How to Design Entry Doors for Oversized Entrances

July 24, 2025

In homes where scale makes a statement, the front entry becomes a focal point, a design feature, and often, the defining moment of first impression. Oversized entrances in luxury homes need custom wood entry doors that meet the scale, sophistication, and architectural intent of the overall design.

Here’s what to consider when designing an entry door for an oversized entrance.

Start with Scale and Proportion

Larger homes often have expanded entryways with higher ceilings, wide staircases, and expansive front porches. A standard-size door will look dwarfed or out of place in this kind of setting. This is where custom fabrication becomes essential. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries. At Cambek, we routinely build entry doors that are framed by multi-piece systems, including sidelights, transoms, or grand double doors

When designing for scale, consider not just size, but visual proportion. A tall door with a slim profile might look imbalanced, while a broader, heavier profile with the right architectural detailing can create a commanding, balanced entrance.

Go Grand with Double Doors

Double entry doors are a popular and functional choice for oversized entrances. They offer a timeless look, a sense of symmetry, and even better accessibility for large furnishings or high-traffic entryways.

Double Doors offer:

More Visual Impact: they are perfectly suited for large-scale exteriors, especially those with columns, arches, or grand staircases.
Increased Openness: they allow for dramatic entrance moments and creates a welcoming sense of space.
Design Versatility: you can incorporate curved or squared tops, bold hardware, and classic or modern panel arrangements.

At Cambek, our double door systems are built to your exact specifications, from the panel detailing to the sightlines between each leaf, ensuring both doors work in unison, both visually and structurally.

Let the Light In with Lites and Glass Detailing

Larger entrances invite more creative integration of light through lites, sidelights, and transoms.

Some lites and glass options to consider:

Full or Partial Lites: choose from traditional divided lites, full-view panels, or decorative glass inserts to match the architectural style.
Sidelights: flank your door with one or two sidelights to expand the visual width and increase natural light in the foyer.
Transoms: add a transom above the door—arched or rectangular—to carry the design upward and mirror the height of the space.

Whether you’re designing for a craftsman home with leaded glass or a contemporary residence with clean, minimal glazing, we offer fully customizable glass packages, including insulated, laminated, or patterned options.

Customize Architectural Detailing to Match the Home’s Style

An oversized entry needs more than size to feel truly grandiose, it needs thoughtful architectural detailing that complements the home’s overall design.

Some design features to explore include:

Panel Profiles: choose from flat panels for a modern look, raised panels for traditional style, or custom-carved designs for unique character.
Millwork & Trim: use custom jambs, headers, or architraves to create a cohesive transition between door and facade.
Arched or Elliptical Tops: soften the elevation with curved tops that echo rooflines or architectural flourishes.

Choose Materials and Finishes That Match the Moment

Premium Wood Species: Cambek works with a variety of woods, including Western Red Cedar and Douglas Fir, all selected for beauty and durability.
Custom Stains or Paints: match or contrast the home’s color palette. Consider how natural stains emphasize wood grain, while painted doors can tie into trim, shutters, or other architectural accents.
High-Performance Finishing: our factory-applied finishing systems provide long-term protection against the elements and ensure the door retains its elegance for years to come.

We also offer finishing coordination with matching garage doors, allowing the entire exterior to speak the same refined design language.

Customize Your Front Door

At Cambek, we believe that every entry should tell a story. That’s why we collaborate with architects and designers at every step, from sketches and renderings to final shop drawings and installation support.

Designing for oversized entrances is an opportunity to push boundaries, elevate craftsmanship, and transform a transitional space into a true architectural statement. With our unmatched level of customization, you’re commissioning a work of art that welcomes, protects, and impresses.

If you’re an architect or home designer working on a project with a grand entry, let’s talk. We’ll bring your vision to life with handcrafted precision, tailored detailing, and finishes worthy of the home they serve.

Explore our gallery or contact our design team to begin your next extraordinary entrance.