Everything You Need to Know About Choosing Door Surrounds for Your Home • 333+ Inspiring Lifestyle Ideas

Door surrounds, also known as door casings or architraves, are architectural elements that enhance the aesthetic appeal of doors and entryways. They come in a wide range of materials, styles, and sizes, allowing you to make a statement or blend seamlessly with your home’s architecture. Keep reading to learn more.

Understand the Purpose of Door Surrounds

Door surrounds serve multiple purposes, both functional and decorative. When you try door surrounds, they help to protect the edges of doors from wear and tear, as well as covering gaps between the door frame and wall. On the aesthetic side, they provide a frame around the door, making it a focal point that complements the home’s architectural style. For exterior doors, surrounds can also contribute to energy efficiency by reducing drafts.

Choose the Right Material

When choosing door surrounds, it’s essential to consider materials that best suit your home’s needs and climate.

Wood: Traditional and versatile, wood is one of the most popular materials for door surrounds. It can be stained, painted, or carved to match various architectural styles. While it provides a classic, warm appearance, wood requires more maintenance to prevent issues like warping or rotting, especially for exterior applications.
PVC and Vinyl: These synthetic materials are lightweight, durable, and resistant to moisture, making them a great option for homes in wet or humid climates. They can be molded to mimic the look of wood and are typically low maintenance. However, they may lack the authentic appeal of natural materials.
Stone and Concrete: Often used in grand entrances, stone and concrete surrounds create a strong visual impact. They’re highly durable and weather-resistant, making them ideal for exteriors. These materials can be customized with intricate designs, but they’re heavier and more expensive compared to other options.
Composite Materials: These are made from a mixture of materials such as wood fibers and plastic resins. Composites offer the best of both worlds—the natural look of wood with added durability and less maintenance.

Consider Style and Design

The style of your door surrounds should align with your home’s architecture and interior design. Here are a few popular styles:

Colonial and Georgian: These styles typically feature simple lines, symmetry, and classic details. Choose wood or synthetic surrounds with clean profiles to match the elegant aesthetic.
Victorian: Known for ornate and decorative designs, Victorian door surrounds often include intricate carvings and patterns. Wood or stone materials work well to capture this elaborate style.
Modern and Minimalist: For a modern home, opt for streamlined, unembellished surrounds. Slim profiles with smooth finishes in materials like metal, composite, or painted wood provide a sleek, contemporary look.
Rustic and Farmhouse: This style favors natural wood with a distressed or weathered appearance. Look for simple designs with wide, chunky profiles that add warmth and character.

Think About Size and Proportions

The size of the door surround should be proportional to the door itself as well as the room or entryway. Overly large or ornate surrounds on small doors can appear overwhelming, while small surrounds that are too small can look out of place on grander entrances. A balanced proportion helps in creating a cohesive look.

Decide on Color and Finish

The color of your door surround should complement both the door and the room or building exterior. Neutral colors like white, beige, and black are timeless choices that match most styles. For a bolder look, consider a contrasting color that makes the door stand out. Additionally, think about the finish; glossy finishes work well in modern spaces, while matte or natural finishes enhance traditional and rustic designs.

Install with Professional Assistance

Installation of door surrounds may require precision, especially for heavy materials like stone or concrete. While simple wood or PVC surrounds can be a DIY project, larger or more complex installations are best handled by professionals to ensure safety and proper fit.