How to Choose a Period Traditional New Front Door for Homes in Kent
Your front door is the gateway to your home and one of the first things visitors notice. Your front door is where those important first impressions of your home is created. At John Paterson The Window Company we have 30 years experience in helping clients choose new doors to suit their property. If you live in a period property in Kent, choosing the right traditional front door is crucial to maintaining your home’s charm and authenticity. This guide will help you select the perfect design for Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian, and 1930s homes while also exploring the benefits of composite and UPVC materials.
Choosing the Right Style for Your Period Property
Georgian Front Doors
Georgian homes are known for their symmetrical facades, large sash windows, and elegant proportions. The front doors of this era are typically grand and understated, featuring:
-
Six-panel designs with a simple and refined appearance.
-
A fanlight window above the door to allow natural light inside.
-
Classic black, deep green, or rich red colors.
Victorian Front Doors
Victorian properties often showcase ornate detailing and bold, decorative features. Typical characteristics of a Victorian front door include:
-
Four-panel designs, sometimes with the top two panels replaced by glass.
-
Stained or etched glass for added decorative appeal.
-
Deep and rich colors like burgundy, navy blue, and forest green.
-
Ornate door furniture, including brass knockers and letter plates.
Edwardian Front Doors
Edwardian homes combined the grandeur of the Victorian era with a renewed focus on natural light and space. Their front doors often include:
-
Wider, more imposing door frames.
-
Half-glazed doors with elegant leaded or stained glass.
-
Pastel and muted colors like light blue, sage green, and cream.
-
Classic hardware, often in brass or chrome.
1930s & Art Deco Style Front Doors
Homes built in the 1930s often feature distinctive Art Deco influences. Their front doors are characterized by:
-
Simple, solid wooden designs with geometric glazing.
-
Stained glass panels, often in bold, colorful patterns.
-
Rounded tops or arched doorways in some homes.
-
Warm colors like soft browns, greens, and yellows.
Composite vs. UPVC: Which Material is Best?
When replacing a traditional front door, modern materials offer improved security, insulation, and durability. Here’s how composite and UPVC doors compare:
Composite Doors
Composite doors are made from a combination of materials, including wood, glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), and a solid insulating core. Advantages:
-
Mimic the look of traditional timber while being low-maintenance.
-
Highly secure due to a solid core and reinforced structure.
-
Excellent thermal efficiency, reducing energy costs.
-
Available in a wide range of period-appropriate designs and colors.
UPVC Doors
uPVC doors are lightweight, cost-effective, and weather-resistant. Advantages:
-
Low maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning.
-
More affordable than composite or timber doors.
-
Resistant to warping, rotting, or fading over time.
-
Available in woodgrain finishes to mimic traditional styles.
-
Can have better U values than standard composite doors and therefore energy efficient.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a traditional front door for your period home in Kent requires balancing authenticity with modern practicality. Whether you opt for a classic Georgian six-panel design, a decorative Victorian entrance, an airy Edwardian doorway, or a distinctive 1930s Art Deco style, composite and UPVC materials offer durability, security, and energy efficiency. By selecting the right design and material, you can enhance your home’s character while ensuring longevity and ease of maintenance. Contact Us at John Paterson The Window Company to arrange a no obligation free quote for your new front door.
Traditional Doors Near Me?
Searching for a local supplier and installer of traditional in period doors? Do consider that J Paterson The Window Company Cover the whole of Kent, from our Whitstable base. See our Areas Covered In Kent.