When I see houses that have two front doors, I figure they're duplexes or two-family homes, don't you? I mean, duh. But historically-speaking, that's not the case at all. I had no idea until an architect friend of mine filled me in.
Doors Red
In older regions of the country, like New England, it's not uncommon to seehomes withtwo separate front doors. Like I said above, I've always assumed they're two-family houses or even homes turned into several apartments. Inmany cases they probablyare now; however, that's the not the reason those two front doors were originally part of the construction.
(Sarnico, Italy) - two wooden doors
Let's go back to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, according to Family Handymanand The Spruce.
SYMMETRY
Symmetrical homes were a trend that stuck around for a long time, and that style was all about balance and designing everything with symmetry. These rules were quite rigid according to The Craftsman Blog, and two doors were more pleasing, balanced, and added that perfect symmetry.
HOUSEHOLD FUNCTION
Another popular reason for a single-family home to have two front doors was purely utilitarian.Each door was a separate entrance into the home.Often, one of the doors wasthe more formal entry for entertainingor important meetings in the more formal part of the house, while the other was used for day-to-day living. Also, in the case of servants,the owners of the home used the right door while servants used the left door.
BUDGETARY
Many single-family homes that had two front doors did it for budgetary reasons. Glass wasquite expensive, andhavingit shipped from Europe or literally made onsite in America was just not doable, especially when making glass was a specialty trade. Since doors don'tuse nearly as much glass as windows,that second door was the cheaperalternative.
DEATH DOOR
In some cases, one door was reserved for the dead, lying in repose in the front parlor, and was only used when someone passed away.
APPEARANCES
Simply put, more than one door looked like you hade a home with more rooms.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION
Most homes had one single hallway that stretched the length of the house. However, if you opened the front door, you could send a wind tunnel of hot air or cold air through the house, so two doors helped keep homes temperature-friendly no matter what time of year.
There you go. Kind of cool to know, don't you think?
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As an architecture and historical design enthusiast with a profound understanding of residential structures, particularly those from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, I can shed light on the intriguing concept of houses with two front doors, as discussed in the article you provided.
Historically, the presence of two front doors on a single-family home does not necessarily imply it being a duplex or multiple-unit dwelling, as commonly assumed today. Instead, this architectural feature has its roots in several design principles and practical considerations.
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Symmetry: In the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, symmetrical design was a prevalent trend. The use of two front doors was a manifestation of this stylistic preference. Symmetry was highly valued in architecture during this period, and having two doors contributed to a balanced and visually pleasing facade.
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Household Function: Beyond aesthetics, the use of two front doors often had a practical purpose. One door served as the formal entrance for special occasions and important meetings, emphasizing the more ceremonial areas of the house. The other door was intended for everyday use, offering a functional and less formal entry.
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Budgetary Considerations: Budget constraints influenced the design choices of many single-family homes with two front doors. Glass, an expensive material at the time, was sparingly used in windows. To save costs, a second door provided a more budget-friendly alternative to achieving a balanced facade without the need for extensive glasswork.
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Death Door: In some cases, one of the doors was designated as the "death door." This door was specifically used during times of mourning, providing a separate entrance for those paying respects to the deceased in the front parlor.
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Appearances: The presence of multiple doors gave the impression of a larger and more spacious home. It was a simple yet effective way to convey the idea of a residence with multiple rooms and sections.
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Temperature Regulation: Practical considerations extended to climate control. In homes with a single hallway stretching the length of the house, opening the front door could create a significant draft, affecting the indoor temperature. Having two doors allowed for better regulation of airflow and temperature, ensuring comfort throughout the year.
In conclusion, the use of two front doors in historical homes reflects a combination of architectural trends, functional considerations, and budgetary constraints. Understanding these factors provides a fascinating glimpse into the thought processes and design philosophies of past eras, enriching our appreciation for the diversity and functionality of residential architecture.
