When you want to make a house a home, there’s nothing more important than being able to set the right tone from the moment you put your key in the door. Once you step inside, you need to feel at peace and at ease in a way that welcomes you to come in so that you can live at your own pace. One of the simplest and yet most frequently overlooked ways to do this is selecting the right doors.
Not sure how to do it? We’re going to guide you through how to turn your little corner of the world into the one place you would always rather be. Let’s get started and see how far we can go.
What are your choices?
Put aside the very latest contemporary styles for a moment and take a step back in time. The beauty of this approach is that it allows you to make additions to your home that are more in keeping with the cosy, homely charm you have been striving to create. Ideal when you want to shape a home that truly does give you everything you could wish for. The two most popular styles to achieve this with are:
- Victorian: A classic touch of style typically with 4 or 6 panels where the top panels are often glazed if the door is for internal use
- Edwardian: A little simpler and slightly more understated and characterised by clean lines and flawless finishing
The interesting thing is that although these two styles sound somewhat similar, they each have their own character and personality. What we need to do is figure out which one works for your home.
Panel choices for oak doors
Take a look at different styles of Edwardian doors and you’ll see there is a clear split between 4 panels and 6 panels. 4 panels can feel softer and more minimalist, while 6 panels are slightly more ornate and refined.
While there are also plenty of 4-panel and 6-panel solid oak doors in the Victorian style, these tend to be more regimented in how the panels are laid out. Victorian doors tend to stick to a framework of 2 columns of panels with a line of symmetry down the middle of the door. Edwardian doors will offer a range of additional layouts, such as a 4-panel door consisting of a single large panel at the top with 3 small panels on the lower half.
If you want a space that feels understated and homely, we would recommend 4-panel Edwardian doors. But if you prefer something a little more detailed, a 6-panel Victorian door would be the way to go.
Door material options for your home
Choosing between solid oak and veneers is all about balancing your budget and your vision. While solid oak will be sturdier and more durable, it may also cost more than a beautifully crafted veneer.
Our advice is to consider solid oak for external doors and for areas of the home that have more footfall throughout the day. You can then make your budget go a little further by using oak veneer in the rest of the home.
Decorative glazing suggestions
A quick glance at any collection of Victorian doors will present you with a wealth of options when it comes to 4-panel glazed doors. They lend themselves to doors that are situated off the downstairs hallway when you want to make the space feel lighter and more open.
Decorative glass is one of those period additions that will allow your home to feel connected to its roots. Ideal when you want to be able to shape a home that feels ready to welcome you through the door for many years to come. Using a Victorian door with decorative glazing is highly recommended for internal doors that separate the porch from the hallway. Letting the light flow in like this is something that will work wonders in your home.
How to make the most of moulding
4 panel raised moulding is common in Victorian and Edwardian doors and provides a decorative touch that is homely without being overly ornate. This is good news for those looking for a little extra embellishment and refinement.
Tapered edges and elegant corner detailing makes moulding a great way to add a touch of countryside charm to your home. Go for moulding with a more complex and ornate profile and you start to turn more in the direction of formal households and period properties. This gives you plenty of choices when you want to match your doors to your wallpaper and flooring.
Adding the right finishing touch
Choosing from prefinished or unfinished doors will allow you to decide how you want to add the final flourishes. Here are a few things to consider when you come to make your choice:
- Staining and Painting: Richer, deeper stains and dark shades are the epitome of Victorian style, while lighter, more nuanced tones are very much Edwardian. Choosing which one you want to enjoy will help you decide on the style of oak door you want to add
- Matching Your Hardware: Hinges and handles have a role to play that extends far beyond simple functionality. Think about whether you want painted black or refined brass as the finish while considering your options.
Once you’ve decided, turn your attention to the style of the handle and choose something that matches the surrounding space as a whole, not just the door itself
Now that you’ve heard everything you need to know, it’s over to you to bring your home to life in your own personal way. No matter how you choose to do it, you’ll find the right period additions for your home with a couple of quick clicks in the right place.
