Generally, sliding doors fit a modern style well and hinged doors a traditional style.
Of course, rules are meant to be broken, and designer John Melby, of Melby Design, agrees. “I think there are arguments you can make for either option to be with any style,” he said. If you’re struggling to figure out which type of door best matches your home’s architecture, he suggests looking at details like the following:
- Trim around the windows and doors: Thicker trim with more detailing is more traditional, while thinner trim or no trim (called a drywall return) is more modern.
- Window proportions: Different proportions match different architectural styles. For example, windows on Victorian homes tend to be tall, while windows on modern homes tend to be wide.
- Massing (aka your home’s shape and size): Again, certain shapes and sizes are associated with distinct styles. For example, modern homes are often blocky and horizontal, while Victorians tend to be more asymmetrical and vertical.
All these details will give you insight into whether a more modern or traditional door best suits your home.