11 Amazing Ways To Make Your Front Door Stand Out

When looking to update your home, there are many projects you can take on. From boosting the coziness of your living room to transforming your backyard to make it more inviting, the opportunities truly abound even if you’re renovating on a budget. However, if you’re thinking about making your home the talk of the neighborhood, you should spend some time on your curb appeal.

Moreover, this project is also vital if you’re planning on putting your home up for sale in the near future. In case you’re looking to increase the value of your property, investing in curb appeal is vital. Moreover, a well-kept exterior is more welcoming and signals to buyers that the interior is also taken care of.

So, what are some ways you can make your front door stand out and improve the curb appeal of your home? Keep on reading for some inspiration.

Replace the front door

First of all, besides replacing your front door because you find it ugly or because it simply doesn’t match the overall aesthetic you are going for, there are some other reasons why you should make this step.

For starters, is there space around or under the doors? In addition to it looking unsightly, there is even a possibility of undesirable things entering your home, like water, drafts, and various critters. Then, in case the door is damaged in any way, whether it’s dented, rusting, or splitting, it’s also not leaving the best of impressions. Finally, if the doors are squeaky, hard to open, or not locking properly, you might have a structural problem.

Therefore, if you’re experiencing any of the above-listed issues, look into replacing your door altogether. Fortunately, the options when choosing your new front doors are plenty. From wood and fiberglass-composite to aluminium and steel, you can surely find something that matches the style you are going for.

Opt for bigger front doors

Besides getting doors that are more solid and secure, you can also improve the overall look of your exterior by installing doors that are bigger. For instance, if you have space, you can get double front doors. They come in all sorts of shapes and forms, as designs are truly countless. They can be solid wood, have one big glass panel or a few smaller ones, have steel detailing, or be custom-made to fit your space exactly.

Something else you can consider is adding glass panels to each side of the door and one above it. The above one can even be arched and have a design of its own, whether it’s floral, geometric, or something special to your family.

If you opt for bigger doors, installing porch column wraps is advisable for a more elegant overall design. Porch column wraps are structures wrapped around existing columns, which protects them against excess moisture, bugs, and rotting. These wraps have different colors, designs, and sizes for a decorative look.

Repaint the front door

If you’re looking for a more affordable way to revamp your front door, repainting is the way to go. First of all, you should know that this is something you can do on your own. However, if you’re not confident in your skills, you can also have a professional do it.

Then, you have to decide on the colour you want. For example, it would be a good idea to opt for something that will stand out when surrounded by the rest of the façade. If your home’s exterior is mostly white or neutral, you can go bold with anything from red and pink to navy blue and yellow. On the other hand, you can also pick a shade that complements the exterior. For instance, a light taupe will go great with brown siding and white trims. The choices are numerous and it all depends on you.

Just keep in mind that you will need to find the right type of paint for this project. Either do plenty of research online or consult with the experts in the local hardware shop. Moreover, you want to do this when it’s dry and sunny so that the doors will have enough time to dry before you have to put them back on the hinges.

Clean the door

In certain cases, you might not even need to replace or repaint the door. Some doors are in great shape; they might have just been in use so long that they’ve accumulated plenty of grime and dirt. So, put in some effort and transform your home’s entrance in an hour. First, get rid of cobwebs and dirt with a broom or vacuum. Then, get a soapy rag and remove all dirt, grime, and any other imperfections you encounter. Make sure you go over it with a dry rag and dry it off properly to prevent any water spots. In addition, if you have any glass panels, you want to get them sparkling as well.

To achieve sparkling glass panels, follow these steps for effective cleaning. Begin by removing dust and debris with a soft brush or cloth. Prepare a cleaning solution using water and mild dish soap or a commercial glass cleaner. Apply the solution with a cloth or spongee, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Utilize a squeegee to remove the liquid from the glass, starting at the top and moving down in a straight, vertical motion. Polish the glass surface with a dry microfiber or lint-free cloth, using circular motions or straight lines to eliminate streaks. 

Swap out the hardware

While we often tend to neglect the hardware on the doors, it can actually do so much for their overall look. With that in mind, you can look for a new knob or handle if the current one is getting old. A worn-out knocker is also something you can swap out. If you have a mail slot, you might be due for a change if it no longer fits the aesthetic of your home. All of these fixes are quick and inexpensive, so don’t wait and pick from brass, rose gold, bronze, chrome, and black, among many other choices. Lastly, you can even get new house numbers, ones that will be easily visible and match the whole vibe of the home.

Install an awning over the door

On the other hand, the door might be perfect as it is. Other things you can do to further boost its appeal include giving your porch a remodel or installing an awning over the entrance if you don’t have one. While adding a porch or remodelling one can be a bit on the pricey side, a roof or awning above the front door should not affect your wallet too much. Not only can a roof protect your door from sunlight and rain but it will also give you a safe place where you can find your keys and keep your visitors safe while they wait for you to open the door.

Add an inviting mat

To make your home more inviting, you also want a nice mat in front of the entrance. Fortunately, mats nowadays come in a wide array of shapes, styles, materials, colours, and designs, meaning that finding the perfect doorstep mat for your home will not be a problem. You can even look into having it customized to say your family’s name or simply welcome your guests. Moreover, a quality mat will reduce slip hazards and ensure your indoor floors are clean.

Illuminate the entrance

Once again, if you like the way your front doors look but it seems like they’re not highlighted enough, you should install a few light fixtures that will put them in the spotlight. One simple lightbulb dangling above the entrance is never appealing. Therefore, consider some layered lights. For instance, a sconce on each side of the door and a pendant above the door should do the trick. You can also have an overhead flush mount fixture if you think a pendant is too much.

Accessorize with plants

Plants can make any space more inviting and beautiful and the entrance is no different. If you have a porch, add a few modern planters as a way to incorporate greenery and potentially even bright colors into the exterior of your home.
Even if you don’t have a porch, you can still place plants next to your door. For instance, you can hang a planter or plant some gorgeous flowers or shrubbery near the front door.

For shaded or partially shaded areas, ferns like Boston ferns or Kimberly Queen ferns thrive. Snake plants, known for air-purifying qualities, do well in various light conditions. Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary not only offer culinary benefits but also contribute pleasant aromas. Succulents such as aloe vera, echeveria, and sedum are easy to care for and come in diverse shapes.  

Hanging plants like spider plants or trailing ivy in baskets can provide a cascading effect. Shade-loving plants like hostas or begonias are suitable for areas with limited sunlight. Climbing plants such as clematis or jasmine add beauty to porches with trellises or vertical spaces. Dwarf citrus trees, including lemon or orange, are ideal for sunny porches and provide greenery and fresh fruit. Lavender, with its fragrant flowers, thrives in sunny spots.

Lead the way with a path

Another way to accentuate the front door is by having a little path that leads to it. Everyone’s eye will follow the path and arrive at the focal point which is the door. If you already have a walkway, you can tidy it up a little bit and line the edges with some shrubs or mulch. But, if you’re just now adding one, you can do it over a weekend. For instance, it can be made of stone or brick. While looking for walkway inspiration online is super easy, you should remember to make it at least 4 feet wide in order for two people to be able to walk side by side.

Don’t forget about holiday décor

Finally, don’t forget about the fact that you get a chance to play with the look of your front doors during the holidays. For example, if you’re passionate about Halloween, it should not be difficult to find or make some decorations that will make your entrance spooky and draw the attention of every passer-by. Then, if you celebrate Thanksgiving in your area, you can also decorate with a seasonal wreath to mark the holiday. Finally, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever else your family celebrates is a great occasion to spruce up your front door with holiday décor, whether it’s with a wreath or something else that you’ve made.

Making your front door stand out doesn’t have to be expensive nor time-consuming. From repainting the doors to replacing the hardware all the way to adding a cute little walkway, the options at your disposal abound.