Last Updated on 29 April 2025 by Tia Ellahi
1930s Front Door: Are they still popular?
Yes, a 1930s front door style is still very popular today, especially among homeowners looking to add timeless character and vintage charm to both period and modern properties.
When it comes to restoring or refreshing the entrance to your period home, nothing makes a bigger impact than choosing the right 1930s front door. Today, we’re diving deep into everything you need to know – from 1930s front door colours to the typical stained glass styles and panel designs that defined the decade.
Let’s make finding your perfect 1930s door simple, fun, and full of inspiration!
Quick Overview: What You’ll Learn
- What defines an original 1930s front door
- Popular 1930s front door colours then and now
- Signature panel styles and glass designs
- How to blend tradition with modern living
- Choosing a modern 1930s front door that suits your home
- FAQs
Step Back in Time: What Makes a 1930s Front Door Special?
The 1930s were all about subtle sophistication. After the ornate details of the Edwardian and Victorian eras, homeowners shifted towards cleaner, more geometric designs. A typical 1930s front door style is easy to spot — sturdy hardwood, a simple rectangular or arched top, and a touch of stained glass artistry.
Many original 1930s front doors showcased vertical panels and an eye-catching glazed section, often in vibrant, coloured glass. Today, you can recreate this timeless look with a composite 1930s front door that blends traditional style with modern performance.
The Colours: Authentic 1930s Front Door Paint Colours
If you’re aiming for authenticity, getting the colour right is key! Popular door colour choices back then — and still today — include:
- Green 1930s front doors (think moss, mint, and olive shades)
- Deep navy blues and rich ruby reds
- Classic black or cream tones for a more understated look
When considering 1930s front door colours, bear in mind that muted tones with a matt or semi-gloss finish give the most authentic appearance. However, modern advances mean you can also go bolder if you wish, and still keep the 1930s spirit alive.
👉 Tip from our team: Look at colours like Chartwell Green, Forest Green or even Red doors from our ranges for a nod to authentic 1930s charm.
The Panels: Typical 1930s Front Door Designs
A genuine 1930s front door often featured three vertical panels in the bottom half, sometimes with a fourth glazed panel at the top. 1930s arched front doors were also common, especially in higher-end suburban homes.
For a truly faithful recreation:
- Look for solid timber looks (or composite door alternatives for low maintenance)
- Keep panel designs simple and unfussy
- Add slim sidelights if you want to replicate a wider 1930s porch entrance
The Glass: Stained Glass 1930s Front Door Inspiration
The real “wow” factor on many original 1930s front doors? The stained glass doors. Patterns were often geometric, with soft colours like amber, green, blue and red.
Some designs to look for:
- Sunburst motifs
- Diamond panes
- Floral elements
- Leaded glass detailing
You can now get stained glass 1930s front door designs as part of a composite door — giving you vintage style without compromising on energy efficiency or security.
Traditional Meets Modern: Your Door Options at GFD Homes
At GFD Homes, we offer a range of beautifully crafted doors that let you capture the spirit of the 1930s effortlessly. All of our door ranges — including Solidor and Comp Door — offer a fantastic choice of traditional door styles, complete with a variety of glass and hardware options.
This means you can fully personalise your entrance to create the perfect 1930s front door look while enjoying the modern benefits of security, thermal efficiency, and low maintenance.
Whether you’re after a faithful recreation or a contemporary twist, we’ve got everything you need to bring your 1930s vision to life.
How to Modernise a 1930s Front Door Without Losing Character
If you love the idea of blending the old with the new, consider a modern 1930s front door. You could:
- Choose a heritage colour but opt for a sleeker, more durable composite door
- Add sidelights for a brighter hallway (1930s front door with sidelights)
- Use double glazing with authentic-looking leading or stained effects
Composite doors are a fantastic option for this — they mimic the look of timber but won’t warp, peel or let in drafts, and are virtually maintenance-free. (Perfect if you want beauty and peace of mind.)
Where to Buy the Perfect 1930s Front Door in the UK
Looking for a 1930s front door for sale? We’ve got you covered! Whether you want a traditional 1930s front door or something that nods to the style while embracing modern living, our GFD Homes collection includes a beautiful range to choose from.
Explore our:
- Door-Stop Composite Doors
- Solidor Composite Doors
- Comp Door Composite Doors
- Smart Signature Aluminium Composite Doors & Designer Doors for a luxury finish
Discover Your Ideal 1930s Front Door with GFD Homes
Ready to create a stunning first impression?
Whether you’re restoring a period property or adding vintage charm to a newer home, we’ve got you covered. With a huge choice of traditional door styles, colours, glazing, and hardware options across our Solidor, Comp Door, and Smart Signature ranges, it’s never been easier to design a door that’s authentically 1930s — and truly yours.
Prefer something a little more industrial? Our Smart Heritage range offers the perfect blend of 1930s steel-style looks with all the benefits of modern aluminium.
Head over to our door designer to get an instant online quote today, or if you have any questions, give our friendly team a call on 01642 309576 — we’re always happy to help!
Feel free to visit our blog for more inspiration, ideas, and expert advice on finding the right door for your home.
FAQs about a 1930s front door
What did front doors look like in the 1930s?
Typically solid wood, featuring three vertical panels with a glazed section at the top. Decorative stained glass was a popular feature, with subtle geometric patterns and soft colours.
How much does it cost to replace a front door UK?
Prices vary based on style, material, and fitting, but you can expect to pay anywhere from around £1200 to £1,500 for a quality composite 1930s style front door, fully installed.
What did Edwardian doors look like?
Edwardian doors were slightly more ornate than 1930s doors, often with larger glazed areas, more intricate panelling, and floral or classical stained glass motifs.
What does a Victorian front door look like?
Victorian doors were grand and imposing, usually with four or six panels and heavily detailed stained glass above or around the door (in fanlights and sidelights).
What is a traditional 1930s front door?
A traditional 1930s front door is characterised by a strong hardwood (or similar look) with vertical panel designs, simple structure, an optional arch top, and subtle stained-glass windows.
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