Replace Your Outdated '90s Front Door With This Chic Upgrade

Your front door might not cross your mind all that often, but it actually plays an important role in your home's overall design. After all, it's the first thing people see before even stepping into your home, so it shapes their first impression of your living space and sets the tone for how they'll perceive the rest of your home. 

But just as a well-chosen front door can enhance your home's look, a dated design can ruin the aesthetic of your home's exterior. One door style that you should probably leave behind is the oval lite front door. Though it had its moment in the '90s, it's now considered an outdated front door style you need to ditch for a modern look. As a more contemporary alternative, some design experts recommend swapping the dated oval shape for a half lite front door.

One of the main reasons many are moving away from the once-popular front door style is the long oval shape in the middle of it. For those who strive toward a symmetrical, balanced look, an oval lite door isn't the ideal choice. When placed on a rectangular door, the oval shape throws the whole look out of balance, putting a damp on the visual harmony. Luckily, replacing this dated front door style that's keeping your home stuck in the '90s isn't too much of a hassle.

Half lite front doors feature glass inserts that only cover the top part of the door and follow its rectangular shape for a more balanced look. In addition to providing symmetry for a more harmonious exterior, this choice of front door lets ample natural light into your entrance area, allowing for a more welcoming feel. On the other hand, you can still enjoy more privacy than you'd get with an oval opening running the full length of your door and exposing your entire entryway.

When choosing this front door trend that will elevate the look of your home, the half lite door style and material will have a big effect on the final aesthetic. Depending on your preferences, you could go for a timeless look with a material like wood, or lean into more sleek and modern options like fiberglass or steel. As for the style, the safest choice is the one that corresponds to the rest of your home's design, be it traditional, modern, or something in between. Once you pick out the right door, you're out of the woods, as the actual job of replacing the front door is the easy part of this equation.