Ultimate Guide to Front Door Styles

November 27, 2024

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Doors

A large stone home in Ontario with an arched exterior door at the front entrance

A new front door can instantly transform your home's curb appeal, creating a welcoming entrance that makes a lasting impression on guests and passersby alike. But with so many front door styles available, how do you find the right door to complement your home's architecture and unique style?

In this guide, we’ll go over popular exterior door styles, highlighting their key features and best uses for Ontario homeowners. Let’s explore each and find the perfect fit for your home and budget.

Traditional Exterior Doors

Front entrance of brick home with a black front door with white arched trim and a decorative wreath

Image Source: Canva

Traditional entry door styles are the epitome of timeless elegance and classic charm. The traditional front door evokes a sense of history and tradition, often featuring raised panels, decorative glass inserts, and intricate detailing that adds a touch of sophistication to any home.

These types of front doors are typically crafted from wood, such as rich mahogany or sturdy oak. However, modern fibreglass options can beautifully mimic wood while offering enhanced durability and weather resistance. Classic door panel designs range from simple two-panel configurations to elaborate six-panel or even eight-panel layouts.

⭐Best For: Classic architectural styles, transitional homes

Pros Cons
  • Timeless elegance
  • Wide variety of designs
  • Enhance curb appeal
  • Increase home value
  • Solid and secure
  • May require more maintenance (especially wooden doors)
  • Not ideal for modern architecture
  • Can be heavy

Contemporary Entry Doors

Ontario home with a black front door in a modern door style with multiple clear glass panes 

Image Source: Canva

Contemporary types of exterior doors are all about clean lines, minimalist aesthetics, and a sleek, modern look. They often feature bold geometric shapes, unique materials, and innovative design elements as key components.

These front door types often incorporate large glass panels to maximize natural light in the main entrance, metal accents for an industrial touch, or unique hardware with sleek finishes. Some modern front doors even feature innovative pivot hinges that allow the door to swing open in a unique way.

Contemporary entry door styles are perfect options for homes with a clean, modern feel. These modern front door styles make a statement and enhance your home’s exterior.

⭐Best For: Modern and contemporary homes, minimalist architecture

Pros Cons
  • Modern and stylish
  • Enhanced natural light
  • Energy-efficient
  • Easy to add storm doors
  • Often feature low-maintenance materials
  • May not suit traditional architectural styles
  • Large glass panels can reduce privacy
  • Some designs can be more expensive
  • Bold styles might not appeal to all tastes
  • Can be less soundproof than solid doors

Rustic Entry Door

Front entrance of an Ontario home featuring a rustic front door decorated for autumn with a seasonal wreath

Image Source: Canva

Rustic front door styles highlight the beauty of natural materials and bring a relaxed, comfortable vibe to your home. A rustic front door is typically crafted from sturdy, robust materials like solid wood and intentionally distressed to give it a more rugged feel

Other common features of these exterior door styles include decorative elements, like iron accents, including handles, hinges, or decorative grills, adding to the old-world aesthetic. Glass inserts with textured or stained designs are also popular in rustic styles, allowing light to filter into the entryway while maintaining privacy.

⭐Best For: Farmhouse-style homes, cottages, cabins

Pros Cons
  • Warm and inviting aesthetic
  • Add character and personality
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Unique and eye-catching
  • May not suit modern or contemporary homes
  • Can be heavy
  • May require more maintenance

Craftsman Doors

Front entrance with a wooden craftsman door with sidelights

Image Source: Canva

Craftsman entry door styles have risen in popularity in recent years. They’re typically characterized by long, raised panels on the lower part and a rectangular glass window on the upper third of the door. 

Craftsman front door styles are usually constructed from wood, such as oak, maple, or cherry, though fiberglass door options offer a similar aesthetic with added durability. These exterior doors add quality craftsmanship, with attention to detail in the finishing. The door hardware is typically understated, with simple handles and hinges.

⭐Best For: Craftsman-style homes, bungalows, cottages, and townhomes

Pros Cons
  • Classic and versatile style
  • Allows natural light
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Available in various wood types and finishes
  • May require regular maintenance (especially wood doors)
  • Not as distinctive as some other front door styles
  • Limited design options
  • Large glass panels can reduce privacy

Arched Doors

Front entrance with arched double front doors and pink flowers on either side of the entry doors

Image Source: Canva

Although many exterior door styles include arched exterior door options, their distinct curved design earns them a category of their own. If you’re looking for a door that gives your Toronto home a unique, eye-catching architectural feature, an arched exterior door is an excellent choice.

Arched front door styles are a statement of elegance and grandeur. Their dramatic presence creates a sense of sophistication and interest. An arched exterior door can be crafted from various materials, including wood, fibreglass, and even steel, each offering its own unique aesthetic and benefits.

These charming entry door styles are custom-ordered and designed to fit your home’s precise specifications. You can choose from three styles of arched entry doors, namely top rail true arch doors, flat arch doors, and top rail flat arch doors.

⭐Best For: Mediterranean-style homes, Spanish Colonial architecture, or any home seeking a dramatic and elegant entrance.

Pros Cons
  • Create a grand and impressive entrance
  • Can be customized with decorative glass or ironwork
  • Offer a unique and distinctive style
  • More complex to install than standard front door styles
  • Not suitable for all architectural styles
  • Limited headroom can be a consideration in some cases

Shop Your Dream Front Door Styles at Clera Windows + Doors

Choosing the perfect entry doors from several front door styles can be overwhelming. Clera Windows + Doors is here to simplify the process and help you build the ideal entrance for your home's architecture and style.

As a family-run Canadian business with over 45 years of experience, we understand the needs and preferences of Ontario homeowners. We offer a diverse selection of high-quality doors, each crafted with precision to enhance your home's curb appeal and energy efficiency. 

Contact Clera Windows + Doors today for a free estimate.

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