Front door accessories are a great way to change your doorway without requiring expensive or permanent changes. They offer an ideal solution for those seeking a refresh or a style experiment that can be easily altered if it doesn’t quite work for you. This article provides inspiration and guidance on how various door accessories can change your entryway’s aesthetic.
Read on if you’re looking for ideas for a small-scale home refurb!
Doorknobs/Door handles
An essential component of any front door, doorknobs and door handles come in various styles to suit different aesthetics. Here’s a rundown of the options:
Handleset
The handleset is a popular choice, particularly for traditional homes. This system uses a vertical handle on the door’s exterior, comprising a pull handle at the bottom and a deadbolt centred above it.
Handlesets are versatile in appearance, so they can make an excellent first impression and be personalised to your style. Curved grips and decorative backplates tend to match traditional styles, or straight grips and rectangular and plain backplates fit a modern look.
Pull Handle
Pull handles are usually seen in contemporary or minimalist homes as they are simple and sleek. They are long, stationary bars that are often cylindrical or rectangular. They can be smaller or go from the top to the bottom of the door, creating a dramatic full-length line.
Knob or lever
While more common for interior doors, heavy-duty keyed knobs or levers are sometimes used for front doors, especially on older or period homes.
Doorknob
- Doorknobs are oval or spherical twisting door handles, giving a traditional feel. These can be made from different materials and have different carvings, from brass to glass. They are usually mounted on a decorative plate (escutcheon).
Lever Handle
- Lever handles on a large backplate are more practical. They are common on doors with existing multi-point locking systems, like uPVC or composite doors (as they don’t provide much additional security).
Front door letter box
In the UK, front door letter boxes are available in various styles. Most, if not all, of these styles will be available in materials like brass, steel and wood.
Here are some examples, noting how they function:
- Traditional letter boxes are usually classic designs with flaps for mail collection.
- Wall-mounted letter boxes come in various finishes and styles to match the home, from vintage to modern-looking.
- Lockable letter boxes are best for security, with some including a lock feature.
- Draught excluders are designed to prevent draughts and improve energy efficiency, and they are ideal for homes with high energy costs.
- Fire-safe letter boxes are engineered to seal shut in extreme heat, helping to prevent fire spread.
- Letter cages and catchers catch mail, preventing it from being blown away by wind, which is useful in windy or coastal areas.
Door knocker
A door knocker is a great way to personalise or change your doorway’s aesthetic, and they can be easily replaced or removed. While many houses now rely solely on doorbells, knockers are excellent backup if your doorbell fails and add visual interest to your door.
The two most common knocker styles are:
Classic door knocker
- A timeless style that can be plain or engraved.
Statement door knocker
- A bold design like a lion’s head or the shape of a bird that adds drama to the doorway, often seen on historic homes or with bolder decor.
Doorbell
Doorbells come in three types: wired (connected to the home’s electrical system via a transformer), wireless (separate chime unit), and smart (Wi-Fi enabled with features like video and smartphone notifications).
Generally, more traditional doorbells complement traditional properties, while modern doorbells suit contemporary homes.
Accessorise your front door!
Take these tips into account and pick and choose what accessories suit you. These simple changes can transform the look of your doorway, so why not go for it?