Think about the last time you noticed someone’s house. What caught your eye first? For most of us, it’s the front door, the face of everyone’s home.
Today’s front doors have come a long way from the basic wooden or uPVC options of years past. Modern designs combine eye-catching looks with impressive security features and energy-saving technology. From sleek aluminium doors with clean lines to composite doors that mimic traditional timber, there’s never been more choice for homeowners looking to make a statement with their entrance.
Whether you’re replacing an old, draughty door or choosing one for a new-build home, understanding what’s available can help you find the perfect fit for your style, budget and practical needs. Let’s walk through the options.
What’s Possible with Modern Front Door Styles
Today’s front doors offer more design possibilities than ever before, allowing you to create an entrance that perfectly suits your home and personal style.
Colour Options
Gone are the days when doors came in just a handful of colours. Now you can choose from hundreds of shades, from subtle neutrals to bold statement colours. Black front doors remain very popular for their classic, sophisticated look, while deep blues and greens are trending for those wanting something different but still timeless.
Many manufacturers, including the Residence Collection and Origin, now offer dual-colour options, where the inside and outside of the door can be different colours. This lets you match your exterior to your home’s façade while coordinating the interior with your décor and style.
Glass Panels
Large glass panels are a key feature of modern front door styles. They allow natural light to flood your hallway while maintaining security and privacy through obscured or decorative glass.
Glass can be arranged in various ways – from full-length panels beside or within the door to smaller decorative sections. Modern safety glass is much stronger than older versions, and many doors include multiple glazing layers for extra security and insulation.
For modern homes, clear or obscure glass with clean lines complements contemporary architecture, while period properties might benefit from decorative glass.
Door Furniture
The hardware you choose for your door can significantly affect its overall look. Modern doors often feature sleek, minimalist handles in stainless steel or black, complementing their clean lines.
Letter plates, knockers, and viewers are available in matching finishes to create a coordinated look. Many homeowners are now opting for separate letterboxes rather than door-mounted letter plates for improved security and insulation.
Our Door Brands
At Lifestyle Windows, we offer several high-quality door brands, each with its own strengths and style options.
Comp Door
Comp Door features a solid 48mm timber core with excellent thermal performance (U-Value of 1.4 W/m²K). These doors come in over 250 colour combinations and include high-security features like a 3* rated ABS anti-snap diamond grade lock cylinder.
Comp Door offers a variety of finishes, including their distinctive SleekSkin option. Unlike standard woodgrain patterns, SleekSkin has a subtle, fine grain and smooth surface that gives doors a more refined, contemporary appearance.
We have a functional Comp Door builder on our website that gives you a great idea of what’s possible with these doors.
Origin Doors
Origin specialises in premium aluminium doors that combine strength with sleek, contemporary design. Aluminium has become more popular for doors in recent years, especially for modern properties. Their residential doors feature clean lines and slim profiles that maximise the glass area, letting more natural light into your hallway.
Available in over 150 RAL colours, Origin doors are built to last with high-grade aluminium that won’t warp, crack, or fade over time.
Timber Doors from George Barnsdale
Our George Barnsdale timber doors offer classic beauty with modern performance, using sustainable timber options including Accoya, European Oak, and Grandis Hardwood.
These doors combine traditional craftsmanship with modern security features, including multi-point locking systems and high-security cylinder locks.
Residence Collection Doors
The Residence Collection offers high-performing timber-effect uPVC doors, particularly suited to properties with traditional architectural features. These doors are often approved for installation in conservation areas and even listed buildings, thanks to their authentic appearance.
The Different Door Materials
The material of your front door affects not just how it looks, but how it performs, how long it lasts, and how much maintenance it needs.
Composite Doors
Composite doors have become a popular choice for UK homeowners. They combine the traditional look of timber with modern materials for better durability and security, and they need very little maintenance.
These doors typically have a solid timber core surrounded by a Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) outer skin, providing excellent insulation and security while resisting warping, fading, and weather damage.
Aluminium Doors
Aluminium doors offer a distinctly modern look with slim frames and clean lines. They’re incredibly strong for their weight, which means they can support large glass panels that flood your home with natural light.
The slim sightlines make them perfect for contemporary homes, but they can work well in traditional properties too, especially in darker colours like anthracite grey or black. They won’t warp, crack, or rot, and the powder-coated finish is extremely durable.
Timber Doors
Nothing quite matches the natural beauty and character of real wood. Timber doors have a warmth and authenticity that man-made materials can’t fully replicate. They’re also environmentally friendly, with all our timber supplied from sustainable forests.
Modern timber doors are far more durable than older versions, with factory-applied finishes that protect against the elements. They still require more maintenance than other materials, typically needing repainting or restaining every few years, but many homeowners enjoy this process.
uPVC Doors
UPVC doors remain the go-to door material, and they’re a popular choice for those on a tighter budget. They offer excellent insulation, security, and weather resistance at a lower price point than other materials.
Modern uPVC doors come in a wide range of colours and finishes, including wood effects that look much more realistic than earlier versions. They’re virtually maintenance-free and won’t rot, warp, or need painting.
How to Find the Perfect Front Door
With so many options available, choosing the right front door can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to narrow down your choices.
Consider Your Home’s Architecture
Your front door should complement your home’s overall style. Period properties generally look best with doors that reflect their era, while contemporary homes can handle more modern designs.
Look at the existing features of your home – the windows, brickwork, and other architectural elements. Your door should work harmoniously with these features.
Think About Practicality
Consider how you use your entrance. Do you need a wide door for moving furniture? Would a stable-style door be useful for families with pets? Is security a particular concern for you, or are you more focused on style?
Set Your Budget
Door prices vary widely depending on material, design, and security features. Remember that your front door is an investment in both your home’s security and its curb appeal. Quality doors can last for decades and may add value to your property.
UPVC comes in at the lowest price, with timber topping the pile.
Making Your Entrance Count with Us
Your front door is a statement about your home and a chance to make a great first impression. Modern front door styles offer unprecedented choice in materials, designs, and features, allowing you to create an entrance that’s perfectly suited to your home.
The best way to decide which door is for you is by visiting our showroom. Here, you can view and use our full range of doors, and we can discuss your front door ideas.
For more information, or to arrange a free, no-obligation quote, you can call us on 0800 783 6502, email us at contact@lifestylewindows.co.uk, or use our online contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a front door typically last?
The lifespan of a front door depends on the material and how well it’s maintained. uPVC doors typically last around 20-25 years, while timber doors can last anywhere from 20 to 60 years, depending on upkeep. Composite doors generally offer around 30–35 years of reliable performance. Aluminium doors tend to last the longest, often exceeding 40+ years, thanks to their durability and natural strength.
Do I need planning permission to change my front door?
Usually not, unless your home is listed or in a conservation area. In these cases, you might need to maintain a certain entry door style or colour scheme. We can advise you on all these specifics.
What’s the most secure type of front door?
All modern front doors can be highly secure when fitted with good-quality locks. What matters most is the quality of the locking system and professional installation. However, aluminium and composite doors offer the greatest inherent strength.
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