Choosing the right door for your home is about more than just appearance. Whether it’s for the front, back, or inside your home, a door plays a key role in security, insulation, and your everyday living.

At Futureglaze, we’ve been helping South Wales homeowners choose the right doors for their properties for over 30 years. The choice is often between a newer, more modern style or a timeless, traditional one.

Whether you’re looking to replace your front door, back door, or patio doors, this guide will help you understand the differences between modern and traditional door styles, and which might be the best fit for your home.

Modern Door Styles

Today’s doors combine cutting-edge materials with sleek designs to offer exceptional security and energy efficiency. If you’re drawn to clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, modern door styles might be right for you.

Aluminium Doors

Aluminium doors have become incredibly popular in South Wales homes. Their slim frames allow for larger glass areas, flooding your home with natural light while maintaining excellent security.

Our aluminium doors from Smart Systems and REAL Aluminium offer:

Impressive thermal efficiency with low U-values
Thin sightlines that give great views and work well in both modern and traditional homes
A wide range of colours including popular options like Anthracite Grey
Exceptional durability – they won’t warp, rot, or fade
High security multipoint locking systems for peace of mind

Aluminium doors are particularly well-suited to homes with a contemporary look.

Composite Doors

For front and back doors, composite doors offer the perfect blend of traditional appearance and modern performance. They have become incredibly popular across the UK. Our Endurance composite doors are a standout choice for homeowners looking for security without compromising on style.

These doors feature:

A solid timber core that’s 48mm thick – 10% thicker than most competing doors
GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) outer skin that’s incredibly durable
‘Through-colour’ technology that ensures the finish keeps its vibrancy
Six-pin lock cylinders and multipoint locking for high security
Excellent thermal properties to keep your home warm
Secured by Design certification when fitted with laminated glass

Endurance composite doors come in numerous styles from the Classic, Urban, and Country collections. Popular colours include Chartwell Green for a traditional look, or bold shades like Rich Red.

Anthracite grey Endurance composite front door with glazed panel and chrome handle.

Bifold Doors

If you’re looking to create a great connection between your indoor and outdoor spaces, bifold doors are the perfect modern solution. These concertina-style doors fold back completely, making them ideal for small exits with limited space or for opening an entire wall of your home.

Our aluminium bifold doors:

Come with 2 to 6 door leaves in various opening configurations
Feature slim sightlines for maximum glass area and views
Include high-quality rollers for smooth operation
Offer exceptional security with multi-point locking systems
Are available in a range of contemporary colours
Work brilliantly in modern extensions or renovated traditional homes

Bifold doors make a dramatic statement in any home and are perfect for those who entertain or want to enjoy their garden more directly.

Traditional Door Styles

Traditional door styles bring a timeless quality to your home while still offering modern security and energy efficiency. These styles are particularly well-suited to period properties or those who prefer a classic look.

uPVC Doors

uPVC doors have been a popular choice for South Wales homes and the most common home improvement material for decades. They offer excellent value, durability, and performance.

Our uPVC doors are from Rehau and feature:

Traditional styling with modern materials
Impressive woodgrain effects that look like timber but without the maintenance
‘A’ rated energy efficiency as standard
Steel reinforcement for extra strength
Multi-point locking systems for security
A wide range of traditional colours and finishes

uPVC doors are extremely versatile and can be styled to suit virtually any property in South Wales, from Cardiff townhouses to cottages in more rural areas like Abergavenny or Chepstow.

French Doors

Dating back to the 17th century, French doors bring continental elegance to any home. Our modern French doors maintain that traditional charm while offering excellent performance.

Available in both uPVC and aluminium, our French doors:

Open inwards or outwards depending on your space
Feature a 12-point locking system
Include shootbolts top and bottom for extra security
Come with energy-efficient frames and draught-free seals
Are available in traditional timber-look finishes or contemporary colours
Work beautifully in period properties or as a traditional feature in modern homes

uPVC french doors with timber effect

How to Choose the Right Door Style for Your Home

Selecting between contemporary and traditional door styles comes down to several factors.

Consider Your Property’s Style

The style of your home should guide your door choice. Contemporary doors, especially in aluminium, suit modern builds with clean lines and minimalist design. Traditional door styles, with classic mouldings and period detailing, are usually the safest fit for heritage or character properties but can add warmth and charm to newer homes.

Think About Functionality

Consider how you’ll use the door:

Need maximum light? Aluminium frames with large glass areas might be best
Want to open up to your garden completely? Bifold doors are a good choice
Looking for a secure, stylish, and efficient front entrance? Endurance composite doors offer all of this and more
On a tight budget but still looking for great performance? uPVC might be your best option

Balance Aesthetics and Performance

Modern doors don’t have to look ultra-contemporary, and our traditional doors don’t sacrifice performance. Our Endurance composite doors, for example, look traditional but offer cutting-edge security and insulation.

Consider Your Budget

Different door materials and styles come at different price points:

uPVC doors are generally the most affordable
Composite doors offer excellent value considering their performance, but cost more than uPVC
Aluminium doors, while more expensive, offer slim sightlines and exceptional durability
Bifold doors represent a bigger investment but transform how you use your space

All our doors come with a 10-year guarantee and are available with our finance options, including 0% interest, making quality doors accessible.

External view of grey aluminium bi folding door with large glass area

Find the Best Option for Your Home

Whether you choose a contemporary aluminium bifold door, a traditional-looking Endurance composite door, or classic French doors, we can help you find the perfect balance of style, security, and energy efficiency.

With decades of experience installing doors across South Wales, our family-run team understands the unique requirements of local properties. We’d be happy to offer advice any answer any of your questions to help you make the right choice for your home.

The best way to view and use our full range of doors is by visiting our showroom in Rhondda Cynon Taff. Open Monday-Friday, here we can discuss your home improvement project in person.

For more information, or to arrange a free, no obligation quote, you can:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need planning permission to replace my door?

In most cases, no planning permission is needed for a new doors, unless your property is listed or in a conservation area.

How do modern door styles compare to traditional ones in terms of security?

Both modern and traditional door styles offer excellent security. Our Endurance composite doors feature a solid timber core and high security multi-point locking systems. Similarly, our uPVC doors include steel reinforcement and secure locking mechanisms.

Can I have a traditional-looking door with modern performance?

Our composite doors are the perfect example – they look like traditional timber doors but offer all the benefits of modern materials, including better insulation, security, and durability.

Contemporary vs. Traditional: Choosing the Right Door Style for Your South Wales Home