Screen Doors Bring a Breath of Fresh Air
Give your house a little breathing room with a classic or contemporary screen door
For me, nothing says summer like the inimitable sound of a screen door. I grew up in the South, where they're a beloved part of homes both old and new. Not only do they let cooling breezes blow through and allow us to enjoy eight or nine months of warm weather, but they also keep out our notorious no-see-ums and other pests. Hearing a screen door wheeze open and bang shut instantly transports me to warm nights on the porch, watching the lightning bugs flicker amid the trees and searching for stars in the inky sky.
See if one of the screen doors here can help you enjoy your own summer more.
See if one of the screen doors here can help you enjoy your own summer more.
It doesn't get more classic than this. A screen at the home's front entry telegraphs an instant sense of coziness and welcome. Painting it black helps to set it off and create a focal point — notice how your eye travels straight to it. Yet the color is neutral enough not to stop the gaze.
A newly installed screen door will mind its manners and swish shut with hardly a sound. But if, like me, you crave that signature slam, simply loosen the screw on the closer (the piston-style cylinder at the top that regulates pressure) ever so slightly. There ... that's better.
Screens aren't just for exterior doors — use them inside to let air circulate through your home and infuse it with a dab of cottage charm.
Think you can't use a screen door in a modern setting? You absolutely can; it's all in the design. This one remains true to the graphic lines and industrial overtones of its setting.
What a clever idea: a screen door that slides, barn style, rather than swinging out or in. This would work particularly well in an area with a small footprint, where an open door could cut into valuable floor space.
Can't decide between screen doors and French doors? Have both. Screens on these classic, elegant models preserve the sophistication of the space while connecting it with the inviting outdoor area beyond.
Screen doors can give you a great opportunity to add a little whimsy, especially in a beach house, pool cabana or lake retreat. Fish-shaped cutouts make this one pure fun.
Draw attention to a screen door by painting it a bright color that contrasts with the solid door behind it. This celery and turquoise combo feels crisp and sprightly.
Screen Door Care and Maintenance
Cleaning. Dust and dirt build up in screens over time, so you'll need to clean yours every so often. Rub the screen gently with a soft brush to loosen dirt and debris, then use a handheld vacuum cleaner or attachment to siphon it off. Wipe the solid components of the door with a cleanser appropriate to the surface (painted wood, metal etc.).
Lubricating. Oil the hinges periodically with WD-40 or another lubricant to keep them operating smoothly — unless, of course, you prefer your door to creak and squeak.
Patching. Screens are prone to snags and rips, and they can come loose from their framing. You may be able to fix small holes yourself using a patch kit or other supplies from your local home center or hardware store, but major damage calls for professional help.
More:
Screen Doors Can Mesh With Any Style
Susan Wallace Turns Screen Doors Into Art
Cleaning. Dust and dirt build up in screens over time, so you'll need to clean yours every so often. Rub the screen gently with a soft brush to loosen dirt and debris, then use a handheld vacuum cleaner or attachment to siphon it off. Wipe the solid components of the door with a cleanser appropriate to the surface (painted wood, metal etc.).
Lubricating. Oil the hinges periodically with WD-40 or another lubricant to keep them operating smoothly — unless, of course, you prefer your door to creak and squeak.
Patching. Screens are prone to snags and rips, and they can come loose from their framing. You may be able to fix small holes yourself using a patch kit or other supplies from your local home center or hardware store, but major damage calls for professional help.
More:
Screen Doors Can Mesh With Any Style
Susan Wallace Turns Screen Doors Into Art