Want to add a unique look to your front door?  Then you should try throwing a front door pediment over it.  A door pediment is basically just a decoration that is roughly the width of the door.  They are perfect for adding some charm to any door.  A standard door pediment can and will range in design, but one feature that will not change is the center attribute.  A door pediment will always have a focal point in the center and then some decorative scrolls and shapes that will finish off the sides.  This focal point is what will give the door pediment character and can also speak to what you love in life.  I have seen all types of pediments such as a rams head door pediment, cow head door pediment and even a door pediment that was molded to resemble that actual family that lived at the house!

These door pediments can be made from a variety of materials.  Depending on where you live you should keep your weather in mind.  Say if you live in Seattle where it rains non-stop, then you may want to consider a door pediment that is made from acrylic.  Plastic is perfect for tough weather and stands up to rain very well.  But, the downfall of acrylic door pediments is being limited to what the manufacture will produce.

If you live in a place where weather might not be an issue than I would recommend going with a door pediment that is made from wood.  A wood door pediment is very easy to maintain in good weather. I also like these types of door pediments because you can paint them fairly easy to match your homes outside décor.  Also, depending on your resources you can maybe have a local woodshop make a door pediment for you.  This was how the “family door pediment” that was mentioned above was made.  The family had an idea to have their faces on the pediment so they took some pictures to the local wood smith and he made them what they wanted.  The drawback for having a custom door pediment is the price.  Expect to pay a pretty penny for having something custom made.

If weather is not an issue and your tight on cash…don’t fear.  There are all kinds of pediments that you can purchase at reasonable prices and still will stand the test of time.  Many of the local hardware stores such as Lowes and Home Depot may have just what you’re looking for.  But, if not as mentioned in an earlier post…shopping online will go a long way.

You may also want to consider other types of decorational pediments such as a window pediment, interior door pediment and wall pediments.  All of these will give your homes décor a added touch.

Just to recap, when buying a door pediment be sure that it matches your exterior trim and that you take into consideration the type of elements you will be subjecting it to.  Keeping these two key shopping points in mind will no doubt give you the best opportunity to finding the right door pediment for your home.