During the Victorian period, four-panelled doors became popular. The top two panels were constructed of either wood or glass, with designs becoming increasingly decorative as the era progressed. Fashions did not change overnight of course, and some Victorian doors were still made with six panels.
A Victorian homeowner would have been keen for their front door to make a grand impression. Rectangular fanlights above the door – and, on larger houses, side-lights flanking either side – gave scope for some beautiful glasswork. Door glass ranged from simple textured glass to more intricate stained or leaded designs. Sandblasting and etching were also very fashionable, giving the glass a beautiful milky opaque look, patterned with transparent borders and motifs.
Houses were now being built with open porches, and the advent of the postal service in the 1840s meant that letterboxes became a key feature for the first time. Brass door furniture grew in popularity, adding an extra touch of grandeur to an already eye-catching front door.
Unlike today, Victorian homeowners were not overly concerned by door security and locks. A Victorian front door would have had a single lock placed at the mid-point of the door – but this would often have been left unlocked, or with the key dangling behind on a string so that you could reach inside the letterbox and pull it through. Not very secure! Fortunately at Cotswood we can make you a beautiful front door that combines classic Victorian elegance with high-quality modern security.
