November 26, 2025
Wrought iron doors glossary created to help homeowners, architects, and designers understand the key terms used in custom iron door design. When you explore luxury iron doors, you will encounter many specialized terms related to style, glass, craftsmanship, and construction. This guide explains those terms clearly so you can make confident decisions when choosing or designing your next custom wrought iron door. According to the National Association of Realtors, even a simple front door refresh can help a home stand out and support higher resale value, which makes understanding these design details even more important.
At Monarch Custom Doors, our twenty years of experience in hand forged craftsmanship has shown us that informed clients make the best design decisions. This guide provides clear definitions and real world insights so you can confidently design, compare, or specify your next luxury wrought iron door.
An arch top door features a curved upper frame. An eyebrow arch has a gentle, flatter curve, while a full arch forms a complete half circle. These styles are common in Mediterranean and Tuscan inspired homes.
Two doors that meet in the center. They bring grandeur, wider access, and luxury appeal. Search terms like French double wrought iron doors are popular among upscale buyers.
One operable door panel mounted on hinges. Ideal for standard size openings or homeowners who want elegance with a smaller footprint.
Decorative flowing iron patterns forged by hand. Every scroll varies slightly, which is what makes custom iron doors unique.
Circular or floral forged accents often added where scrollwork intersects to create depth.
A soft curve across the upper frame. It sits between an eyebrow arch and a full arch in terms of curve height.
A soft curve across the upper frame. It sits between an eyebrow arch and a full arch in terms of curve height.
A protective plate at the bottom of the door that prevents scuffing and wear.
A vertical strip mounted on one leaf of double doors. It closes the gap between the two doors and can house flush bolts for added security.
Any individual framed section of glass within a door.
Iron that is heated and shaped by master blacksmiths using hammers and anvils. This method creates stronger, more detailed, and more unique doors than machine formed iron.
A door built to precise client requirements including size, thickness, scroll pattern, finish, and glass type.
A durable protective coating applied with electrostatic methods and baked onto the metal for weather resistance.
A hand applied finish that creates an aged, multi tone, artistic surface. Patinas add depth and luxury to the iron.
Raised or carved decorative panels used for symbolism or artful detailing. Common in church, castle, and theater style doors.
Iron intentionally textured with hammer strikes for artisanal character.
Vertical iron bars that are twisted during forging to add dimension and movement to scrollwork.
Decorative iron strips applied across the design to enhance style or reinforce sections.
A measurement of iron thickness. Lower numbers indicate thicker, stronger metal. Twelve gauge is standard for luxury iron doors.
An insulated barrier inside the metal frame that prevents outdoor temperatures from transferring indoors.
Glass with angled edges that refract light and create an elegant shimmering effect.
Glass with patterns such as rain, hammered, or granite for privacy while still allowing natural light.
Etched or sandblasted to create a soft, semi opaque surface
Two or more panes separated by sealed spacers. This improves insulation, reduces condensation, and boosts energy performance.
Standard transparent glass without tint.
Ultra clear glass with reduced green tint. Popular in modern or contemporary iron doors.
Heat strengthened glass that breaks into small rounded pieces for safety.
Glass engineered to withstand strong forces. Required in hurricane zones and coastal areas.
A panel above the door, often glass or ironwork. It can be arched or flat depending on the design.
Vertical glass panels placed on either side of a door to increase natural light.
A vertical or horizontal divider that separates sections of glass.
A door that rotates on pivot hardware rather than standard side hinges. This allows smooth movement for oversized iron doors.
A decorative or protective iron pattern installed over the glass.
The iron frame surrounding and supporting the door.
The bottom part of the frame where the door closes. It helps seal out air and moisture.
A raised threshold designed for strong water resistance.
Rubber or foam strips that improve insulation, prevent drafts, and stop moisture.
The material applied around door edges to block air gaps and improve efficiency.
A horizontal handle that is easy to grip and turn.
A heavy security bolt that locks the door securely into the jamb.
A locking mechanism with multiple locking points along the frame. Helps secure taller or wider doors.
Small sliding bolts installed on the inactive door of double door sets.
A vertical handle used to pull or push open the door.
A reinforced metal plate around the lock area for added resistance against forced entry.
A dark finish with copper or bronze undertones, often used for antique styling.
A layered finish that highlights shadows, highlights, and depth for an aged appearance.
A warm, copper toned finish for rustic or Mediterranean inspired homes.
A finish mixed specifically to match a client’s preferred color.
A corrosion resistant base coat applied before powder coating.
Insulation placed inside the iron frame for temperature and noise control.
A door built with insulated glass, weather seals, thermal breaks, and tight construction.
A combination of reinforced frames and impact ready glass designed for high wind or storm zones.
Heavy duty hinges that use bearings to allow smooth opening of weighty wrought iron doors.
Choosing a custom wrought iron door is an investment in elegance, security, and value. But without understanding the terminology, many homeowners settle for “stock” designs that don’t reflect their true vision. This glossary equips you to:
Hand-forged means each piece of iron is heated and shaped manually by skilled artisans rather than machine-pressed. This traditional blacksmithing method allows every curve, scroll, and texture to be completely unique. At Monarch Custom Doors, our hand-forged doors showcase true craftsmanship, offering unmatched strength, beauty, and individuality in every piece.
A single wrought iron door features one swinging panel, perfect for smaller or compact entryways. Double wrought iron doors, often called French doors, open from the center, creating a grand symmetrical entry ideal for large homes or estates. Explore our double wrought iron door collection to see examples of classic and modern designs.
A transom is the horizontal glass or iron panel above a door that adds natural light and architectural height. When paired with custom scrollwork, transoms can dramatically elevate curb appeal. Many of our wrought iron entry doors feature transoms and sidelights to bring elegance and brightness to the home’s entrance.
A patina finish is an applied treatment that gives iron an aged, artistic appearance with tones of bronze, copper, or antique black. At Monarch, our hand-applied patinas are sealed for long-term durability, enhancing both the color depth and luxury feel of every door.
At Monarch Custom Doors, we believe every detail matters, from the scrollwork design to the finish on the iron. This glossary is more than just definitions; it’s a reflection of the craftsmanship, artistry, and passion we bring to every project. Whether you’re an architect designing a luxury residence, a builder installing a custom entry, or a homeowner searching for the perfect door, understanding these terms is the first step toward creating an entrance that truly tells your story.
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