Styles of Front Doors and Awnings

Choosing a Front Door

• Your front entryway is an expression of your personality and taste, as well as being part of the design of the house. The wide variety of door styles can make choosing a residential door a confusing prospect. The style of your home gives you some idea of what type of door you need, but you are by no means limited to one choice. A Mediterranean-style home can benefit from a more contemporary style of door to relieve the heavy effect of the Mediterranean style. A Colonial-style home may look more modern with a less traditional door style. Your taste and imagination can be your guide.

Front Door Styles

• Doors are made from wood or steel, with glass or without, with sidelights or without. Straight topped doors are the most common, with a variety of patterns available for the panel designs. Arched or arched-with-notches designs provide an Old World, European look for homes. Numerous types of patterned glass are available, including clear, beveled, frosted and etched.

Benefits of Awnings

• Awnings provide shelter from falling rain and snow, as well as giving additional privacy from street traffic. Awnings also provide energy savings, keeping the intense sunlight from certain exposures off of house surfaces. This protection can save you money in cooling costs during the summer months. Awnings also help to keep moisture off your door and door glass, keeping it cleaner and less subject to moisture damage. Awnings are easy to maintain with a garden hose and detergent and last for years.

Awning Styles

• Awnings generally come in metal or fabric. The types best for your home depends on the climate and the style of home exterior. Awning fabrics are most commonly solid colors or striped patterns. Metal awnings generally are solid colors or solids with trim. Door awnings come in a number of shapes as well, including simple rectangles, curves or combination styles. The best fabric awnings are made from UV-resistant, marine grade polyester materials, according to the General Awning website. Metal awnings generally have a baked-on color finish that lasts for many years. Custom awnings can be made in any shape, style or color you desire. Your awning contractor or awning retailer can advise you on the best shape, style and color for your home exterior.