly, we just have to brag on our design team for their innovative genius in designing wine cellar doors — an impressive home statement and functional storage option. Hosting can be even more fun with a custom made, stunning space to house your wine collection.
Feeling inspired by these popular front doors? Grab a sketch book and browse our design options to get an idea of finish and color, glass texture, and more. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our experts, and read more about customizing the design styles we mentioned on our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions About Popular Front Door Styles
How do I choose a front door style?
A good place to start is choosing how you want to complement your home’s architecture. At Clark Hall, we have three main styles: modern, traditional, and ornate. Take for instance, if your house has a mid-century modern influence, a modern door would be a good option. On the other hand, an ornate door would pair well with an older, more vintage home.
Should the front door be lighter or darker than the house?
The color of your door is up to you. There’s a wide range of options when considering popular front door colors and whether you want your door to contrast or complement your home’s exterior. However, for more guidance, we have six exclusive finishes that we have suggested pairings for. For example, our darkest finish, Burnt Copper, complements exteriors with dark or black accents.
What’s the best quality front door?
Iron and steel doors are the highest quality front doors that you can invest in. Today, most homes feature either wood or fiberglass doors. Less commonly, but certainly more attractive, other homeowners choose an iron door for an elevated, customizable entrance that can withstand the test of time while adding serious value. Read more about the quality and benefits of iron doors vs. wood doors when you visit our blog.
