Front Door Paint Colors and how to pick one
Are you looking for fresh front door paint colors and have no idea what to choose?
I know how you feel. Our front door paint color could use an update and I’m not sure which direction to go. I’ve scoured the internet for inspiration and am sharing some of the prettiest doors on the web, along with the colors used.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. I may make a small commission on products purchased with my link, but your price does not change. For full disclosure go here: Disclosure and Policies. Thank you for supporting my site.
Front Door Paint Colors
Tips for selecting front door paint colors
- Bring what you can to the paint store to match with the swatches. For example, shingles, bricks, or anything else that won’t be changing anytime soon.
- Always look at the actual swatch against your siding, trim, roof, etc. to make sure it’s the look you’re after.
- If possible, buy a tester sample and paint some on a board and place it where the door is so you can get an idea of how it will truly look. I love to sample paint colors on these boards that are lightweight and easy to move from place to place but are large enough to tell what the color really looks like.
- Also, you can get a peel and stick sample of many paint colors here →
- Peel and Stick Paint Color Samples
- Look at the sample at various times of the day, as well as on a cloudy day and a sunny day so you’ll know exactly how it will change. Sunlight makes colors appear lighter, so be aware of that. Look at the very first photo below and you’ll see an example.
- Remember that it’s only paint and if you don’t like the color, a door is very easy to repaint!
What’s the most welcoming front door color?
Front door paint colors that are the most welcoming are bright and friendly colors like these:
- reds
- golds
- oranges and corals
- turquoise
- green
- blue
What are the most popular front door colors?
Black and red are the most popular front door colors. These are always classic, and there are various shades of both black and red to choose from.
What does the color of your front door mean?
Is your front door saying what you want it to? Make sure it represents your personality and conveys the right message about your home. Here are some popular door colors and the generally accepted meaning of them:
- Red front door – a red door always means “welcome.” A brighter red tells people that you’re exciting and vibrant, a darker red says you’re warm and inviting.
- Black front door – indicates order and control. A black front door indicates that you’re sophisticated and authoritative.
- White front door – a white front door says you’re organized, clean, simple, and serene.
- Yellow front door – are you sunny, cheerful, optimistic and extraverted? If so, (or if you want people to think that), then you might want to paint your front door yellow.
- Green front door – go green on your front door and your neighbors will think that you’re healthy, wealthy, and love nature.
- Blue front door – front doors painted in blue relay the message that you’re calm and trustworthy.
- Orange front door – you’re unique, artistic, and maybe a little quirky. And you don’t care what anyone else thinks.
- Brown front door – practical and dependable people have brown front doors.
- Purple front door – purple symbolizes new opportunities, spirituality, and being bold and adventurous.
- Gray front door – says you’re intelligent and dignified, but can also tell people that you’re stand-offish if the color isn’t right.
Should my front door and shutters be the same paint color?
Some say that shutters and front doors should be the same, and others say it doesn’t matter as long as the colors complement each other and the brick or siding. It’s really a personal choice.
What’s the best kind of paint to use on my front door?
You definitely want to use an exterior paint on your front door. A high quality acrylic paint will be able to expand and contract with changing temperatures and should last for years.
Which paint sheen should I use on my front door?
On any surface that might need washing or wiping down, you should always use some type of gloss. If the door is new and doesn’t have any flaws, a high gloss will give it a high end look.
For an older door that’s not as smooth or perfect, a semi-gloss or satin finish would be preferable.
Guide to Paint Gloss
Learn all about paint gloss levels and where to use each one here: Ultimate paint Sheen Guide Printables
How often should I paint my front door?
The amount of weather that your front door is exposed to will be the biggest factor in determining how often it needs to be painted. If it’s underneath an awning or roof, the paint could last for 15 to 20 years.
If it gets full afternoon sun exposure or gets rained on then you’ll need to paint it more often. As soon as you start to see cracking or fading, it’s time to repaint.
Can I put a clear finish on my wood front door?
Some wooden front doors with beautiful details deserve to be seen and can be coated with clear finishes. These must be made to withstand the elements and block harmful ultraviolet rays.
Not all exterior clear finishes are created equal. And this one that’s made for boats should hold up for several years without having to reapply it: Varnish for Exterior Wood
Should I paint the inside of my front door the same paint color as the outside?
You could, but it’s not necessary at all. Any paint color you want to use is perfectly acceptable for the inside of your front door. And here are a few ideas:
Want to see more interior door paint color ideas? Visit this post that I wrote about it: 22 Gorgeous Interior Door Paint Colors
Front Door Paint Colors
For all of the photos, I’ve researched the original source as much as humanly possible, and listed either the actual color or the one that matches the closest on my Benjamin Moore color decks.
I’ve tried to represent all colors, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for, keep scrolling. They’re grouped together by color. Let me know which one is your favorite!
NOTE: Keep in mind that all colors will vary on each computer screen, and the lighting and surrounding colors make a HUGE difference on how a color will appear. I can’t tell you how many times a client has looked at a swatch after seeing it online or in a magazine and said that it looks nothing like the online image or magazine photo.
Blue Front Door Colors
Benjamin Moore Breath of Fresh Air Front Door Paint Color
The classic lines on this front door look stunning painted with Breath of Fresh Air. And the green boxwood bushes perfectly complement the scene.
Sea Life Front Door
A door painted with gray paint is neutral and will go with planters and plants alike. This front door is painted with Sea Life from Benjamin Moore and complements to terracotta pots and lilac bushes nicely.
Red Front Door Paint Colors
Benjamin Moore Caliente Front Door
Red front doors are always attention grabbing and scream welcome to your guests. This glass paneled front door is painted with Benjamin Moore Caliente. The siding is painted with Nimbus Gray, also from Benjamin Moore.
Benjamin Moore Pomegranate
You just can’t go wrong with a red front door. It’s a timeless color that never goes out of style.
Try a peel and stick sample of this one here Benjamin Moore Pomegranate Sample
Orange Front Door Colors
Coral Spice Front Door
Reminiscent of a found piece of coral, this front door painted with Benjamin Moore Coral Spice is colorful and welcoming.
A peel and stick sample is available here: Benjamin Moore Coral Spice Peel and Stick Paint Sample
Yellow and Gold Front Door Paint Colors
Stuart Gold Front Door
Nothing gives a house old-fashioned charm like a yellow front door. This one painted with Benjamin Moore Stuart Gold is so nice with all the glass panels. Trim: Chantilly Lace, Siding: Weston Flax
Green Front Door Paint Colors
Herb Garden Front Door Paint Color
Benjamin Moore Herb Garden is a classic green and truly is the color of an herb garden. Samples are available here Benjamin Moore Herb Garden Sample.
Benjamin Moore Green Meadows Front Door Paint Color
A green front door is always a welcome sight, and this one painted with Benjamin Moore Green Meadows is especially pretty with the matching shutters and stair rails. Siding: Maritime White
Tree Moss from Benjamin Moore
If softer, muted colors appeal to you then you might want to consider painting your front door with Tree Moss from Benjamin Moore. When paired with the lovely blue ceilings on this home, it has a spring garden feeling.
Ceiling: Benjamin Moore Harbor Haze, Siding: Benjamin Moore White Diamond
Black Front Door Paint Colors
There’s nothing more classic that a front door painted with a classic black paint color. It’s timeless and elegant. Here are some gorgeous examples.
Jet Black Front Door Paint Color
This traditional home looks classy and stylish with the Jet Black front door. Siding: Coventry Gray, Trim: Cloud Cover
Mopboard Black Front Door Paint Color
Here’s another classic black front door from the Benjamin Moore Williamsburg Paint Color Collection. This one is called Mopboard Black and looks great on the stunning door.
I hope you’ve found some inspiration for your front door here. These are just a few of literally thousands of colors to choose from. The sky’s the limit on what you could do.
Should the front door be the same color as your decorative shutters?
I'm in love with the Tequila Lime; that's where I'm taking my Herb Garden Green next. However, in a couple of years I'll be switching to the most beautiful color I've found on this post . . . Gentle Violet. It is soooo pretty. Thank you for this collection and the information!
Hi Angie, what do you think of a yellow door with harbor blue siding with white trim?
I love all the doors Angie. I particularly like the yellow doors against the gray siding.
Hey Kathy! I really like that combination too. I love the orange and green doors, but I don't think I've got the guts to do either of those in our very traditional neighborhood. Thanks for dropping by. I hope you're doing great. ~ Angie
I love this post, Angie! I am something of a front door snob — Just ask my husband if I don't comment on everyone's (mostly wrong) choice of front door colors! Houses could really improve their curb appeal with just the right color door. Ours was forest green when we moved in. I wanted it red. The first red I picked was so wrong – it looked like hot pink! I thought we would be fined for having an ugly door! I repainted it the very next day with BM's Heritage Red. I love it!
Thanks, Amy! Our front door is red as well…at least for now. Heritage Red is a great red. Good choice! Thanks for dropping by. ~ Angie