Cape Cod-Style front doors and windows

Recommendations for your Cape Cod style home

As the name suggests, Cape Cod-style homes originated in coastal New England in the 1600s. Rectangular, practical, and sturdy, Cape Cods were designed to combat heavy snow buildup with their steeply pitched roofs. Occupants stayed cozy inside with features such as centrally located fireplaces and low ceilings, which made heating the home efficient during harsh New England winters. 

Cape Cods became more widespread across the United States during the early to mid-1900s, and were eventually adapted to accommodate growing families with features such as dormer windows and upstairs bedroom additions. Modern Cape Cods sometimes include amenities such as attached garages, additions on either side of the main house, or full covered porches. 

Cape Cod-style front doors are typically a central focal point of the home’s exterior, so choosing a new door style, color, or glass option provides the opportunity to drastically impact curb appeal. Likewise, choosing the best window styles can help create that signature Cape Cod look. 

 

Attributes of a Cape Cod home

  • 1 or 1 ½ stories with steep roofline and 2-3 protruding dormer windows
  • Traditional entrances feature a small portico flanked by pillars or columns
  • Modern styles may include a covered porch or attached garage
  • Double hung windows with shutters, placed symmetrically on each side of a central entrance
  • Stone or brick chimney located in the center or sides of the home

Popular Cape cod-style front Doors

Create a focal point with your entryway

Front and center, the entryway of a traditional Cape Cod home is typically covered with a small portico and flanked by pillars or columns, which visually draws attention to the door. These door styles would best accentuate the entrance of a Cape Cod. 

Popular Cape cod-style windows

Highlight the character & charm of your Cape Cod

While double hung windows with grids create that signature Cape Cod look, picture windows with grids and bay windows can sometimes be selected to amplify curb appeal. A garden window is a good option for providing extra dimension and interest in the back of a Cape Cod. 

Popular glass styles for cape cod-style doors & windows

Customize your glass

Cape Cod homes have a classic, timeless style. Consider these glass suggestions to complement the front door or windows on your Cape Cod. 

Popular finish options for Cape cod-style doors & windows

Explore color

There are many color options for Cape Cod-style door and window finishes, from subtle, complementary hues to bold, contrasting accents.

Explore popular exterior house styles

Architecture at a glance​

style

Cape Cod

  • 1 or 1 ½ story with dormer windows and a steep roofline
  • Clapboard siding
  • Practical and uncomplicated in design
style

Colonial

  • Two story, salt-box style home
  • Symmetrical architecture
  • Double hung windows with grids
  • Steep, side-gabled roofs
style

Craftsman

  • Occasional wide, overhanging eaves
  • A covered front porch
  • Pillars lining the entry
  • Double hung windows
style

Farmhouse

  • Primarily white, with contrasting shutters or window & door trim
  • Simple, practical architecture
  • Large, covered porch and metal roof
style

Modern

  • Clean lines and geometric shapes
  • Natural materials like wood, stone and exposed concrete
  • Flat or low-pitched gable or shed roof
style

Spanish

  • Arched entryways or windows
  • Barrel tile roofs
  • Light-colored stucco walls
  • Woodgrain doors, typically in rich colors
style

Tudor

  • Mix of half timbers, stucco, stone or brick with decorative entryways
  • Steep slate roof with dormers & gables
  • Tall, narrow, multi-paned windows
style

Victorian

  • Asymmetrical design
  • Large wrap-around porches
  • Ornate decorative trim
  • Towers, turrets and dormers

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