What Are the Most Popular Door Styles Homeowners Choose for Replacements?

Navy composite front door with wreath and snow-covered steps on a brick house, warmly lit windows in winter.

Charming Brick House Entryway with Snow-Covered Path and Festive Door in Milton Keynes

When replacing an external door, many homeowners look for the perfect balance of security, energy efficiency, and style. A new door can instantly enhance your home’s appearance and performance — from making the entrance more welcoming to improving warmth and soundproofing.

At Crown Conservatories, Windows & Doors, we find that trends in replacement doors evolve as homeowners seek designs that reflect their personal taste while meeting the practical demands of modern living. Whether it’s a front door that boosts kerb appeal or a back door that creates a seamless garden connection, the right choice can transform both the look and feel of your property.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most popular styles our customers in the UK are choosing — starting with front doors and then comparing options for back doors. We’ll also touch on material trends that help you achieve the perfect finish.

Popular Front Door Styles

A bright yellow composite door with two glass panels and a decorative transom window, set against a white exterior.

1️⃣ Modern Composite & uPVC Front Doors

Modern homes love the sleek, minimal look. Composite and uPVC front doors with smooth or flush panels are a huge trend.

  • Popular colours: Anthracite grey, black, navy blue

  • Glass side panels often added to let in extra light

  • Composite doors can mimic timber grain but stay weatherproof and secure

A green composite front door with two decorative glass panels, complemented by hanging flower baskets on either side.

2️⃣ Classic & Heritage-Inspired Front Doors

If you own a period home — or just love traditional design — heritage-style doors are timeless.

  • Styles include four-panel wood-effect doors, stable-style doors, or those with arched fanlights

  • Colours like soft greens, pastel blues, or Chartwell green are trending for cottage charm

  • Composite and uPVC versions of these classic styles are popular for combining looks with modern insulation and strength

steel blue composite front door with sidelights

3️⃣ Front Doors with Glazed Panels & Sidelights

Letting light in is key for many homeowners. Adding glazed sections or sidelights can brighten your entrance:

  • Options include frosted, sandblasted, or leaded glass designs

  • Decorative glass creates a more inviting entrance without sacrificing privacy

  • Glass inserts are used both in contemporary and traditional front door styles


Popular Back Door Styles

When it comes to back doors, the trend is clear — many homeowners want to create an open, bright living space that connects easily to their garden or patio. Whether you’re planning a full kitchen extension or simply replacing a tired rear door, the right style can dramatically enhance how you use the space.

Today’s back door designs focus on maximising glass, improving sightlines, and creating flexible openings — ideal for entertaining or relaxing at home.

Modern aluminium bifold door on a brick home with a snowy garden, showing warmth and insulation in a winter scene.

1️⃣ Bifold Doors

The most popular back door choice by far is the bi-folding door.

  • Creates a wide-opening wall of glass to the garden

  • Panels fold flat to the side to fully open the space

  • Typically in anthracite grey or black aluminium frames for a modern finish

  • Great for entertaining and blending inside with outside

origin sliding door handle

2️⃣ Sliding Patio Doors

Sliding patio doors are having a design revival thanks to new slimline profiles:

  • Perfect where there isn’t space for folding panels

  • Modern aluminium sliders feature ultra-slim frames and large panes of glass

  • Ideal for balconies, smaller patios, or where full-height bi-folds aren’t suitable

  • Grey, white, and black frames are all popular choices

brown upvc french door

3️⃣ French Doors

For those seeking a more classic garden entrance, French doors remain in demand:

  • Elegant double doors with divided glass panes

  • Great for period homes or adding a traditional touch to extensions

  • French doors are now being modernised with bold colours and metal-look frames

  • Work well in spaces where homeowners want both style and easy access to the garden


Design Features to Consider for Back Doors

Alongside the door style, homeowners also love adding extra glazing around their rear doors:

  • Sidelights or full-height windows beside a door to maximise daylight

  • Low thresholds to create smooth indoor-outdoor transitions

  • Matching slim aluminium frames across windows and doors for a cohesive look


Summary

When it comes to door replacements, UK homeowners are embracing both style and practicality:

  • Composite and uPVC front doors remain the top choice for kerb appeal and energy efficiency — in styles ranging from sleek modern to charming heritage

  • Back doors are all about maximising light and connection to outdoor spaces, with bi-folds, sliding doors, and French doors all popular choices

Whatever your preference — bold and modern, classically elegant, or full of glass — Crown offers a wide range of replacement door styles to help you transform your home.

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