1. Chartwell Green
When it comes to door and window colours, Chartwell Green is an increasingly popular colour that is perfect for both contemporary and modern homes.
This subtle green provides a traditional feel to any home whilst our uPVC Windows and Composite Doors provide maximum security and thermal efficiency.
Whilst we know that Chartwell Green is a stylish and beautiful colour, do you know how it got its name?
When Winston Churchill was alive, he lived for over 40 years in a home called Chartwell. Choosing to paint his garden furniture this popular green colour led to the colour being named after this historic home.
2. Janus – The God of Doors
Janus was the Roman God of doors.
More specifically, he was the God of beginnings, thence and transitions, which led to him also being the God of doors, doorways and endings.
Because of this, the first month in our calendar, January, was named after him symbolising the first month after the new year as the month of beginnings.
Ancient Romans honoured Janus by installing doors that opened into their homes, with the thought that this would welcome Janus and their guests.
If a door opened outwards in these times, it symbolised how a Roman had done a great service to their country and was helping the empire.
3. Door Symbolism
Doors are supposed to symbolise hope, opportunity and communication.
So, when you dream about doors it's no surprise that some believe that they represent a new opening or change in your life, or if the door is locked, a missed opportunity.
The connotation between doors and new beginnings has led to several inspirational quotes and sayings being created that are focused on doors.
Here are some of our favourites:
- "When one door closes, another opens." - Alexander Graham Bell
- "Just be honest with yourself. That opens the door." - Vernon Howard
- "My songs are the door to every dream I've ever had and every success I've ever achieved." - Dolly Parton
- "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door." - Coco Chanel
4. World Records
Ancient Egypt is thought to be the location where doors were first used, but the oldest known door was found in Zurich and is thought to be around 5100 years old.
Unlike the doors we use today that utilise advanced technology to keep our homes warm and secure, doors back then would have been extremely simple, likely just a slab of wood on hinges.
When we look at doors today, we have the Rockdoor, which achieves the highest possible rating for security and energy efficiency, which is great for homeowners worldwide.
There is also the world’s largest door, located at NASA's’ Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. It is 465 feet high and takes 45 minutes to open or close.
5. Famous Doors
The most famous door in the world can be found right here in the UK, do you know where it is?
10 Downing Street!
It's not only home to the Prime Minister but also home to the most recognisable door in the world.
Why not replicate the look of this door with our Hull composite door in black with gold hardware?
Did you know that this door hasn’t always been black? For a brief time in its history, the door was actually green.
The letter plate is also purely decorative and the door can't be opened from the outside.
6. Rebellious Doors
When Queen Victoria passed away on 22 January 1901, the Irish were ordered to paint their doors black as a sign of mourning.
However, in rebellion, some painted them in vibrant colours, and when you visit Ireland today, you can still find many colourful doors.
Here at Value Doors, you can have a Composite Door that will rival the Irish, as our range is available in any RAL colour.
7. The Revolving Door
You either love them, or dread entering one. The revolving door divides opinions but was made to provide a quick and easy entrance into a building. These doors were created in 1888 by Theophilus Van Kannel.
Today, according to New York City law, revolving doors are not to exceed a speed of 15 rotations per minute, which still allows these doors to do a full rotation in 4 seconds.