There is a reason the Craftsman style of design has withstood the test of time. This uniquely American style of design goes well beyond Craftsman doors and also includes homes, landscaping and even interior design options.
To understand why Craftsman doors, and the Craftsman style, continue to be so popular it is important to understand a bit about its origins. As one of the true American styles it incorporates different elements to become something both practical as well as beautiful.
The Early Beginnings
The actual origins of the Craftsman design started in England in the 1860s as a way to get away from the fancy and elaborate styles of the Victorian era. It was also a movement back from mass production towards quality and hand crafted design.
In the 1890s the design style, which was originally known as the British Arts and Crafts Movement, arrived in the United States. Prominent architects responded to the minimal styles very positively. They created a range of homes and design elements using metal, glass and wood. There were characterized by a strong, study and symmetrical appearance.
However, the Craftsman movement also brought in elements from the Shaker designs and the Mission style, keeping the styles simple, functional yet elegant.
Unique Craftsman Door Styles
With both antique and modern Craftsman doors you can see elements of the Shaker doors and the Mission doors as well as a unique twist. There are often the inset panels and clean lines of the Shaker and Mission styles but it is typically combined with the unique dentil shelf found under the window. The window or glass is usually positioned on the top third of the door.
This dentil shelf has small blocks or square teeth extending out to form a ridge under the window. It adds a specific style to Craftsman doors although it is not present on every style and design.
Craftsman doors, when installed alone, are very traditional in the way they look. Adding a sidelight with matching gram and design can open up the entrance and make it appear much larger. Staining the door and side light a darker color is very traditional and adds a rich look to any entrance.
While traditional styles of Craftsman doors are mostly solid wood panels, there are newer designs providing additional window space for increased light and a more open appearance to the interior of the home. With these options it is easy to find just the right style of this unique door for any home.
We are very proud of our selection of Craftsman doors. At Nick’s Building Supply we offer a range of customization options from glass to stain and styles.
