Traditional cottage front doors


10 ways to create a warm welcome |

Selecting the right cottage front door ideas for your home will create the finishing touch that will take your cottage from lowly to idyllic. Of course, choosing a new front door is no small task, in fact it is one of the most important decisions you can make for your home. When researching cottage front door ideas you must find a design that offers protection while also being aesthetically appealing.

So how do you know that you've chosen the right design for your home? With so many different front door ideas to choose from it can feel daunting. However, so long as you opt for a front door design that you love, which is in-keeping with your home's style and that complements the other home's found in your area, you can't go too far wrong.

Cottage front door ideas – 10 ways to create a warm welcome

Your front door is the most seen part of your house and, as such, makes an important first impression, setting expectations for the interior beyond. Therefore, choosing the right design is vital. The materials, color, size and fielding, as well as the doors that are used on other houses in your area will all influence which cottage front door ideas will best fit your home.

'When researching into styles for your new front door, always take the age and architecture of your home into consideration to ensure you choose an appropriate style door that perfectly complements and enhances your home’s beauty. Take some time to do some research online and look at neighboring properties of a similar style to see what would be a suitable choice,' advises Charles Fox, director at Timber Windows .

1. Consider the color when researching cottage front doors

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Color is a defining feature of many cottage front door ideas. However, it's far more complex than just picking a color that you like. 'When thinking about which color to select for your front door, there are a number of considerations; is the property brickwork or painted, is it a specific color or is there a color within the brick that you can pull out and coordinate with your front door? Alternatively, consider a bold color to create impact,' advises Ruth Mottershead creative director at Little Greene .

'If you’re struggling to select a shade, greens work well in an exterior setting, it’s a really comfortable color to use outside as we are surrounded by green in our natural environment. If you’re looking for a shade that will bring personality to your cottage exterior, consider a bright and cheerful yellow or pretty pastel pink which will put a smile on the face of your guests and passers-by.'

2. Add unique charm with a bespoke front door

(Image credit: Jack Badger)

Cottage style is all about the craftsmanship behind the products, so why not consider a bespoke cottage front door? 

'Getting the right door for the house, sitting just right in the doorway, can transform the entire look of the building and be equally rewarding every time you use it,' says Chris Harrison, commercial director of joinery company Jack Badger . 'The character and age of cottages lend themselves to using a specialist joinery company to work with on something as prominent and fundamental as a front door. A specialist will be able to help inform the design process to ensure the period detail is correct, and importantly will have the experience to fit the door in a way that works with the character of the property.'

3. Add period charm by selecting an antique door

(Image credit: Getty Images)

When looking for cottage front door ideas, be sure not to discount antique doors. Available from a variety of salvage yards, antique front doors bring with them an aged patina that is impossible to replicate with modern doors.

However, buying a reclaimed front door requires some additional consideration. ‘Check the measurements and make a list of the size of doors you need,’ says Andy Warnes from The Reclaim and Salvage Company . ‘Be aware that door frames require doors up to 10mm smaller in width and height – to allow a 5mm gap all round the door. You may have to be adaptable, especially on heights, as old homes often used to have thresholds in the doorways. The majority of these have now been removed making the height generally 20mm taller than the door it originally contained. '

‘Be wary of doors that have been stored outside in the elements, and avoid doors with black mould spot on them, especially if you wish to wax or oil them as the marks are hard to remove,’ adds Andy.

4. Dress a minimalist front door with seasonal wreaths

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Contrary to popular belief cottage front door ideas aren't all pastel colors and cheery designs. Darker front doors are very much in vogue at the moment, especially when paired with a white trim, and can work well as alternative cottage front door ideas.

A dark front door provides the perfect backdrop to other front door accessories such as wreaths and hardware. Antique brass door knockers and latches are a great way to elevate the look of your cottage front door ideas, while a seasonal wreath adds the elements of rustic charm that define the look.

You can even learn how to make a pine cone wreath or how to make a poinsettia wreath to add the finishing touches to your cottage front door ideas – both of these designs would look great all year round.

5. Restore an original door to add to the rustic charm

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

If you're lucky enough to have an original front door, then it is vital that you preserve it. 'Always try to retain as much of the door’s existing fabric as possible, including door furniture. Seek professional assistance and minimise the amount of original material lost by splicing in new timber only where necessary. When making repairs, use like for like materials and techniques,' says Alison de Roeck, managing director of Kierson Sash Window and Timber Restoration . 

You can also update an original door by adding new door furniture. 'Buy the best you can afford and check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct use of external lacquers and protection. Reclaimed or salvaged antique door furniture generally has the advantage of assured longevity and quality, even if it does need polishing,' continues Alison 

(Image credit: Richard James Joinery )

While commonly used for backdoors, a Dutch door, sometimes known as a stable door, also offers some great cottage front door ideas.  

Dutch doors get their name from the fact that this style of door was common in colonial Dutch-American houses in the early 1700s. 'Split at the center, the upper section could be opened independently of the lower half to let in light and fresh air while simultaneously keeping children in and unwanted animals and vermin out of the house,' explains Peter M. Kenny and Beth Carver Wees from The Metropolitan Museum of Art . These same benefits continue to be one of the major draws of this Dutch style of cottage front door ideas.

As well as offering safety from the outside, it also means that you can answer the door without providing access into your house. This is especially helpful if you have pets, as it enables you to open the door to delivery people while keeping your furry-friends safe behind the lower portion of the door. 

7. Bring life to a cottage with a bold front door color 

(Image credit: Getty Images)

While a color palette of pastels or natural wood might seem like the go-to choice for cottage front door ideas, you can still go bold while embracing cottage-chic.

'Don’t underestimate the impact of the color of your door on the overall look of the property. Keep the style of the house in mind, as the wrong color can devalue the property or reduce its appeal,' suggests Ryan Schofield, managing director of Thames Valley Window Company . 

Therefore, if deciding to opt for a bolder hue, take into account not only your own home's exterior but those around you. If your door is the only bold one on the street it will stand out, and not necessarily in a good way. If your cottage is on a street where several front doors can be seen in one glance, then you need to make sure that your door works with the palette of the neighbors' doors. 

8. Give your front door a cottage feel by growing wisteria

(Image credit: Bridget Pierson)

Purple wisteria tumbling over the facade of an idyllic brick cottage is a definitive feature of cottage-style. Of course, knowing how to grow wisteria is a key part of achieving this quintessential look, as is knowing how to prune wisteria – so before embarking on this gardening exercise, make sure you've done your research as this will ensure you get the very best blooms.  

Your cottage front door ideas will then revolve around complementing your cascading floral display. Opt for a more minimalist front door in a pale grey or sage shade that will not compete with the blooms for attention. Natural wooden cottage door ideas also work well as they complement the twisting trunk and branches of the tree. 

9. Add a porch to complement your cottage front door

(Image credit: Polly Eltes)

Offering shelter while you unlock the door, a porch offers a practical addition that also helps to create a cozy, welcoming entrance to your home. There are endless cottage porch ideas from which to choose, whether you're looking for an authentic oak frame pergola, a beautiful glazed design or a spacious sheltered area  where you can enjoy the results of your front yard cottage garden ideas.

When trying to pair cottage front door ideas with front porch design, it is important to consider how the two will work together. Try to echo architectural elements, such as matching weatherboards or gable ends with patterning in the door's fielding. Alternatively, opt for a complementary color palette that ties the two looks together.

Once built, your porch will also present lots of decorating potential.  Wondering how to decorate a front porch? Planters filled with cottage garden plants, ambient twinkling lights or even a cozy seating area are all great ways to add cottage charm to the front of your home.

10. Think about how your door looks from the inside as well as the outside

(Image credit: Robert Sanderson)

Cottage front door ideas are usually orientated around how they look from the outside, and this is important – after all it's the most seen part of your home. However, it is also vital to consider how your front door will look as part of your cottage hallway ideas.

White is a timeless choice that suits a variety of schemes and as such is a brilliant to pair with cottage front door ideas. However, when choosing white durability is essential, 'opt for a semi-gloss finish as it is a little more forgiving than a standard gloss paint,' says Ryan Schofield of Thames Valley Window Company.

What is cottage door?

A cottage door is one that exudes country charm. Think tongue and groove designs in pastel tones; the warm character of rustic wood or a versatile Dutch front door. Cottage front door ideas are not prescriptive, as is the ethos with all cottage designs, it is about embracing the character that makes your home unique and adding elements that complement its overall look.

How do you make the exterior of my house look like a cottage?

There are many ways to make the exterior of your house look like a cottage. From replacing your front door with a cottage-style design to growing wisteria up the front or  adding a rustic wreath, all add cottage charm to the exterior of your house. You can go one step further and research cottage porch ideas or grow cottage garden plants as these will also help the exterior of your house look like a cottage.

Cottage Doors

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Cottage Doors - Stunning Range

Top Quality - Low Price - Great Styles, Cottage doors that are sure to impress.

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The ability to maintain a truly authentic rustic look in any home is available at DirectDoors.com, the alternative thought is that you may be trying to create or reinvigorate an urban property with more characterful stylish exterior cottage style doors.

The installation of a cottage style door is a cost effective way to enhance a truly cottage style property or create a little bit of a cottage feel, the Uk's countryside has numerous barn conversions or character property conversions that have been made complete by fitting a solid oak barn door, a lined or ledged and brace door or indeed a DirectDoors.com reproduction of a solid oak door to name just a few.

Why not give your home an extra bit of character by fitting a solid oak cottage door. Our range of doors which we show here is not exhaustive, whether an authentic countryside cottage of character or a more modern home, you can do something special with high-quality materials and modern day manufacturing to create a home which not only looks good but will continue to age gracefully for years to come.

Hardwood and Oak Cottage Doors For your Home

The most satisfying feature about our hardwood or oak cottage doors is their style, their size variation and if you can't see the exact size we can make something that suits your style and pocket, this is regardless of whether your home is contemporary or traditional, we’re confident the perfect external cottage door exists to suit you and your home.

Please do not arrange any tradesman until the goods have arrived, been checked over for damages and are suitable for installation as you intended, courier delays due to illness, traffic issues or product damages can also impact on your arrangements. Wood products will have a naturally occurring grain, this will vary regardless of veneer type, this is the beauty of wood. We cannot be held liable for any consequential costs should you arrange an early installation or whether the courier is delayed and lastly if the grain is wavy / straight and not to your liking.

Metal entrance doors to the cottage

Glass doors to the house and cottage

In a private house, there are much more opportunities for bold experiments, creating a unique design than we used to think.

The layout of the house is created taking into account the needs of the owner, but further transformation depends on the imagination of its owner. There are various options for a glass front door to a private house, cottage. What factors should be taken into account in the first place, so that the design perfectly copes with the obligations assigned to it, pleases the eye?

Glass entrance doors

The main function of the entrance door is to protect housing from cold, wind, and property - from intruders. Another important task - the door structure is a kind of visiting card of the owner. The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the facade of the house is the porch and the front door. They influence the first impression and can tell a lot about the character and preferences of the owner.

At first glance, it may seem that glass is the least suitable for securing the entrance to the room. However, thanks to the intensive development of technology, it was possible to combine original external data, high strength, and reliability in a glass door structure.

According to the constructive, stylistic design, there are many options for decorating the entrance to the room. The appearance of the door can be made in the general style of the facade, repeat the elements of decor, or it can be an original accent, standing out against the general background with its design, color and style.

Even non-transparent structures on the outside will let natural light into the room. At the discretion of the client, such models can have a different level of transparency, haze.

Advantages of glass structures for entrance design

Glassstroy company can order production and installation of glass doors on favorable terms, taking into account individual needs in various design and stylistic solutions.

Entry glass is an interesting solution in terms of design, functionality and reliability. Entrance doors made of glass have the following advantages:

  1. Reliability. Glass doors for entry are high reliability and resistance to burglary. Thanks to modern processing technologies, it was possible to create products with unique qualities (armored, frost-resistant, fire-resistant doors, etc.).
  2. Natural light. The glass filling of the front door increases the degree of natural light in the house. This makes it possible to use natural lighting in dark hallways, corridors throughout the daylight hours. A glass door is a good alternative to a window. Through it you can observe part of the courtyard directly from the room.
  3. Heat and sound insulation. The production of such products is carried out using special technologies, so they have a high level of insulation.
  4. Appearance. Glass is the original design of the entrance. An extensive selection of decoration options allows you to equip an elegant, unique, memorable entrance to the room.

Installation of glass structures is a more complicated operation than installation of wood and metal models. The work must be carried out by experienced craftsmen so that the door serves without problems for many years.

Outdoor glass doors are subject to the same requirements as conventional structures - frost resistance, fire resistance, tightness, thermal insulation. Therefore, in the production of glass structures, new technologies are used to ensure the desired result.

Processing technologies and methods

Recently, glass processing technologies have advanced a lot. Modern glass entrance doors retain all the advantages of glass structures and acquire new properties, the main of which are strength, reliability, and safety.

The following types of glass are used to decorate the living space:

2.

Reinforced glass, which is a sheet with a metal mesh, which gives the material higher burglary resistance, security, and the ability to keep its shape.

3.

Triplex (laminated glass) - a sheet of several layers, between which there is a special layer that connects the elements of the sheets together, holding the fragments, preventing them from scattering from a strong impact.

High-quality fittings are used for entrance products. Savings in this case is inappropriate - all materials must be of high quality and strength characteristics.

An important quality of modern glass doors for entrance design is resistance to temperature extremes and various weather conditions. Frost-resistant entrance glass door, is not affected by the sun, is not afraid of rain, does not rot, does not rust. Glass retains its properties in severe frosts and in the summer heat.

Glassstroy can order products with different performance properties. The door can have ordinary, dense, reinforced double-glazed windows, armored glass, etc. Such structures successfully withstand a variety of methods of exposure.

Glass door for summer house with porch

Glass door for summer house with porch can be an interesting design element. You can truly use all the advantages of a glass door when you make an exit to a veranda or other summer room. Translucent products offer an excellent view of the garden, the summer area, visually linking the house and the street into a single whole.

The canopy is a continuation of the structure, and together with the roof, it performs a specific function - it protects from the sun, wind, and precipitation. If it is not possible to organize at least a small canopy over the front door, you can install a visor that will not only protect against the effects of the external environment, but also decorate and diversify the facade.

A small canopy above the door will greatly ennoble the entrance part of the room. This design practically does not give a shadow, but it does not save much from the wind, but it protects from rain, it looks stylish and original. You can also organize lighting. The most common option is the use of LED lamps. Pendant lights are also popular.

Types of glass doors for decorating the entrance to the room

Entrance glass doors are distinguished by many features.

The following types of doors are divided by purpose:

There are no special requirements for them, except for the wishes of the client, the size of the opening. Such products are presented in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, external design, design features, reliability characteristics, thermal insulation and other qualities.

2.

Special purpose

This group includes fire, bulletproof and other models with individual properties.

According to the design features, glass entrance doors are of the following types:

  1. Swing models. The most popular and traditional design that we all know. The sashes of such products swing open in a certain direction - inward or outward.
  2. Pendulum models. Such products can open immediately in both directions like a pendulum.
  3. Sliding models. The shutters do not swing open, but move off to the sides. Models are actively used in public places, and recently they are increasingly used to organize the entrance of private houses.
  4. Accordion glass door. Door leaves are shifted like an accordion, books.
  5. Telescopic. The design has common features with sliding models. The main difference is that the sashes are vertical segments that move interconnectedly along the rails.

Most often, glass sheets are used in sliding systems, creating a spectacular facade with an individual layout. An extensive selection of decor allows you to create your own individual style.

A distinction is also made between single-leaf and double-leaf doors. The former are the most popular solution, the latter are symmetrical and asymmetric. The door leaf can be completely made of glass, or occupy a certain part of it.

Glassstroy company will produce a glass door for a house of any design, taking into account the features of the house, personal wishes and financial capabilities of the customer.

Emphasis on the front door

Depending on how the front door looks, you can get an impression of the property owner, his taste preferences, lifestyle.

If the exterior of the house from the side of the decorative design looks monotonous and monotonous, you can focus on the glass door. Such a design may have an unusual design or bright colors.

Against the backdrop of a featureless building, a bright door will attract attention, and the rich color of the doorway will refresh the appearance of the structure, giving it a bright and positive image. Bright colors will transform the first impression of the facade of the building. At the same time, the entire door, as well as a separate part of it, can be made in a rich design.

Many people hesitate to install such products due to excessive openness. This can be avoided by installing models with frosted, tinted glass. Color does not affect the properties of the translucent canvas in any way. Such structures retain the same qualities, heat and sound insulation, while letting a certain portion of natural light into the house.

What determines the cost

In comparison with traditional products, the cost of entrance doors made of glass is much higher. The following nuances affect the final amount: