Traditional composite doors

On a traditional design the mouldings are the whole point, and mouldings need depth. A foam filled leaf can only take a relatively shallow pressing, which is fine at a distance but obvious close up. Solidor's 48mm timber core can be machined into properly, so the panels have genuine relief and a real shadow line.

If you are fitting a panelled door to a period property and you care about the detail, that is the argument for spending more. On a plainer design it matters far less.

Leaded glass is bonded to the outer pane in geometric or diamond patterns, and coloured versions add stained or bevelled inserts. It is the single detail that makes a modern door look at home on a Victorian or Edwardian terrace, particularly where the neighbours still have their originals.

It is easy to overdo. On a half glazed design a simple diamond lead will usually look better than a heavily coloured panel, and it dates far less quickly.

Polished or antique brass on a dark colour is the classic pairing and it is classic for a reason. Deep Merlot, racing green and black with brass furniture is essentially the standard London front door, and it works on most brick built properties in the country.

For stone, render and cottages, softer colours with black ironmongery are the better route: Chartwell Green, Duck Egg Blue, Painswick and French Grey with a black ring latch and strap hinges.