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front door dilemma: single or double?

3 years ago

After getting tons of helpful feedbacks from last time, I’m back again looking for suggestions for my front door.

Main problem: existing door has lots of glass and I can’t find good window treatment. I don’t like the look of foggy. So I’m thinking replace the whole builder grade front door with something that has patterned glass to get the privacy and light.

I have a standard 61.5’ door opening. So convert to double is a possibility. My questions are:

  1. For those who has French door do you find it’s practical vs a single slightly wider door. I finished my moving already so that’s not a concern

  2. Do you think French door improve curb appeal for my house? In my area I noticed higher end community tends to have double door. But I do worry double door would look odd for my size of house. My front elevation is only 51’ wide including that extra front porch.

  3. What color/material should I choose? Should I try to get a paint match shutter color like now, or get a wood stained door and wood stained frame. This picture may not show well but I got the same stone around my front door as the garage (including these little vertical stones above my door opening)

Thanks in advance!

double door without transom
keep current single door layout but find door comes with nicer glass
double door with transom

Comments (10)

  • 3 years ago

    I use sheers on my windows so I get light and privacy at the same time. I really like your current door configuration and I would not change it.


  • 3 years ago

    There are lots of window films that aren't foggy, but have various patterns or even colours like stained glass. Before you consider replacing the entire door, you may want to invest $50 and try a "non-foggy" window film with a pattern to see if you like it. https://artscape-inc.com/collections/window-film

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    No double door on that house, also no shutters on double windows and in this case just no shuuters at all. I have no idea about what the reason is for not wanting just glass in a door . I guess if you run around naked it matters but honestly what would someone see if they came to the door? I like as much light as possible in my home so the reeded glass IMO would be the best choice if you must have the privacy I hate window films always .

  • 3 years ago

    No double door on that house. The door that you have is fine. But it could stand for a dash of color.

    Normally, I like shutters. But I would remove them on your house. Wrong size, wrong windows (double windows) and don't work with the board & batten siding. Distracting in a 'I, the shutter, don't belong here.'

  • 3 years ago

    i would paint surrounding windows same as door for cohesion.

  • 3 years ago

    I dislike double doors in general as they are just harder to keep locked and seem easier to break into.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Double doors are a waste--no one ever uses the both of them unless you're moving a grand piano into the house! (Ask me how I know.)

    I have a single door with clear glass sidelights, no curtains, and have no problem with privacy. I can't imagine it would be a problem unless your front door opens onto your bedroom or bathroom, LOL.

    As far as painting the door, you can either paint it the same color as the shutters, or a different one if you want to emphasize the front door. You could do a darker blue, or a contrasting color, like red, yellow or orange.

    Lighter blue on gray house with dark shutters:

    Nest in the Trees · More Info


    Dark gray shutters and door:

    Summer School (Cape Cod, MA) · More Info



    Green door with darker green shutters:

    Farmhouse · More Info


    Yellow against gray is quite dramatic!

    A door color to pop dark gray siding! · More Info


    Light blue door with gray shutters:

    Modern Farmhouse - Audubon Square · More Info


    Red doors are quite popular and classic:

    Restored Eating Club · More Info


    Minneapolis Cape Cod Renovation · More Info


    Orange is an attention-getter!

    Fulton Bungalow · More Info


  • 3 years ago

    Your door and sidelights fit your home perfectly. I would do the seeded glass film or sheers on the windows first before investing.

  • 3 years ago

    Thank you so much for pointing out my current door is already looking great. Will drop the door replacement idea.