Doors: original details

Timber panel doors were typical for interiors, while exterior doors were often glazed.

Internal doors

Interior doors were typically panelled and made from rimu, although a range of other native timbers was also used.

Bungalow-style panel doors were still found, but a far greater range of panel door styles was available compared to the 1920s (Figure 1).

Panel configurations ranged from a single panel to a number of equally sized panels arranged vertically in the door. Mouldings around panels were generally omitted, creating a heavy shadow line to the doors.

Some art deco houses have glazed doors between the living and dining rooms (Figure 2). Cavity sliders, sometimes glazed, were also used to allow more open plan living and were frequently glazed with frosted designs or shaped glass. Bevelled glass is also seen. Some homes of the period have flush doors.

 

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External doors

Exterior doors were also more varied in style than their 1920s counterparts. The front entry door was generally glazed with either a single full length pane of glass or a series of equal-sized panes of glass in a vertical arrangement.

Different glazing bead arrangements were also sometimes used to create other glazing patterns. Glazing could be bevelled, clear glass or frosted/sandblasted/acid-etched glass, with designs including figures, flora and fauna,ships, or geometric designs; and solid doors with a narrow window and chrome or other metal banding or decoration.

The back door was generally a plainer, framed ledge door with TG&V sheathing. A glass panel was sometimes incorporated in the top part of the door.

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Finishes

Exterior doors were often painted a strong colour to contrast with the white, cream or pastel of the cladding.

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Hardware

Window and door hardware such as hinges, door knobs, casement stays, fanlight stays and quadrant stays often had a chrome finish. Some fittings were brass with abronzed finish.