Skip to main content

How to choose the right paint color for your front door

When you’re driving along the road, what is it about a house that draws your gaze? Usually, it’s not just one aspect. Rather, you’re struck by the general curb appeal — the gorgeous landscaping, window shutters, facade color, and front door that tell you so much about the home. From a cursory glance, you can tell if it’s rustic and youthful or modern and sophisticated. That being said, is your home’s exterior bold enough to draw the eye of passersby?

If you’re looking to upgrade your home’s facade, start with repainting your front door. Whether it’s understated or bold, your front door’s color gives viewers a sense of your style and personality. Picking the color is always difficult. With so many shades and finishes to choose from, it can feel overwhelming. To get you started, take a look at some of these trending front door ideas that can help you express your style.

Recommended Videos

Consider a black front door

Black is a subversive option, adding tons of drama and interest to your facade. It’s an incredibly versatile color and can work well with various home styles, be it rustic, traditional, or modern. A black door is especially interesting when paired with a light exterior like white brick or gray paneling, but if you’re looking for a more contemporary look, be bold and couple it with a red facade.

Think about classic navy blue

When sophistication is the name of the game, navy blue is always a top choice. It’s neutral enough to fit well with a traditional design but can also be paired with bold colors for a more modern look. This is also one of the best ways to incorporate color without going overboard. While neutrals like white, cream, and gray are classic and will never go out of style, navy blue adds a pop of color without clashing with any existing decor.

Light blue door in stone building
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Light blue front doors provide a carefree vibe

To craft a bohemian-inspired home, light blue is our pick. You can go bright and airy, pairing in with a classic exterior in a warm cream or a crisp white. Alternately, you can make it more eclectic and lively by incorporating hues of yellow, orange, and green into the window shutters and landscaping. While often featured on farmhouses, cottages, and other rural homes, this hue is perfect for the urban setting as well, differentiating your entrance from the others in the row.

Keep it classic with crisp white

Nothing shouts “tradition” like a clean, crisp, white entrance to your house. There’s just a sense of timeless elegance when paired with red brick or an otherwise moody, dark exterior. It also goes well with a newer, modern farmhouse look, especially with a facade accented with black trimmings.

If you opt for a white door, give yourself permission to be a little bolder with the landscaping. Pick plants in a variety of heights, petal sizes, and colors, and have fun with the ground cover and shrubbery. The white will just make these colors and textures pop even more.

Let your front door be gray

Gray is a softer alternative to white, bringing in a bright, clean touch without being too stark. When curb appeal is the main goal, however, be wary because gray has a tendency to fade into the background. Be sure to incorporate a wreath, brightly colored flowers, lights, and other eye-catching decorations to keep your exterior interesting and full of character.

Don’t use a color at all

Perhaps one of the more interesting kinds of front door is one that doesn’t have a paint color at all. Instead, allow the wood’s natural beauty to do its magic. Many traditional homes look stunning with a stained wooden entrance, as this style certainly lends itself more toward rustic farmhouses and traditional cottages. That being said, it can also be a unique way to soften up the colder exterior of modern homes.

People outside front door at Christmas
Image used with permission by copyright holder

A few other color considerations

In addition to the color of paint (or wood stain) you choose, unleash your creativity and include other design elements to enhance the overall aesthetic of your home’s entrance. While the front door can be a statement feature, curb appeal is more than a single detail. Consider adding seasonal decor, exterior lighting, flower beds, and a cobblestone walkway to enhance the overall appearance. Whatever you decide, make sure that you incorporate your own unique flair so that your home reflects your particular point of view.

Will Blesch
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Will Blesch is a copywriter, content writer, and someone passionate about anything that lets him discover more about this…
What colors go with taupe? Striking ways to design your home
Looking for a versatile neutral? Use taupe and pair it with some fantastic complementary hues
Taupe wall paint with taupe chairs and a large plant

With a range of dark and light shades to choose from, taupe is a versatile color fit for sleek wall tones, soothing accents throughout the room, or simple shades on furniture. While some people avoid this neutral tone, worried that it will appear drab or dull in their spaces, knowing how to use taupe in your home design will help you best take advantage of this stunning neutral color. And whether you love this hue or not, knowing what colors go with taupe can aid you in choosing the right tones for your color palette, especially if you need a gorgeous neutral backdrop.

So, if you love taupe or are eager to incorporate it into your design, then we have a few tips for you. Below are some of the best complementary shades for taupe, as well as the most striking ways to style it in your home.
What color is taupe?

Read more
Steamer vs. iron: How to choose
Use the right tool to keep your outfits looking pristine
Iron on teal fabric

When it comes to getting your clothes wrinkle-free and looking their best, the debate between using a steamer vs. iron has been ongoing for years. Whether you've got an event coming up or you're just someone who wants to look polished for the day, knowing which tool to choose can make a big difference in your laundry routine.

Today, we're going to break down the key differences between steamers and irons, discuss how they work, and highlight their pros and cons. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which tool is best suited for your needs.
Steamer vs. iron: How do they work?

Read more
What colors go with brown? How to make this seemingly drab hue look glam in your home
Brown doesn't have to be boring. Here's how it can jazz up your space
Room with brown walls.

Brown tones have a reputation for being "boring" since these earthy hues often have a tendency to feel dull and bleak for many people. However, this is largely due to poor design execution. If used well, brown shades can enhance a room’s design and bring a new sense of vitality to a space. Brown can be a wonderful hue to add to your home if you're looking to create a luxe and vibrant environment. These rustic shades can be natural, rich, and earthy when paired with complementary colors that let this hue shine.

Unfortunately, many struggle to figure out what colors go with brown, which leads them to create spaces that feel drab, bland, or unfinished. Today, we’ll cover some of the best colors to pair with brown and how this stunning color can help revitalize your space.
What color matches well with brown?

Read more