0%APR

Buy Now - PAY in 2025!

Monthly Experience Prize Draw! - How to play

Three counties - timber alternative windows Three Counties Primary Logo

Guide to 1930s-Style uPVC Front Doors

(4 min read)

Are you considering a 1930s-style front door for your home? Read on to learn about the style and the benefits of the modern uPVC take on the classic wooden doors of the original period.

Quick FAQs

What does a 1930s-style front door look like?

The original 1930s front doors were made from wood and were typically painted in dark shades of green or black. Door furniture at the time would typically have been cast iron and was positioned in the upper half of the door. The classic design has glass panelling at the top of the door and moulded panels beneath the glass. Modern replicas have evolved from this.

Will a 1930s-style front door suit my house?

This timeless design actually works well on many house types. Subtle differences in the design and door furniture mean you can tailor the look of the front door to suit your property. Modern uPVC versions come in so many colours too, meaning you can get the look just right.

Why choose a 1930s-style front door?

The 1930s design has stood the test of time for a reason.

This era saw the Art Deco movement flourish. The style was modern and streamlined, symmetrical and geometric. The clean, simple lines seen in Art Deco design are reflected in the 1930s-style front doors, which are still a popular choice.

Other strong influences during the 1930s were the Arts and Crafts movement, Streamline Moderne and the Art Nouveau movement in the latter part of the decade. This was an exciting period for design.

The 1930s front door design is stylish and elegant. Its simplicity means it can work on a range of properties while homeowners can personalise their choice through specific designs, features and colours.

Whether you’re looking for a classic style to retain the character of your period property or you’re wanting a contemporary twist on the original design for a more modern house, the 1930s front door is likely to be the solution.

Variations in 1930s front door designs

The range of styles available means homeowners can still achieve a unique look, in keeping with their property.

Glass windows

Most 1930s front doors feature square or rectangular glass panels. The glass panel may be one large panel. This might be plain, textured or even stained glass. A door with six smaller glass panels is a popular choice and certainly reminiscent of the era.

Further variations include the glass panel being divided into nine sections, oval or circular windows, and the glass panel with a domed top. Again, these may be plain but more often, they contain coloured stained glass in Art Deco designs.

Door panels

The door panels on the 1930s front door encapsulate the geometric style with their long horizontal lines. Choose from two or three vertical, rectangular panels, both of which are in keeping with the era’s design.

Door furniture

In the 1930s, door furniture became more ornate, enhancing the overall design. Different finishes were used for door knobs and knockers, handles, letter plates and key covers. Chrome started to become a popular choice.

There has never been so much choice when it comes to door hardware to complement the design and colour of your door. As well as a chrome finish, other finishes are available such as bronze, nickel and brass.

You can achieve a simple, modern overall look, or a more decorative look through your choice of door furniture, creating a bespoke design to suit your property.

The modern uPVC 1930s style doors

The 1930s front doors were wooden. uPVC front doors may not have quite the same look as a wooden front door but are a great alternative. They can be attractive and modern.

They are also a strong, durable, energy-efficient option due to the way they are constructed: a fully-insulated steel frame, encased in plasticized polyvinyl chloride (uPVC).

The uPVC door offers excellent benefits:

  • Insulation – With energy bills rising, you’ll be pleased to know that a uPVC door provides valuable insulation.
  • Security – The sturdy construction means uPVC doors provide excellent security for your home.
  • Low cost – uPVC doors cost much less than high-quality wooden doors so are great for all budgets.
  • Low maintenance – Once fitted, these doors are good to go and don’t require any further painting or staining to keep them looking fresh. They are easy to clean using warm, soapy water and a microfibre cloth.

Fitting a uPVC 1930s-style front door

Fitting these doors is the same process as fitting most other modern doors. All glazing specialists can fit them, quickly and easily.

To conclude…

You can be sure that the 1930s-style front door is a timeless design that will give your house style. Go for elegance with simple, clean lines and a dark or neutral colour. Or go bold, bright and beautiful with your colour choice and stained glass design.

Need advice on whether a 1930s-style door is right for your home?

Speak to a member of our knowledgeable team and they will help you decide which door is right for you. Alternatively, take a look at our range of doors at our Camberley showroom and see them up close.

Talk to an Expert

Join Our Newsletter

Sign up to our newsletters and receive useful hints and tips, plus much more, including competitions and special offers.

David Bryant
David Bryant
2024-02-14
Very happy with our new door . The support team kept us up to date on everything and the guys on the installation team were early , friendly and professional. Great value all round
Kate Hulbert
Kate Hulbert
2024-02-10
Was looking for a new front door, to replace our tragically 80's monstrosity. The Three Counties website was great as i could see and design the door i wanted and then get a quote for it. The sales team was really quick to respond, and not at all pushy. A survey was easily arranged, to confirm sizes etc and the installer turned up precisely on time, was super friendly, efficient, neat and very tidy. Whole process took about 4 weeks, beginning to end, and I now have the door of my dreams! The only downside is my neighbors keep pestering me for details of who did the job. No hesitation in recommending Three Counties.
Nikki Wade
Nikki Wade
2024-02-09
I'm very happy with my new conservatory - Mark and David did a brilliant job of the build and resolved any issues I had to make sure everything was finished to a really high standard.
Dominic Blood
Dominic Blood
2024-02-09
This is the second time I have used Three Counties , a few years later and in a different house this time. It’s great to see the quality of the windows and workmanship have remained 5*. A stress free installation from start to finish, all windows installed have transformed how our 70s style house looks and now no worries of mould as a result of the old timber framed windows. The Installers who completed our job were amazing, and I mean amazing! Hard working, extremely skilful at their trade, polite and very tidy. Each day when they left they hovered up and left the place in the best condition they could. The whole process from the initial quote , measurements and dealing with the office team before and after the installation has been a true pleasure , if only all businesses were as efficient as this. Highly recommended for anyone considering new windows or any other products they provide and I won’t hesitate to use them again. Thank you Three counties!
Kim Stevens
Kim Stevens
2024-02-04
I shopped around and three counties came in at the most reasonably priced, and I used the buy now pay later option. Really happy with my new door and window, which were both fitted in one afternoon. The customer service was very good throughout and everything went smoothly.
Stuart
Stuart
2024-01-31
I had some windows fitted a few years ago and have recently had a problem with one of the locking mechanism failing. I called 3 Counties, who had a base call out charge, where a lovely lady took my details, refered to my file and we agreed a date when the fitter would come out and inspect the issue. Paul arrived bang on time and was very helpful. He checked the window, confirmsd the issue and promptly fixed it there and then with a replacement part he had on board his van. He was polite and knowledgable. Very efficient. Thank you 3 Counties.
samie dowling
samie dowling
2024-01-25
I had new windows fitted and they look amazing, make such a difference. House is much warmer and soundproof! Staff were very professional, done the job so quickly and cleaned up after. Would definitely recommend.
Ywain Martin
Ywain Martin
2024-01-23
Excellent service throughout the process. Very happy
Victoria Stone
Victoria Stone
2024-01-12
Very happy with our new windows. Fitters were respectful and tidy. From start to finish. Thanks again.