Which front door?

5 years ago

I need a new front door. ideally I'd find an original Victorian one but I'm tired of buying internal doors which don't fit, plus I no longer have a car to run around collecting em.
So... which if these d'you reckon looks the most Victorian? They're from the Doorworld website. Or can you recommend a different door? I'm completely uninspired. Got any inspiration to spare? Thanks in advance.
pics below. The window/door surrounds are getting painted some sort of white/cream colour in the spring, and new railings and a tiled path are also on the cards.

Featured Answer

Carolina

5 years ago

Sam, have you seen these? https://www.periodstyle.co.uk/external-period-doors-31-c.asp

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Comments (34)

Kazza None
5 years ago
After seeing your passion in your other posts and your ideas, I don't think you would be happy with either of these doors. You sound very disinterested in them. You need something more special!
E D
5 years ago
What‘s your reason to change the door?
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Thank you for all your comments. The alcove with the lamp is 3'10" h x 3'2" w x 18" deep. The width of wall between door hinges and corner of wall is nearly 2 feet. Actually 60cms. I don't think I will be allowed a range oven in the fireplace recess. People like to put their Aga in such a place and it is practical but I do like my oven and it is very efficient even though I have to get my son sometimes to sort out the technology. It is quite new. I had thought of having the hob across the corner of my "L" shaped layout with an decent extractor fan above which could access through the ceiling to a roof space. One of many roof spaces in my house. However, I have seen a lovely corner pantry in one of the Houzz photos which I am very taken with. It is somewhere I can hang or store saucepans, keep tins of things which I can see easily (i.e.keep a check on storage dates!) and don't get lost in the back of cupboards. The hob would have to go to the left of that. A tall fridge freezer could go to the right. The extractor could still access through the ceiling as it would do a right turn and go up from inside the pantry. Don't know how this corner pantry would look though!? On that fireplace wall the fireplace and mantle will, I'm sorry, have to stay. It needs renovating but that's it. Bytheway, the pantry I describe could have glass in the doors which would lighten the whole thing up and have interesting lighting. A fridge/freezer is a good idea because at the moment I have to make quite a trek to my "back kitchen" where I keep two freezers (full) and it would be handy to have the odd loaf of bread, ice cream, chips and peas nearby. I keep all veg in the back kitchen as well as it is cooler. I do like the light from the windows falling on the area where the sink and draining board now is. Dishwasher is near there. Then it is shady in the corner to the right of the oven where I boil water, store coffee pots, keep tea etc. in cupboard above. Cups, plates above sink. It is all a good working layout. Tins of stuff like tomatoes etc. are in the cupboard under the alcove work top. I'd like to get rid of all that. If I did cause a disturbance and dig out the rest of the stone I could have a good cupboard!! It would take a lot of working on my husband for him to agree to that. But, who knows. I could try. Everything would be easier to get at. Then a hob across the corner. I want to get rid of the need for those trays that angle around and do their best to utilise the corner. I got rid of my last lot as can be seen next to my fridge. I saw a way of doing that by putting a cupboard across the corner and carrying on either side with a work top. The fireplace wall needs sorting out I agree. The trouble is that the glass door opens against that wall which is correct. As I mention above there is 2' of wall behind where the door opens. Shifting the door would cause problems in the adjoining room as there is a long radiator fixed on the wall and would not look right in that room. Not really room for window seats. Window on left has a radiator and worktop or oven fits into wall beside the window. Many thanks for your plan. I will give it all some thought when I make more decisions.
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Have a look at this door and side light combination: https://www.google.co.uk/searchq=front+door+with+side+lights&client=firefox-b-ab&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwivsb2pz8fUAhVBOMAKHVm2C8kQ_AUICygC&biw=1272&bih=685#imgrc=VxkkE-e6f6HqEM:
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Hi Moores, I think sky is the limit given the white render, so maybe pick a bold colour you have used as an accent in the interior and really make a feature of the entrance?? I am one of those who ended up painting our front door the dark obvious choice, but I had a busy and quite a dark brick exterior to contend with, and I just couldn't imagine myself living with nothing too jazzy against it. I did try though ) Which way does your home faces? and can you attach a picture ? Is the door design of the 20's period? Sorry for many questions
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Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
kazza none: I'd like to feel more enthusiastic. The joiner that just came round to quote was pretty uninspired too. I don't think he got what I want. A Howdens brochure was shoved under my nose 'is this one ok'? I'd like to let more light in. I don't want fake leaded lights, so plain glazed panels are my only real option. I thought I'd have loads of options to choose from (patterned glass, etched/sandblasted effect glass etc) but howdens have none and Doorworld (apparently the next best) only have these two. I don't want to pay silly money or get something made from scratch.
Nick
5 years ago
Might be a silly question, but it's hard to tell from the photo: is there anything you can do with the transom window to increase the light? Then you could keep the door you have.
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
ED, the current door has been kicked in a couple of times, splitting one of the bottom panels. Daylight shines through the crack. I could patch it up and that is an option (wood glue is my new friend) but as I'm paying to have the front of the house tarted up I dont want the door to let it down. It's a pretty cheap modern door, though tbh it looks almost right for the period.
Sonia
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I know how you feel Sam. I needed to replace my rotten 1930’s front door and I couldn’t find anything locally or from the usual suspects and on a tight budget. In the end I bought one from an online company which was almost identical and I painted it blue. I can’t remember the company sadly. Those on Carolina’s link are beautiful though. I hope you find something soon.
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Carolina, thanks that's exactly the kind of company I want to use, and they do have some lovely doors, though weirdly they only seem to do a leaded light version of what I want in their cheaper range, when what I want is something plainer. I'm not completely OCD about authenticity but my house is a working class Victorian terrace and I havent seen any original leaded lights on these kinds of houses in this part of Newcastle. Glazed doors aren't right either but I really need more light in the hall. The transom doesn't do enough by itself, and I don't think it'll look too out of place.
Nick
5 years ago
I understand. For what it's worth, I think the second one would look better, but my enthusiasm level is probably about the same as yours.
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Nick, ha! Perhaps we should all have a nice cup of tea and forget about it until tomorrow/Spring?
Nick
5 years ago
At least until after The Apprentice.
Juliet Docherty
5 years ago
Are there any salvage companies up there? Ebay? Gumtree?
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Forzaitalia, nice door. I wish I was on the other side of getting mine done. I think my world weariness is linked to having to encounter yet another bunch of new tradesmen. I stayed home today and one didn't turn up at all and the other one was two hours late and waved a brochure at me. If I buy one online perhaps the devil I know (Mr general builder) can get one of his minions to fit it?
Sonia
5 years ago
Oh Sam it isn’t easy. I’m lucky that my brother is a builder with lots of contacts, but even this isn’t a guarantee. I’ve had people he has recommended not turning up and doing a poor job despite this. My stepson is a plasterer and he now does all our odd jobs (shelves, decorating etc) as he’s actually better than some so called professionals.......yes it is a minefield.
Emily
5 years ago
Honestly my hall would really benefit from a new front door, (wrong style and would like glazed) but I can’t face trying to get someone to do it either. Everything is a problem and it seems no one I come across wants to do anything that isn’t completely “standard”. I hope you find a solution that suits especially since you’ve done so much work and put so much effort in. :)
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Emily, I reckon Houzzers should start a building/renovation firm. We'd definitely be awesome at it ;-)
Jonathan
5 years ago
There is a Victorian house up the road from me that has a contemporary door. Everything else about the house is traditional and the door sits really well with it probably because it is substantial, looks like quality and it looks secure (which people feel represents older houses). The house up the road has a turn key lock and a long vertical pull handle. I think it looks great.

https://www.doorsonlineuk.co.uk/external-doors/oak-external-doors/oak-mt-double-glazed-modena-with-obscure-glass/
Charlie X
5 years ago
Have a look at this manufacturer on eBay. They make some lovely doors and some are reasonably priced too. http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Reddish-Windows-Ltd
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Ooh Jonathan thats an unusual idea, I'll have a look online and see if I can find any photos of modern doors in old houses. Might just be the inspiration I need.
Jonathan
5 years ago
Uncanny Charlie- that EBay shop has a really good match for the door I mentioned in my earlier post
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
I can't find any uk examples set into victorian house fronts, just US/ Australian ones which are usually wooden houses so aren't comparable. Failure of vision at this end. I'll have another look tomorrow. I do like the idea of an unusual door. There's a vintage shop down the road with a 'wonky' door I really like. I know the owner's husband made it. I might go and ask if he makes them to order.
PRO
Medina Joinery Ltd
5 years ago
Hi,

Have you had a look at our website? We manufacture many styles of timber external doors:

Phone us for a chat Tel: 023 9263 7380 or email us at info@medinajoinery.co.uk

Regards

Medina Joinery
kikiamack
5 years ago
I think this door looks traditional but also would let in a lot of light. I can’t really comment on the company or the price point as I just liked the picture! But if you check their gallery you’ll notice George Clark features, so probably OK. I guess you could look into whether you could have decorative or etched glass.
https://www.davesdoors.co.uk/kendal--bosworth-mt-double-glazed-external-door-130-p.asp
Daisy England
5 years ago
Take a look at the following websites:

J B Kind

LPD Doors

You can’t buy direct from either of them but they will offer you names of joiners who are in your area to buy and fit them. They both offer lots of choice.

Personally I’d be looking at the security of the door as opposed to cheap and cheerful.
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks kikiamack and Daisy England. Homework for the weekend!
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
ps. Kikiamack I do like that door, and it's a very reasonable price but unfortunately they don't do the size I need (7').
PRO
The Sash Window Workshop
5 years ago
If you are looking for a bespoke front door, we may be able to help. We have over 20 years experience manufacturing and installing timber front doors into period properties across London and South England and can also offer a supply only service for new joinery nationwide.

Below are pictures of some timber front doors we have made for previous customers:

Timber Front Door · More Info

Timber Front Door · More Info

Timber Doors · More Info

Timber Doors · More Info

If you are interested in obtaining a free, no obligation quotation please contact us on: 01344 868 668.

You can also view our front door gallery page here: https://www.sashwindow.com/front-doors-inspiration

Good luck with finding the right door!

The Sash Window Workshop
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Hi all, So I found a modern door set into a traditional brick building ( not domestic but similar enough to my situation ) and it looked great. Yet again Jonathan challenges my aesthetic but in a good way! I just need to find a 7' version of the one Jonathan suggests, above. None of the online stores I've checked do them. I don't want to spend silly money on a bespoke door unless I have to. Anyone got any ideas?
And while I'm here, which colour do you prefer?
Sonia
5 years ago
That’s a tall door! Now tell me to shut up if you want, but how about making the skylight above the door bigger so in effect coming down in height to fit a shorter more standard door? Is that a crazy idea? Of course it would mean you get a carpenter or talented handyman to enlarge the skylight frame and fit a larger window. Of course we know how hard it is to get good trades people, and it will add to the cost, in which case a bespoke door may be the cheaper option! How frustrating. As to colours, I love the sage green because I adore green in all its forms, but how gorgeous would the door look in that bright orange or yellow? They would all look good! Hope you find your door soon and I will ask my brother who he uses on his builds. We are in Herts if that’s near you at all.
Sonia
5 years ago
Sam my brother uses Howdens for his doors, but I think you’ve been down that road already.............
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
Forzaitalia I'm in Newcastle , and yes tried Howdens. I've gone back to the joiner and asked him to source me what I'm looking for. it's a little strange he expects me to find a door when he must know much more about such things. And I'm going to try a couple more ' supply and fit' firms locally.
I knew you'd like the sage green! It's my favourite 'safe' colour. Not sure what eye catching colour would go well with a red brick house. I kind of know it shouldnt be orange but I do like it.
PRO
Medina Joinery Ltd
5 years ago
Hi,

We manufactured and fitted the below Accoya Front Door recently in a red brick house. The colour we used is F & B French Grey. It looks great!
E D
5 years ago
Sam, I’m all for challenging the status quo and all that :) and that modern door may well look fab (I genuinely mean that), but isn’t it safer to first have a mock up of it so you will have a good idea of how it will look on your exterior?

You can then also try different colours.
Sam Potter
Original Author
5 years ago
ED that's very sensible advice. I'll take a proper picture of the front of the house and mess about with Photoshop asap. The work is booked in for March/April now, to coincide with the front of the house getting decorated, because they can't do this in winter apparently, and so the painter can do the door at the same time. So plenty of time for me to change my mind, or have it changed for me!

Which front door?

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