Doors are the first line of protection of any structure. They serve as barriers to forced intrusions and they keep spaces private. In the ancient times, doors were also seen as status symbols. The more intricate their designs were, the more affluent the owner. In England, the reigning monarchs had doors crafted to reflect their wealth and status. Here is a walk through historic door designs.

1. Ancient Doors and Royalty:
A Walk through
Historic Door Designs
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2. Doors are the first line of protection of any structure. They serve as barriers to forced
intrusions and they keep spaces private. In the ancient times, doors were also seen
as status symbols. The more intricate their designs were, the more affluent the
owner. In England, the reigning monarchs had doors crafted to reflect their wealth
and status. Here is a walk through historic door designs.
The first doors
The first records of doors were found in paintings of Egyptian tombs. They were
depicted as single or double doors, and they were made of timber. They had railings
and stiles. Other records of ancient doors were found in the Bible, and one of them
was the door of King Solomon’s temple. It was described to be overlaid with gold and
made of olive wood.
At that time, ancient doors were hanging by pivots and they worked in sockets in the
sill and lintel. The sill was made of bronze. Bronze was often used to protect wood
pivots.

3. Greek and Roman doors
Medieval doors integrated copper and alloys in their designs. Church and cathedral
doors were often lined with valuable metals, like gold and bronze, signifying the
sacredness of the place and the sovereignty of god. They were also among the most
advanced doors.
Records depict Greek and Roman doors in different designs. There were double and
single doors, as well as sliding and folding doors. Heron of Alexandria, a Greek
scholar, created the first automatic doors. Ancient Greek and Roman doors were also
said to be fine metal artworks, as images of bronze and other metal temple doors
show the intricacy of their designs.
Chinese doors
Most doors in ancient China were double doors. Temple doors had the most notable
designs, since they were in vivid colors and they had very detailed latticework. The
latticework shows Chinese characters and myths, which are believed to bring luck and
prosperity. It is also said to reflect Chinese philosophy. The doors were made of wood
and they had bronze or golden latches.

4. Doors in the Tudor and Jacobean periods
The door, as seen today, is believed to have originated in the mid-1420’s. In
England, those years were a troubled period, and people preferred practicality over
extravagance. Wooden doors with knobs made of stone or wood became popular
during this time. Simple engravings replaced the gold-lined designs. Most doors had
arch-like tops during this time.
Craftsmen also preferred heavier materials over shiny ones. Doors were made of oak
and they were sometimes left without a finish, so they looked rustic.
Door designs hold historic value, as they are symbols of the era they came from.
They are not just decorations or barriers. They also serve as an entrance to history.
Sources:
http://www.uberdoors.com/store/door-styles/arch-top-doors.html
http://www.buildinghistory.org/style/tudor.shtml