A home isn’t just a shelter; it’s a place that holds memories and reflects personality. As people walk toward your house, they tend to notice the landscaping and general appearance of the home, but as they wait for you to greet them and let them inside, they’re probably looking at your front door.

An outdated or unloved front door could give your guests, or even passersby, the wrong impression. If this sounds like your front door, then don’t worry. There are steps you can take to revitalize your front door to give a fresh look to your home.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Paint can fade or start to peel with time, which leaves your front door looking dull. Repainting your front door is an easy and effective fix.

1. The first step is to remove the door from its frame. Although it is possible to refinish the door while still mounted, removing it makes the prepping process much easier. This is especially true in cases where a screen, storm or glass door may be in the way. Once that’s done and you’ve placed the door carefully onto the floor or ground outside, remove the hardware from the door. That includes the door’s hinges, door knob and knocker if possible.
2. Cover any hardware that you can’t (or don’t want to) remove with tape. This is especially important if you’re painting your door while it’s still attached to the frame. Also cover any glass panels on the door to make sure the glass stays paint-free.
3. Clean the door as best you can with a wet rag.
4. Sand the old paint job on your door until the door feels smooth all over. If the door still doesn’t feel smooth, try sandpaper with a finer grit. Always make sure to wear a dust mask and safety goggles while sanding to protect yourself.
5. Get rid of the dust with a vacuum or cloth before priming. Move the door to an area where it will stay clean
6. Add primer to the front of the door and let it dry completely before priming the other side. Once the back of the door is completely dry, you can begin painting your door whichever color you like (hopefully your HOA agrees). Add additional coats of paint until you achieve your desired look. And don’t think you have to stick to one color. Playing with color can really make your front door pop.

Personalize With Glass

Front doors with glass inserts or sidelights can enhance the entrance to your home. Not only do the panels bring in more light, they allow you to see who’s at your door and your guests to take a peek inside your home. Decorative glass can make your home’s entrance more unique and beautiful.

1. If your front door already incorporates glass, freshening up your entrance may only be a matter of choosing a different kind of glass. This could mean opaque glass, stained glass or decorative glass with a unique pattern. Designs can be printed on glass easily if a company has the resources, allowing for more customization.
2. One popular look is new glass made to look antique. Buying glass with caming, the metal that joins glass panels to create a design, will also help to create that look.
3. Keep in mind that glass can be vulnerable to breakage during high winds. Impact-resistant glass will be the best option for homes in windy or hurricane-prone locations.

Add Unique Hardware

When updating your front door, don’t forget the hardware. New, matching hardware can change the overall vibe of your home’s entrance. Whether you like modern or antique designs, there’s something to fit anyone’s personality.

1. Hardware is susceptible to wear and tear over time. If your hardware is past its prime, consider replacing the hinges, door knob, locks, doorbell, house numbers and knocker if relevant.
2. Heavier doors will need stronger hinges. Always keep both function and design in mind when choosing new hardware.
3. Advances in technology are making homes safer. While updating your front entrance, consider replacing your key lock with a smart lock. You can use your smart phone to lock your door remotely. These locks involve keyless entry, making access easy for friends and family. This prevents you from having to worry about lost or copied keys. You can even keep your old key and lock. The smart look is paired with your existing deadbolt and installed on the inside of your door.
4. Adding a unique door knocker can add elegance and show off your personality. The same can be said for the address numbers by your front door.
5. Glass.com has tips to help picking the right door hardware for your home.

Choose a Different Material

You don’t have to stick with your current front door. Consider designing a brand new front door with a different material. Steel doors are strong, providing security and protection. Wood doors have character and warmth. Then there’s fiberglass, which is tough and needs less maintenance. And don’t forget impact-resistant doors. The material that’s right for you all depends on your budget, tastes and needs. If you need help choosing a new design for your entrance, Glass.com can help.