Farmhouse Doors: Front Door Styles That Bring Country Charm to the Suburbs
Published: September 25, 2020
Farmhouse doors have become one of the most sought-after front door styles for suburban homes. Born out of necessity, farmhouses were about function and purpose, but farmhouse doors are no longer limited to the farm. The defining elements of the style -- simplicity, natural light, and authenticity -- still hold true in the modern farmhouse aesthetic, and these front door styles look just as stunning on a colonial or craftsman home as they do on a country property.
Farmhouses are a perfect mix of old and new with essential elements like ship lap, painted brick, and natural light. Common farmhouse colors are shades of black and white and details are simple. Simplicity is often the best solution when it comes to décor and this doesn't change when it comes to your front door.
Best Farmhouse Doors and Front Door Styles
Simple doors such as flat panel and doors with glass panes in the top half or third make the best farmhouse doors. When looking for the right farmhouse front door style, think of something that was easy to build by hand when constructing the original farmhouse. There are several front door styles you can choose from when selecting farmhouse doors, so let's take a look at a few.
- Contemporary Front Doors are doors that include a more minimalist design and have no windows. Suitable door styles here would be a Raised of Flat Panel door without and glass panes.
- Mid-century Modern Front Doors have windows and are usually painted a bold color. Doors falling into this category range from Flat or Raised Panel, French, and Mission style doors
- Carriage Front Doors whether can tie a farmhouse theme together, these doors are meant to mimic that of a traditional carriage house and usually feature a metal handle located below a set of three to nine square window panes. Best options for Carriage doors would be French, Mission, or even a Flat Panel door with window panes in the top portion of the door.
Finishing Your Farmhouse Doors
When it comes to finishing your new farmhouse door you can choose from an array of color options offered by Estate Millwork or you can finish it yourself. As we stated before most farmhouse colors are shades of white and black, so if you are painting the door and want to maintain the complete farmhouse look we'd suggest picking a color within these shades. However you can go outside the box and paint it a vibrant eye-popping color that will draw guests in; some popular options are blue and yellow. The third option would be to stain and seal the door, or if you are happy with the natural color of the wood you can just seal the door with an exterior clear coat to protect the door itself from the outside elements.
Farmhouse Doors vs. Other Front Door Styles
When comparing farmhouse doors to other popular front door styles, the key differentiator is simplicity. Craftsman front door styles feature more pronounced trim details and sidelights, while colonial front door styles lean toward symmetrical paneling. Farmhouse doors strip away the ornament and focus on honest materials and clean lines. This is exactly what makes farmhouse front door styles so versatile -- they complement modern, transitional, and traditional homes alike without clashing with existing architecture.
If you are deciding between front door styles for your home, consider how farmhouse doors pair with other elements. Wooden front doors in a farmhouse style look especially striking alongside board-and-batten siding, louvered shutters, or board and batten shutters. For interior applications, farmhouse-style barn doors and closet barn doors carry the same aesthetic throughout the home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Farmhouse Doors
What makes a door a farmhouse door?
Farmhouse doors are defined by simplicity and natural materials. The most common farmhouse door styles feature flat panels, board-and-batten construction, or a half-glass design with divided panes in the upper portion. The emphasis is on clean lines, solid wood construction, and a finish palette of white, black, or natural wood tones.
What front door styles work best for suburban homes?
Farmhouse, craftsman, and colonial front door styles are the most popular for suburban homes. Farmhouse front door styles are particularly versatile because their simple design complements a wide range of home architectures without looking out of place.
What is the best wood for farmhouse doors?
Knotty Alder is a top choice for farmhouse doors because its natural knots and rustic grain capture the authentic farmhouse feel. For painted farmhouse doors, Poplar provides a smooth, affordable surface. Mahogany and Spanish Cedar are excellent choices for exterior farmhouse doors that will be exposed to weather.
Can I use farmhouse doors on a non-farmhouse home?
Absolutely. Farmhouse door styles are among the most adaptable front door styles available. They work beautifully on ranch homes, Cape Cods, split-levels, and even contemporary homes. The key is matching the finish and hardware to your home's existing style.
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Selecting the Perfect Custom Wood Door
A well-chosen wood door does more than fill an opening; it sets the tone for an entire room or entryway. Interior doors influence how spaces flow together, while exterior doors establish the first impression of your home. When selecting a custom door, consider three primary factors: the architectural style of your home, the functional requirements of the opening, and the wood species that best complements your existing millwork.
For traditional and colonial homes, raised-panel doors with six or eight panels create a classic look. Contemporary and transitional homes lean toward flat-panel or Shaker-style doors with clean lines. Louvered doors are ideal for closets, laundry rooms, and utility spaces where airflow matters. French doors with glass panels open up sightlines between rooms while maintaining the ability to close off spaces for privacy or climate control.
Wood species matters both aesthetically and structurally. Red Oak and White Oak are among the hardest domestic species, making them excellent choices for high-traffic exterior doors. Mahogany offers superior dimensional stability and a rich grain pattern prized for front entries. For interior doors that will be painted, Poplar provides a smooth, affordable substrate. Estate Millwork builds every door using mortise-and-tenon joinery with hardwood dowel pins, ensuring joints that will not loosen over a lifetime of daily use.
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