Did you know that doors are meant to last for decades after you install them? This is likely the reason why so many people forget about their doors when they are updating their space — they are just always there!
Whether you’re looking at interior doors, front doors, patio doors, and more, the type of door that you choose has more importance than you might think (especially if it will be around for years to come). Doors are a huge part of the overall design within any given room!
Based on the types of doors you choose for your home, your house could go from a farmhouse vibe to an industrial vibe in an instant. This is why understanding what your options are and how they all impact the overall flow and appearance of your home is so important!
Keep reading below as we explore the types of doors that you may decide to include in your home.
Types of Interior Doors to Consider
The hinged single door is likely what you think of when you are imagining an interior door. This is one of the most common types of interior doors. Your room needs to be able to let the door swing open, so make sure you measure appropriately!
Usually, interior doors are going to be lightweight and will have two hinges. Most interior doors are about 1-3/8 inches in thickness, but it does depend (which is why measuring is crucial).
There is a lot of variety in your interior door options, but the main ones you’ll find include:
- Panel doors
- Bypass doors
- French doors
- Pocket doors
- Flush doors
- Bifold doors
- Barn doors
Some of these doors are easy to “tuck away” so that they don’t actually take up any space in the room, while others can be used as design pieces based on how they open. It all depends on what sort of functionality and openness you’re looking for.
Panel doors are very common because they are quite basic in appearance, but that doesn’t mean they have to be plain! You can get fun materials or colors to make the door more exciting.
In addition to this, bypass doors, pocket doors, or even bifold doors are all similar in that they fold or roll away. However, they can be very intricate in their design before they get opened up to create a statement wall of sorts that adds dimension to a room.
The Main Selection for Front Doors
While interior doors are more commonly hinged doors, exterior doors don’t necessarily have to be hinged!
Exterior doors are usually a bit thicker than interior doors at around 1-3/4 inches. They are also going to have at least three hinges if they are hinged doors for extra security and durability.
Remember that the front door is literally the first line of defense for your home. So, if you find yourself searching “entry door replacement near me” online, you need to choose your new door carefully to keep your family safe.
There is a wide range when it comes to types of front doors because these directly impact the entire look of the home. If you want to increase your curb appeal, your front door is more important than you might think!
Your main options for your entry door include:
- Panel doors
- Windowed doors
- Carved-wood doors
- Glass doors
- Dutch doors
If you like the idea of a glass door, but don’t want the entire door to be glass, windowed doors are an extremely popular option. They allow you to get that front entryway natural light while still maintaining a high level of privacy and security.
Keep in mind that there are different types of glass doors as well, including frosted glass, laminated glass, or tempered glass.
Alternatively, if you want to do something very intricate and show-stopped, a stained glass door or a carved-wooden door may be a better choice. These are statement doors that will draw eyes to your home easily.
Your Options for Patio Doors
Generally, patio doors are made of large glass panes that are encased in some other type of material (like metal or vinyl). However, you can also get French doors, which will open up and create a positive flow between the patio and inside of your home.
Sliding doors and French doors are most common for patio doors, but they are not your only options.
Other types of patio doors include:
- Multi-slide doors
- Bifold doors
- Barn or Dutch doors
- Garage-style doors
- Corner doors
Again, these are less common, but if one of these options might make more sense for the type of design you want, it’s worth going for it!
Keep in mind that all of these door types are going to need to be very durable since they are technically exterior doors. This is especially true if you live in a harsh climate.
How to Choose the Right Types of Doors in General
Now that you know more about what your options are, you also have to think about how your home is designed. Based on the type of vibe you’re going for already, which doors make the most sense?
It’s also important to consider the different price points for these doors. Some options are definitely more expensive than others, but it may be worth it for you to spend that extra money on a door that you know will last a long time and work well in the space.
If you’re not sure that a door would work well to divide up interior rooms, you can also choose to leave it open! This has become more common in recent years as the “open concept” trend has gained more traction.
The open concept works very well for connecting a kitchen and dining room, for example, but it all depends on the layout of your house.
Working Within Your Home Design
It’s always a good idea to select your finishings, which include doors, molding, and trim, early on in your design process. This will help promote a cohesive and connected feeling within any room.
Check out some collections online to see what looks like it would match best with what you already have in the room if you’re working with an area that already has a design plan.
If you’re starting from scratch, you may want to start with the doors and build the rest of your design from the one you like the most.
Always consider what the room is for, how tall the ceilings are, and what material your flooring is before you pick a door as well. Don’t forget to carefully consider which way the door is going to open and what feels most natural!
What’s a Good Door Budget?
When you haven’t had to purchase doors previously, it may surprise you how much they vary in price.
A standard interior door can cost anywhere between $350 to $1,300 (or more). Exterior doors are a little bit more expensive because they are more durable, so you’re looking at a range of about $500 to $1,700.
This is partially based on the design of the door, the manufacturer rates, and the materials used.
Looking at Materials
One way to start your search for any of these types of doors is by looking at materials first. Some materials are better or worse for certain parts of your home (especially the exterior).
The commonly chosen materials for doors include:
- Wood
- Glass
- Steel
- Fiberglass
- Aluminum
- Fiberboard (or plywood)
Fiberboard doors, also called flush doors, are very smooth and affordable, which makes them a desirable choice. However, they aren’t a great option for your front door because they aren’t quite as durable as a steel or wood door.
These are the types of considerations you’ll need to make before you choose the right material for your family.
Find Doors That Make Your House Shine
Out of all of the types of doors we have mentioned here, there are sure to be at least a few that will work with your home. Remember that a door isn’t just a door… it’s a way to really showcase the way a room is going to look at feel before a person steps into it.
Choose doors that make the most sense for your family, but also remember to keep the cost and design in mind. The perfect door is waiting for you, so go out and find it!
Check out the rest of our blog if you’re looking for other design tips that will help your house look amazing!
