Many homeowners who visit our Cary, NC showroom looking for a new front door use the terms ‘arch-top’ and ‘round-top’ interchangeably.
But did you know that there’s a difference between arch-top and round-top front doors?
In this post, we’ll explain what makes both types of front doors a fantastic choice for homeowners wanting to boost their home’s curb appeal.
We’ll also share several clever hacks for folks who love the look of an arched or rounded front door, but who aren’t ready to commit to one due to cost or other reasons.
Keep reading to learn more about arch-top and round-top front doors.
Arch-Top Front Doors
Also called an eyebrow arch, an arch top front door features a gentle curve that clearly separates at a given point from the vertical lines of the sides of the door panel.
A 3/4 lite, arch-top double door by DSA Mastercraft.
Arch-top front doors may be single or double doors. They may be accented by sidelites or may have glazing (glass) in the door panel or panels. Transoms are rarely seen above arch-top doors.
What Style of Home Looks Best with an Arch-top Front Door?
Arch top front doors can complement many home styles. Traditional, colonial, and Craftsman style homes look especially great with arch-top front doors.
Round-Top Front Doors
Rarer than arch-top front doors are round-top front doors. In a true round-top front door, the top of the door is a semicircle that extends upward from the sides of the door.
Round-top wood front door by Therma-Tru in a Mediterranean style portico.
There is no clear distinction between the sides of the door and the arch at the top. Rather, the line is seamless. They may also be called full radius doors.
True round-top front doors are typically seen as single doors. However, it is possible to have a true round-top double door.
A 3/4 lite, round-top double front door by DSA Mastercrafted
While you technically could accent them with sidelites or a transom, this is rarely seen.
Aesthetically, a round-top front door is an impactful design choice, that usually looks best when the surrounding elements are simple and unfussy. This allows the door to be a true focal point in your home’s curb appeal.
What Style of Home Looks Best with a Round-top Front Door?
Round top front doors look best on traditional homes with old-world inspired architecture.
Mediterranean villas, cottages with storybook charm, and French country estates are just some of the architectural styles that look incredible with round top front doors.
The uniqueness of round top front doors may be further accentuated with stained-glass features. Or homeowners may use hardware details like clavos and strap hinges to amp up the charm.
Pictured below, clavos are decorative nails that can be added to wooden doors to add visual interest.
DSA Mastercrafted’s round-top double Pinehurst door accented with clavos and iron-work over the glazing
Common Questions About Arch-top and Round-top Front Doors
What Materials are Arch-top and Round-top Front Doors Made From?
Both styles of front door are made from the same materials as typical rectangular front doors.
Arch-top front doors are commonly made from wood or fiberglass. Round-top front doors will typically be made from wood, though it is possible to get them in fiberglass.
Do Arch-top and Round-top Front Doors Require More Maintenance than Rectangular Doors?
All front doors require regular maintenance to keep them looking and functioning beautifully. Arch-top and round-top front doors require no more maintenance than their rectangular counterparts.
Are Arch-top and Round-top Front Doors More Expensive than Rectangular Doors?
The answer to this question, unfortunately, is “definitely, yes.”
How much more expensive an arch-top or round-top front door will be than a rectangular door will depend on several factors, including:
- The material the door is made of (with wood doors costing more than fiberglass)
- Whether it’s a single or double door
- The amount of glazing (glass) in the door
It’s also important to note that installation of an arch-top or round-top front door will cost more than installing a rectangular door. That’s because of the craftsmanship required to cut and frame the curved feature of the door. Additionally, curved or rounded trim will cost more than straight trim.
Can I replace a Rectangular Door with an Arch-top and Round-top Front Door?
Technically, yes, it is possible to replace a rectangular door with an arch-top or round top front door.
In practice, though, this is rarely done. That’s because the construction costs associated with changing the framing of the door to achieve the curve are generally cost-prohibitive. This is especially true if there is stonework or masonry around the door.
Alternatives to Arch-top and Round-top Front Doors: Mimic the Look with Transoms or Glazing
So, what can you do if you love the look of an arched or round door, but the cost puts this style out of reach?
Luckily, there are options for you.
There are several ways that you can mimic the look of a rounded or arch-top front door without committing to a rounded door frame.
One way is to install an arched or semi-circular transom light over your front door. This kind of transom can be applied to either a single or a double door.
Another option is to select a front door that has arched glass features, or glazing.
Arched glazing can give you the visual impact of an arch-top front door, without the cost and additional construction hassles.
This double door features both an arched transom above the panels and arched glazing inside the panels, creating the look of an eyebrow arch-top door while using rectangular panels.
Summary
If you’re looking for a standout front door that’ll set your home apart, an arch-top or round-top front door may be a perfect fit.
Whatever style of front door you’re looking for, Window Works has the doors you’ll love.
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