Having the perfect finish on your doors is important. Whether you have a mat or gloss finish you will get a completely different look. This is highlighted with luxury external doors as they will be seen on the outside of your home.In this guide we will look at the best finishes for modern homes and help you decide which is best for you.
Why the finish matters
Modern homes are all about sleek lines and simple designs. This means there really isn’t anywhere to hide on your doors. A textured paint finish will stick out whereas a smooth satin finish will give you a clean and sharp look. A good finish will also protect your doors from moisture, scratches and sun damage. A good quality finish will keep your doors looking fresh for years.
Matte Black
A popular choice for modern homes is a matte black finish. It’s a great way to add depth and absorb light. Its a flat finish and there will be no shine. When paired with white walls it will create clean lines. When paired with warmer wood floors it will add some contrast and pop. It will also hide minor scratches. Luxury external doors in matte black will create a strong statement and look fantastic with brushed brass handles. We would recommend using this on one door and keeping the rest neutral.
Natural Oak or Walnut Veneer
If you want to showcase the wood grain then we would recommend using clear oak or walnut. The clear oak will provide a light finish with a soft swirling pattern. The walnut will provide a rich chocolate colour. The doors will be sealed with a thin layer of oil/lacquer but will still have the texture of real wood. Every slab will be different. Luxury internal doors in walnut will provide a glossy yet calm finish to your hallway that can’t be replicated with paint.
Painted
You will have the most choice with a painted finish. You can go for a calming sage green, moody navy or warm greige to blend in with your grey walls. Or keep it simple with a chalky white to keep your narrow hallway light. The doors will be sprayed by your joiner in their workshop so you will have a flat finish with no brush marks. This will be more durable than if you were to paint them yourself.
Glass and Metal
Modern doors love a little sparkle! Fluted glass will give you a blurred effect whilst letting light through. Smoked glass will add some character. Thin strips of black or bronze will give you a loft feel. Doorlux will fit these glass panels into wooden and steel frames. Luxury external doors with a fluted glass panel will allow lots of natural light into your dark porch whilst keeping your hallway private.
Front Doors
Your front door will need a durable finish. Powder coating on steel will help it withstand the elements. Marine grade paint on wood will keep your door looking coloured during a wet winter. Dark green, charcoal and anthracite grey will work well with most brick. Luxury external doors with a satin finish will look smart and are easy to wipe down.
Internal Doors
You can be a bit more relaxed with your internal doors. They won’t be exposed to the weather so just need to worry about fingerprints and the occasional bump from your vaccuum. A satin or matte finish will hide any marks. With bespoke internal doors you can choose a finish for each room. Maybe a rich walnut for your study or a light oak for your bedroom. Paint your skirting boards to match the slab.
Handles and Hinges
Brushed brass will give a warm finish to your oak and green doors. Matte black will make your white and grey doors look sharp. Polished chrome will provide a cool finish for your bathroom. Satin nickel will work with most colours. We would recommend sticking to two metallic colours per floor. Using three or four will cause confusion.
What finish should I choose?
- Minimalist flat – Matte white or light oak.
- Loft – Black steel and reeded glass.
- Family kitchen – Satin wipeable paint in a soft grey.
- Study – Dark walnut and brass.
- Low light hallway – Light slab with glass panel.
Door Ideas and Upgrades
Changing your doors is one of the cheapest ways to refresh your home. Doorlux create luxury doors and bespoke solutions for homes of all ages. If you want to make the biggest impact for your money we would recommend luxury external doors. However here are some ideas:
- Use a sample of your chosen finish against your wall in daylight and under lamp light.
- Measure all your openings and provide the measurements to your supplier.
- Check your flooring and trim colours
- Only have one statement door.
- Ask about bespoke sizes if your frames aren’t standard.
FAQs
What finish should I use for my modern home?
We would recommend either a matte black or natural oak. Choose whichever looks best with your lighting and flooring.
Are painted doors durable?
As they are sprayed they are more scratch resistant than brushed. Any marks can easily be touched up by your joiner.
What finish should I use on my front door?
Powder coating on steel and marine grade on wood will help with rain. Choose a satin finish to make them easy to wipe down.
Can I match the finishes throughout my home?
Yes! Doorlux can colour match your internal and external doors.
How do I clean my matte doors?
Use a soft damp cloth. Don’t use harsh sprays as they will leave shiny spots.
Conclusion
Choosing the correct finish will really affect the look and feel of your modern home. Matte black, warm wood and soft paints all work well. Doorlux provide luxury doors and bespoke solutions to homeowners across the UK. Speak to our team about luxury external doors.
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