Knock, Knock! Choosing the Perfect Front Door for Your Traditional British Home

Your front door is the first thing people notice when they arrive at your home. Whether you’ve got a cosy 19th-century cottage or a grand Victorian terrace, the right door can make all the difference. It’s like finding the perfect accessory to finish off an outfit – it just completes the look. And if your home falls into the ‘traditional British property’ category, choosing a door that fits the style is crucial. So, how do you go about it? Let’s explore what you need to keep in mind.

So, what makes a British home traditional?

When we talk about ‘traditional’ homes in the UK, we generally mean properties built between the early 1800s and the 1930s – think Georgian terraces, Victorian semis, Edwardian houses, and charming 1920s homes with beautiful bay windows. These properties tend to come with loads of character, like original stonework, sash windows, and maybe a bit of stained glass. If your home has a mature garden or a wrought iron gate, you’ll want a door that complements all that charm and doesn’t feel out of place.

Step One: When Was Your Home Built?

The period your home was built in can give you a good idea of the style, colours, and hardware that will suit it best. Each era has its own little touches when it comes to doors – the paint colours, the style of locks and handles, and even the shape of the glass. Here’s a breakdown of what works for each period:

19th Century Cottages:

If you live in a 19th-century cottage, you’re probably after something that feels welcoming and cosy. Rockdoor’s Cottage View Light or Stable View Light are perfect choices for that snug cottage vibe. Soft colours like green, cream, or grey will work nicely with stone walls, and traditional black ironmongery, such as knockers and latches, will finish off the look beautifully.

Georgian Homes (1714 – 1837):

Georgian homes are all about balance and symmetry, with large windows and classical proportions. For these homes, doors from Rockdoor’s Regency, Colonial, or Carolina ranges work a treat. Dark colours like black or forest green, framed by white, give a smart, traditional look that will never go out of style.

Victorian Homes (1837 – 1901):

Victorian homes tend to be more ornate, with decorative brickwork and intricate details. If that sounds like your house, Rockdoor’s Jacobean or Illinois doors will complement the period’s flair. Deep reds, greens, or even a bold blue will suit these homes, and a brass knocker or letterbox will complete the look nicely.

Edwardian Homes (1901 – 1910):

Edwardian houses are known for their wide entrances and decorative details, which call for an elegant door. Rockdoor’s Windsor or Georgia doors are great for these homes, offering that mix of grandeur and practicality. Soft whites or pastel shades work well, and you can add polished brass or chrome fixtures to match the house’s refined style.

1920s Homes:

Fast-forward to the 1920s, and the style becomes more streamlined and geometric. Rockdoor’s Newark or Astoria designs are perfect for this period, with clean lines and elegant glass panels. Popular colours back then were dark greens and blacks, but don’t be afraid to try something bold like red or navy if you want to modernise the look a bit.

Step Two: What’s Your Home Made Of?

Red Brick Homes:

For homes with red or orange brick, you’ll want to go for softer door colours to balance things out. Rockdoor’s Colonial or Cottage Spy View in cream or sage green are ideal. These colours provide a lovely contrast without clashing with the boldness of the brickwork.

The material your house is built from plays a big part in how your front door will look. Different materials lend themselves to different colour schemes, so you’ll want to make sure your new door works with the overall appearance.

Stone Homes:

If your house is made of grey or yellow stone, you can afford to be a bit more daring with your door colour. Dark shades like black or navy will stand out beautifully against stone walls. Rockdoor’s Windsor or Kentucky in a deep red or green will give your home a solid, stately look.

Step Three: Look at What’s Already There

Your front door shouldn’t just look good on its own – it should fit in with the other features of your house. Do you have wrought iron gates or fences? Maybe your garden is full of colourful flowers in the spring? These are all things to consider when choosing your door.

For example, if your garden is full of bright blooms, a soft green or cream door can complement the colours without overpowering them. Or if your windows have original stained glass, picking a door with a similar glass design will tie everything together nicely. It’s all about making sure the door feels like part of the overall picture, rather than standing out too much.

Step Four: Light, Privacy, and Security

Of course, while you want your front door to look great, it’s also important to think about practical things like how much light it lets in, how private it keeps you, and how secure it is.

Light:

If your hallway is a bit dark, you might want a door with larger glass panels to brighten things up. Rockdoor’s Astoria or Windsor models are perfect for this, allowing natural light to flood in without losing privacy.

Privacy:

If you’re more concerned about keeping things private, opt for a door with smaller glass panels or frosted glass, like the Cottage Spy View or English Cottage. You’ll still get some light, but nosy neighbours won’t be able to peek inside.

Security:

Composite doors like Rockdoor are known for being super secure, so you’re in safe hands there. But to keep things in line with your period home, you might want to go for a traditional-style lock like the Heritage. Equally, black ironmongery coupled with high-security cylinders looks great on cottages.

Bringing It All Together

At the end of the day, choosing the perfect front door for your traditional British home is all about considering when your house was built, what it’s made of, and how it ties in with the rest of your property. Whether you want something understated and classic, or a door that makes a bit of a statement, Rockdoor has a design that will suit your home perfectly.

Why not come and see the Rockdoor range in person? Visit our showroom to take a closer look, or if you’re feeling inspired, you can design your own door with our door designer tool. Whatever you choose, make sure your front door reflects the character and charm of your home – it’s the first impression people will get, after all!