Your period property’s front door is of immense importance because it is the gateway to the history and character of your home.
It is the exterior focal point, often resplendent with tiles, stained glass and beautiful brass hardware. Passers-by don’t notice your window sills or walls. They notice your front door. So whether you choose to restore or replace it, it’s important to maintain your home’s kerb appeal.
Restoring an original front door is preferable to replacing it
The wood used for old doors is of better quality than the wood available today. Your front door may be over a 100 years old, but there’s no reason it can’t last for many more if properly cared for. With a little (or a lot) of filler and sanding, it can be restored to its original glory. A good carpenter can make sure it fits perfectly and won’t let draughts through.
It’s worth keeping in mind that original front doors are highly sought after period features and may be worth more than a replacement door.
Stained glass can be repaired or restored. If the glass has been removed, a company can even copy from a neighbouring home where the original glass is still intact. The neighbour will almost certainly be pleased to oblige, as your efforts to restore your front door will improve the overall look of the street.
Edwardian Door Image Credit Timbawood
Victorian Door Image credit The London Door Company
Perhaps your original period property’s front door is beyond repair, you feel it doesn’t provide enough security, or it was replaced with a modern door at some point. There are companies like The London Door Company that can replace it with a door that matches the property. Do some research to find out what style of door is typical for the era of your home. This research can be as simple as finding the most common door on the street, as this is usually the original door, or you could try to find an old photo of your home.
Original doors were built specifically for your home. Therefore, it may well be necessary to have a custom door made to ensure it fits properly rather than buying a door off the shelf.
Listed buildings consent and conservation areas
If your home is a listed building, you may need a permit to remove your old door and replace it with a new one. If your home is in a conservation area, it may be subject to Article 4 regulations (which restrict work that can usually be done without a permit).
Choosing a paint colour for your front door
Where to start? You could begin by looking at the colour palette of the other doors on your street and choose a colour that goes well with them. If you are lucky enough to have stained glass or tiles around your door, you can pick out a colour from the design to use on your door. Or if you have flowering plants around your door, you could choose a complimentary colour.
Be sure to try a tester pot and look at the samples outside to see them in daylight and assess how they sit with the colour of your brick, stone or wall colour. You could go be bold or subtle. The colour you choose can set the mood for the rest of your home and give visitors a delicious taste of what’s to come so take your time with this big decision.
Don’t forget the door ‘furniture’
If possible, try to keep the original door knocker, doorknob and letterbox of your period property’s front door. They will have aged beautifully over time. They are often solid brass and their lustre can be restored with a good rub of Brasso. Alternatively, you can buy original door hardware at antique markets or eBay, or visit a architectural hardware showroom for inspiration, such as the Fulham Brass Showroom
I look at the front doors of period properties all the time when I walk around London and I am fascinated by them. A well maintained front door gives a great first impression and makes me feel excited about how the interior. Hopefully I have been able to help you think about how to have a beautiful front door that feels like it’s welcoming you home every time you return.
Contact me if you need help renovating and designing your period property. I would love to hear about your project.
