Federal Style Doorways

The door is simple but the ornamentation around it is grand.

Federal style doorways.

Federal style homes typically emphasize the cornice with decorative molding most typically tooth like dentils or block like projections. An elliptical fanlight or fan shaped window tops the door with long rectangular windows on either side. Compared to a georgian house the columns and moldings in federal architecture are narrow and rather simple. Windows are symmetrically arranged around a central door.

Georgian federal style homes typically have one main entry door although there can be numerous auxiliary doors leading to patios decks the backyard or a side yard. The entrance of a federal style house screams wealth. The most common window configuration is five on the second story and four on the first. Side doors share panel designs similar to main entry doors although the side doors are slightly narrower.

A fanlight ornamentation above the door was also common. Occasionally a side door may include a large area of glass. These semicircular or elliptical details would often feature a window to bring in additional light above paneled doors. Federal style homes almost always have double hung windows typically with six panes per sash.

Many federal style design elements are notably understated. See more ideas about house exterior doors house front. For example exterior decoration in federal styles and designs is generally confined to a porch or entry element.