How to makeover an ugly metal entrance door?

Pauline

You could replace it with stained glass or a decorative glass or even wood. I couldn't find any photos for this project. But if you painted the door another color and you could put contact paper for privacy on glass to lighten it up some here is the info on that

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5hcptRW91U

Paint then update the hardware. You might want to add a pretty privacy film behind the opening. You could paint the geometric pattern in a contrasting color as well as the raised trim. It's a very interesting door that could be a true showpiece.

I would paint the raised area a dark color and then the interior panels another contrasting color like black and white for an oriental look of a shoji screen. Then add some lacquered rice paper over the decorative open work.

Paint would be a wonderful update.

Paint

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20exterior%20door

I love that door! What color is the house surrounding the door? I had orange brick house but there was almond vinyl around just the front porch door. I painted my steel door midnight blue from Sherwin Williams and the trim windows white with the vinyl siding a blue/gray as well as the concrete porch.

All exterior doors are metal due to fire codes. So, here's an option to consider. Scrub that door clean to get off any gunk and oxidized paint. Then using an exterior paint-with-primer, pick two colors - one dark and one light - that make you smile when you look at them together. The lighter color will go on the panels of the door and use the dark on the decorative metalwork and trim. Next, find a decal-type window cover (some are actually window clings with no adhesive) that will fit on the interior of the glass. It could be plain or a design, opaque or clear - as you like. Apply that. Maybe add an updated handle and you have a whole new entry! Just my two cents worth of advice. Hope it helps.

Definitely paint! I too, would paint the trim pieces a different color from the door base. The metal could be removed or taped off and painted black - may as well embrace the bars lol! Look at pictures of doors online as well as the outside colors of your house. Pick a base color that contrasts/pops and work off that as far as the trim pieces. Perhaps a pop color for the door and the trim to match the house trim?

I had to come back to add some more: the door is so Midcentury Modern looking. Is your house from the late 1940's- early 1960's? Have you carried any midcentury modern decor into the interior or are there MCM architectural details?

If so, study MCM painted designs on doors, cabinets, etc.

Again, choose colors that go both ways - 1 that "blends" with what exists and at least 1 that "pops" with what exists. Change-out the hardware!

How about Hollywood Regency and paint the bars shiny brass or gold?

They now make magnetic and stick on vinyl for garage doors (metal) that you can make look like dark windows. You could put 3 across, including behind the bars. Or mirrored ones! Bars painted gold, dark base color - BAM!

http://www.bendofbay.org/mid-century-modern-front-doors/

http://maydaymarch.info/mid-century-entry-door/

Colors:

https://dluphotography.com/ideas-spectacular-mid-century-modern-front-doors/mid-century-modern-front-doors-paint/

This door would look great painted and the metal can be sprayed.

Paint is a cheap and easy fix. To make a bigger change add new hardware. When you paint the door don't be afraid to use some color.