The main entrance to your home is the first thing that any visitors – invited or uninvited – come in to contact with. It is therefore the first thing that creates an impression to your home, we all know that you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, however many people do and will continue to do so, so it is very important that you create a good first impression.

How can you make sure that your front door makes a good first impression?

There are many things that can be done to create the right first impression, some are free and others will cost you some money. The first thing you can do however is to keep whatever door you have clean. Particular care should be taken if you have a door with recessed panels or other moulded features as these can easily trap dirt and grime from wind and rain over time.

photo credit: ClatieK

The second set of measures that can be taken to create the right first impression will involve spending some money. Door furniture – that is hinges, handles, letterboxes and door knockers – and other accessories around your homes entrance create a very importance first impression. I am sure that everyone at some point has knocked on a door using a cheap flimsy door knocker and then stood outside wondering if the occupants have heard them. It’s not just the uncertainty though of whether you have been heard, it’s how cheap and flimsy it feels.

Now, imagine knocking on a door with wrought iron door knocker, it’ sturdiness and loudness will give you some confidence that the occupants are aware of you being at there door and you’ll be thinking that these people obviously care about the impression that they create.

Porch lighting is also important for visitors that you have to your home at night. It is important not just from an appearance point of view, but also from a security point of view. You need to be able to check the credentials of any stranger that calls on your home at night – how are you going to do that with no light?

So in summary to create the perfect first impression for visitors coming to your home you need to keep you the entrance way to you home clean and furnish it with high quality furnishings. Good quality lighting is also very important to create a warm and welcoming feeling whilst deterring any would be thieves and scammers.