The enforced time at home has given many of us the time to focus on home improvements. A fresh lick of paint on the front gate and a tidy of the garden may boost the kerb appeal of your property, but what about the front door?
For decades, the look and style of front doors have been seen as a reflection of the owners. Decisions are made on the security and energy efficiency of uPVC, composite or hardwood front doors, but the appearance is important.
In this article, we explore the tradition of glazed solid wood front doors. When did glass get incorporated into the entrances to our homes?
The Style of Georgian Windows and Doors
During the Georgian period, the window tax was still in force. This banded tax was charged according to the number of windows in a property. The result was that many windows, particularly in larger Georgian properties, were bricked up.
Solid oak front doors were typically panelled but rarely contained any glass. If glazing was incorporated into the front entrance, it was more often in the form of an arched pane above the door. This decorative detailing would have allowed a small volume of light to infiltrate into the entrance hall. More importantly, it would add height and grandeur to the hardwood door.
Changing Times with Victorian Front Doors
Queen Victoria took to the throne in 1837. In 1851, the window tax was abolished and people were keen to encourage more light into their homes. The Victorians also viewed front doors as a statement of wealth. They wanted to reflect the character of the property and the owners through colour, carved detailing and glazing.
As an external oak door may still be in good condition, one option was to replace 2 or 4 of the upper Georgian wood panels with glazing. Replacement front doors would include more glass. A popular design was three small panes at the top of the door, with two panelled sections leading down to the centre.
Rather than clear glazing used in window panes, glazed front doors used textured or stained glass detailing. Wealthy Victorians moved away from the dark, austere colours used on Georgian doors. Blue, red, yellow and greens were favoured for painted wooden doors.
Another important element was ironmongery. Brass knockers, ornate brass doorbells and shaped door handles were regularly polished to ensure they gleamed. Time was also spent washing down the doorstep to ensure the best impression of the homeowner was maintained.
Front Doors of the Modern Era
The desire for light and impressive front entrances extended into the Edwardian period and beyond. When many towns were being extended in the 1930s, Art Deco was a style influence. Originating in Paris and gaining popularity in British glassworks, geometric fans and sunrises were sought after glazing designs for a single panel in the top half of a front door.
Many 1930s homes still had solid wood, glazed front doors until the early 1980s but the promise of maintenance-free, uPVC doors resulted in a shift in front door fashion. Many wooden doors were replaced by plastic and this trend has continued until recent times.
With greater understanding about sustainability, plastic products have fallen out of favour. In recent years, there has been a greater demand for wooden front doors. This article helps you to understand the difference between uPVC and timber.
When made from engineered timbers, modern wooden doors are stronger and the impact of moisture is minimal. With applications of protective treatments, wooden front doors are even more resilient to the British weather. They can be finished with oils and stains which enhance the natural grains or painted in any RAL colour. There is always the option to repaint a wooden front door.
Glazed panels can be part of the design, with a range of textured or coloured glass panes. This online magazine offers a range of traditional front door design ideas to get you thinking.
Specialists in Bespoke Wooden Front Doors
Hinson Custom Made is an established family business based outside Milton Keynes. We apply traditional joinery skills with modern tools to create high quality, bespoke wooden external and internal doors. As each made-to-measure door is handcrafted, we can replicate original styles and carved details.
It does not matter if your front door is not a standard size. We have created a range of external doors, from those to fit tiny cottage entrances to grand double doors and converted barn doors. We can create glazed external doors. Alternatively, speak to us about surrounds for exterior doors; with glass panels to the side or a shaped pane at the top. We can also supply ironmongery, or use reclaimed pieces that you supply.
Every timber door is fully compliant with current building regulations. These focus on functional elements, including security, fire protection and energy efficiency. We offer a full installation service and your entrance door will come with our guarantee.
For further information, or to book an appointment to visit our Buckinghamshire double-glazed windows and doors showroom, please call Hinson Custom Made on 01908 516333.
