Traditional Door Decorations in Saudi Arabia

Traditional Door Decorations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are a cultural symbol reflecting Saudi Arabia's heritage. Historic houses are distinguished by the craftsmanship of their doors and windows, which feature simple decorations derived from the local environment.

The decorations on traditional doors are arranged in a structured, repetitive pattern that differentiates them from other traditional art forms.

Door and window decorations in traditional houses predominantly incorporate geometric and vegetal motifs, such as triangles, circles, squares, intersecting lines, and patterns resembling flowers, leaves, palm fronds, and grape clusters. Some of these designs have been passed down through generations.

These decorations tend to be abstract, simplifying details while blending the creativity and vision of folk artists with the limitations of available materials and tools sourced from the environment. Traditional artists have also incorporated inscriptions with historical significance into these decorations. The designs rely on lines and geometric patterns, forming aesthetic compositions that symbolize elements of the surrounding space.

Traditional doors are made from tamarisk wood due to its strength and resistance to weather conditions. Traditional artists decorate and paint these doors, which feature a 'Majra' (sliding mechanism) for opening and closing, usually positioned on the inside. To unlock the door, one inserts a hand through Al-Kuwwa, a small opening beside the door, just large enough to fit a hand. Some larger doors are made from palm trunks that have been flattened and cut into large rectangular panels, reinforced along the edges with tamarisk wood for added durability and stability.