Exterior Door Trim Ideas

Color

• Some exterior trim color schemes do not do a home's front door justice. Walking down a street in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for example, many trims are either white or the same color as the entryway they surround. This Old House recommends a home have three distinct colors: the main color of the house, the color of all movable parts, such as shutters and doors, and the color of all trims. That means your exterior door trim can match your window casings, sills, roof eaves and cornices; however, you should ultimately choose a color that does not clash with, but enhances, the front door. A white trim is not always bad, particularly when the door is a dark, rich color, such as burgundy or navy blue. You can also choose a trim color that is a couple of shades darker or lighter than the front door, such as a dark green door with a light green trim. Or select a complementary color scheme that involves using two colors opposite one another on the color wheel, such as a dark purple door with a light yellow trim.

Architectural Elements

• You can incorporate architectural elements into your exterior door's trim to accentuate your home's entryway. The trim does not have to look like the Parthenon -- rather you can use simple features to add aesthetic value. Pilasters, for example, outline the vertical portion of a door. A common style is "fluted," which means the columns are slightly ribbed with vertical lines; the tops of the pilasters may be simple or have ornate designs. Trims can also incorporate pediments which are placed horizontally above the door. Pediments come in a variety of shapes and styles, such as triangular, arched, "swan's neck," which is a symmetrical design of two S-shaped curves, and classical entablature.

Ceramic Tile

• You can cover your exterior door trim with ceramic tile that matches the color and style of the rest of your home. Trim the entire door or simply the top or bottom. Tiles come in solid colors or patterned designs. Qondio further recommends including a numbered tile to denote your house address number. If you choose to employ a ceramic trim, you need to use a weatherproof grout and sealant when installing the tiles.