From what I’ve been reading (and definitely seeing in my own projects), the modern farmhouse has been one of the most popular architectural styles of the past few years. Back in 2022, it really seemed to hit peak popularity—and with that came a surge in requests for front doors that matched the style.
This project is a perfect example of what many people are looking for when they envision a modern farmhouse door: clean lines, subtle character, and a nod to traditional craftsmanship.
The Staple: Two-Panel Door with Upper Glass
One of the most common and versatile choices in this style—aside from the classic Craftsman door—is a two-panel fiberglass door with a glass section above, divided into multiple panes using SDL bars.
In this case, the client opted for six simulated panes, but the number can vary depending on the size of the glass and the desired look—four, six, or even eight divisions are all possible. That’s one of the advantages of this style: it’s flexible while still staying rooted in a timeless aesthetic.
What Are SDL Bars?
SDL stands for Simulated Divided Lites. Instead of having individual glass pieces separated by muntins (like traditional wood doors from decades ago), a single pane of glass is used, and mouldings are applied to the surface to create the appearance of individual divided panes.
It’s a clever system that gives you the visual richness of divided light glass without the cost and complexity of installing multiple glass units. That said, applying SDL bars is time-consuming, and does increase the cost of the door compared to using a single, undecorated glass insert.
So while it’s more affordable than real divided lites, it’s still a bit more involved than a plain glass panel. It comes down to whether that detail is worth it for you—and for many clients, it absolutely is.
The Final Result
In this project, we combined a woodgrain-textured fiberglass door, a painted finish, and the SDL bar design to land that perfect blend of modern and rustic. The client was thrilled with how their idea translated into the final product, and I have to agree—it turned out beautifully.
Sometimes it’s the simplest design elements, like those clean SDL divisions, that add just enough depth to make the whole entryway feel complete.