One of the easiest ways to add value to your home can be completed in a weekend, and it could net you thousands of dollars.
When comparing 23 of the most common home remodeling projects, replacing your front door ranked as the second highest ROI. Below, we give you the exact colors, materials, and accents to transform your front door and dramatically increase your curb appeal.
Choose the Right Material
Some of the most popular types of front doors are wood, steel, and fiberglass. Steel has been found to have the best ROI, with an average return of 216%.
While steel doors offer a sleek finish, they also provide increased security and better heat retention for the home, which are both attractive for buyers.
Add Decorative Glass or Sidelights
If a steel door doesn’t feel like the right fit, a properly outfitted fiberglass can also be a showstopper.
Replacing a standard entry door with a fiberglass door with dual sidelights had an ROI of 85%.
There are endless ways to customize the sidelights. If you want to maintain some privacy, frosted glass can brighten the space without showing the interior. Beveled designs can add texture and catch the light beautifully, while stained glass can bring color and a custom, artistic touch.
Whether you want subtle elegance or a bold design element, the right glass choice adds all the personality you could want.
Select the Right Color
You want your home’s front door to show off your personality. That’s why you may have chosen a crimson or olive green door. But before you list your home, you may want to consider a paint job.
Research shows that bright or colorful front doors sell worse than more neutral colors. A black front door is associated with the highest resale price for a home, with the door adding a potential $6,400 to your home value. Brown doors also perform well, along with white or chalky blue. You’ll want to avoid gray, however, as buyers were found to offer $3,300 less for a house with a slate-colored door.
When deciding which color to choose, look at your siding and trim to select a color that complements the entire look of your home.
Focus on Hardware & Accessories
Be intentional about every aspect of your door. A sleek handle in matte black can give your entry a modern edge, while an ornate knocker in antique brass can bring out a sense of charm. Hinges might seem insignificant, but choosing ones that match your handle and knocker creates a cohesive look. Kick plates aren’t just there to protect against scuffs either—they can be a design statement, whether you go for a bold contrasting finish or a subtle match.
Think about how each piece will work with your home’s exterior colors. Brushed nickel often complements cooler palettes, while bronze or brass pairs beautifully with warm tones. And if you want to mix style with practicality, consider a smart lock. It keeps your entry streamlined, eliminates the need for keys, and adds a modern feature your buyer will appreciate every day.
Frame It Right
The trim can easily enhance or detract from a beautiful front door. Consider the overall feel of your home. Are you going for a more contemporary style? Sharp, simple lines may be best. If you want to lean into the traditional look, ornamental details like fluted casing or rosettes add subtle character. The most popular trim color is white, followed by black and green.
Don’t overlook the space immediately around the door either. Stonework, brick accents, or painted siding can create contrast that draws the eye straight to the entry. When the framing elements work with the door instead of blending into the background, your entry makes a stronger first impression.
Don’t Overlook the Garage Door
If you’re looking for another impactful remodeling project after your front door transformation, consider the entrance to your garage. A garage door replacement had the highest ROI of all 23 home improvement projects, with an ROI of 268%. This is a recent trend, with the recouped cost increasing by over 160% in the last two years.
A four-section, steel garage door with windows in the top panel is one of the most popular models. The color of the garage door is less important than your front door, as most neutral colors are viewed favorably.
Professional Front Door Installation
Whether it’s the material, glass details, hardware, or framing, a few thoughtful upgrades can turn your front door into a true focal point. If you’re ready to make a change, Angelo & Sons can help you choose and install the perfect entry. Contact us today!