Your entry door is your first chance to make an impression on visitors and speaks volumes about your home and you. What do you want your entry door to say: Elegance? Warmth? Style?

Entry Doors Should Fit Your Style

Entry doors should fit your home's style and present a welcoming ambiance. Entry doors can be made of a variety of materials, in a variety of styles. They can be single or double, and can incorporate touches of wrought iron, etched glass, or other decorative features. Your entry door's hardware should also match your motif.

Climate is also a consideration. If you live in a cold climate, insulating properties may be of paramount importance. In other areas, a more open entry door design with lots of glass may be appropriate.

Entry Door Options

Entry door options include:

• French doors: Provide a great deal of light with their many glass panels
• Heavy wood doors of oak or mahogany: Convey an impression of solidity, and have excellent insulating properties
• Modern doors of metal and other modern materials: Fit the design of many newer homes

Color can also enhance the look of your entry doors. For example, vibrant primary colors may project fun and informality while darker colors may convey sophistication.

Depending on your climate and the type of entry doors you select, you may want to add a screen door, security door, or storm door to deal with the elements. If you do, select a design that complements your main entry doors and maintains the impression you've created.