Personalizing Your Entry for Form and Function

by Rachel Lyon, Editorial Director for Direct from the Designers™

The front door is the first point of interaction you make with a house—does yours set the right tone? We’ve covered a number of topics in the past, like sidelites and transoms, woodgrain options, and paintable entries, but there are still many other opportunities to personalize your entry. Here are three ways to make sure your door works for you and your home!

Balance Light, Style, and Privacy

No matter the style of your home, including some glass around the entry creates a bright and inviting foyer. Depending on the space available, you might select a doorlite, transom, and/or a sidelite or two. The higher glass is placed, the more private it is, but your glass selection also plays a huge role in visibility. Consider a variety of glass types before settling on one—you might be surprised at how much different designs affect the feel of the entry, and how differently they obscure views.

Scrutinize the privacy ratings available for all kinds of glass. While privacy glass might seem like the obvious choice for discreet homeowners, some types of decorative glass offer ratings just as high, and they do so while amping up curb appeal. You should select appropriate decorative glass for ornate architecture—think some traditional and Victorian homes—rather than allowing the entry to be the flattest part of the façade. If, on the other hand, your home and style are more modest, the relative simplicity of privacy glass could be a better fit. There are still a number of visual textures to explore, so don’t assume the choice is obvious. Your home will be better for your consideration!

Add Architecturally Correct Accessories

Does your home have some kind of rustic charm? If it does, you might want to look back at history! Doors evolved over time, and numerous elements have come to define certain architectural styles, not the least of which occur at the main entry. Just think of how different old European cottages look from American ones—you can identify them immediately because European residential design tended toward doors with rounded tops while American design has traditionally favored rectangular doors.

A few types of architecture definitely warrant adding accessories to your entry. The first is a popular one: Craftsman. A style based on revaluing the work of artisans in the post-Industrial Revolution period, Craftsman homes pride themselves on the finer yet simple details. One-quarter doorlites with decorative art glass are common, and dentil shelves beneath them complete the historical look. While not functional shelves in the strictest sense of the word, they do add definition fitting of the style.

Mediterranean architecture comes in a variety of shapes due to the diverse history of the area, but entries with wrought iron elements are prevalent throughout. Sometimes found in decorative glass these days, rustic metal accents have been and will always be authentic additions to solid doors. Strap hinges and clavos—think large, visible nail heads—are meant to draw attention to the old-fashioned character of the door. These accessories come in different shapes and sizes, and you can arrange the hardware to suit different door configurations, too.

Consider Extra Functionality

The overall appearance of an entry is important, but don’t forget about how you use it. Ensure all the components—like weatherstripping, sweeps, seal pads, and hinges—are high quality before you make the investment. You don’t want to have the system fail and reduce your home’s energy efficiency as a result, costing you more in heating and cooling bills. Once you’re satisfied with the construction of the door itself, check out options that’ll increase its practicality for you.

For example, internal blinds increase safety and convenience for families by placing blinds between two panes of glass in doorlites and sidelites. This effectively eliminates the pain of dusting slats, and it doesn’t use cords that pose a strangulation hazard. Just push a handle up or down to adjust the blinds to control light infiltration and privacy. Dutch doors—which are divided horizontally in the middle—give you the option to open up the entire entry or just the top portion, which is great for accepting packages or letting in fresh air without letting small children and dogs escape. If catching the breeze is your goal, vented sidelites are a great choice, too. They function as narrow doors and open from and to the inside, and they’re compatible with decorative glass so your entry shines at all times!

If you’re looking for a fantastic entry door to complete your home, take a look at the many collections offered by Therma-Tru® Doors. Suitable for all sorts of homes and with plenty of design choices to make your own, you’re sure to build a beautiful entry that does wonders for curb appeal and matches your lifestyle. Find a local dealer for help finding the perfect solution!