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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.