Craftsman style doors originated as an architectural feature of Craftsman designed homes during the Arts and Crafts Movement.

Inspired as a rebellion against excessive home ornamentation and lavish furnishings of the Victorian era, the Arts and Crafts Movement emerged during the 1860s and continued throughout the early 1900s.

While the Victorian age's industrialization and mass production replaced village artisans, the Arts and Crafts Movement aimed to regain appreciation for master carpenters and skilled craftsmen.

Clean straight lines, natural materials and expert craftsmanship characterized the interior and exterior architecture of Craftsman style homes. The bungalow is an example of a well-known Craftsman style home, constructed with tapered columns, many windows, deep eaves, cobblestone or brick trim and gable roof lines.

Skilled artisans created beautiful, unadorned wooden doors with simple geometric lines to complement the simplistic Craftsman style house. Craftsman doors were sometimes created with stained glass inserts, further exemplifying the work of master artisans.

Other doors featured clear beveled panes. These doors were crafted with recessed wooden panels using straight lines and squared corners. Red oak, mahogany, knotty alder, pine and walnut represent a variety of wood types used to build Craftsman doors.

Today, mission or cottage doors are also often referred to as Craftsman doors. The beauty and simplicity of these doors have endured as a favorite style for modern homes. Energy-efficient materials have been incorporated into construction of today's Craftsman doors. Low-e glass inserts, insulated doors and compact pre-hung door units typify energy-saving improvements made to modern Craftsman doors. Whether houses were constructed during the early 1900s or built more recently as Craftsman reproductions, the front entry door has remained an exterior focal point to warmly welcome guests.

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