The Top 9 Front Door Paint Colours
Did you know that painting your front door is one of the BEST ways to add curb appeal to your home? And in ONE AFTERNOON, you can take a ho-hum door and turn it into something that gets your neighbors talking – for less than a hundred dollars!
However, with thousands of colors, it can be hard to figure out which colour is best. That’s why you have me (insert happy face here). You can hire me via my E-design to give you the TOP 3-4 colors for YOUR front door, or you can check out these fab options below…
1. Best Front Door Color – Burgundy or Red
Burgundy is a great choice if you want visual interest without committing to the intensity of a real vivacious red. Brick red is a slightly more modern take on burgundy, with red coming in as the colour with the most vibrant personality!
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
- Check out Benjamin Moore’s Sundried Tomato. It’s close to being red but has enough of a burgundy/grounded base to keep it calm and collected.
- Another fave is Benjamin Moore Dinner Party, more of a rich, dense red.
- Benjamin Moore New London Burgundy is a more typical burgundy than those with stronger brown, purple, or orange undertones.
If you’re looking for a more ravishing red (check out my profile photo – wink wink), these next colors should get you on the right path. Keep in mind, while red is one of the most popular choices, it isn’t always the smartest one. Your home has to suit red (or a tweaked version of it); otherwise, it will look out of place.
I gave my E-Design client (above) four beautiful front door options, and Sherwin Wiliams Chinese Red was the winner.
- Benjamin Moore Caliente is a gorgeous, sumptuous red, one of my faves for real personality.
- For a red with a bit more RED, check out Sherwin Williams Poinsettia. It’s not quite primary red, but it’ll give that impression.
BTW, 99.9% of the photos on my blog are from my E-Design clients; thank you for sending them in; you guys rock!
2. Best Front Door Colour – Navy Blue
Navy blue is a wicked choice for a front door. Blue can be rich and classic or fun and fresh, but it’s the more traditional navy blue paint colors that are a hit with today’s homeowners.
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
- Sherwin Williams Naval is a handsome fellow and the perfect complement to almost any siding. Naval sits on the slightly cooler end of the blue scale (compared to some navies with a smidge of green in them).
- Sherwin Williams Cyberspace is a dark navy with a decent gray undercurrent.
- Benjamin Moore Newburyport Blue has a bit more gray and appears slightly ‘softer’ than Naval.
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. Oh haaaale yes! It’s hard to go wrong with the classic look of Hale Navy.
And while there are about half a dozen more navy blues that I could rattle off the top of my head, those are a few of my FAVES.
3. Best Front Door Color – Teal / Blue Green
Whether looking for a farmhouse or a beachy look, there is nothing like a fresh, modern teal paint colour for your front door! Teal is a mixture of blue and green – and not always an even mixture. Some teals lean more on the blue side, while others lean more green.
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
Today’s popular teals also have gray in them, keeping them in check and not so ‘day-glo’.
- Benjamin Moore Wythe Blue is one of my fave blue-green-gray blends. Whether you prefer the lighter version, Palladian Blue, or the darker Stratton Blue, this blue-green range is a wicked choice for a front door.
- I can also be talked into the likes of Sherwin Wiliams Peacock Plume for a bit more colour.
Looking for something a bit spunkier?
- You’ll find that Benjamin Moore Mexicali Turquoise is a vibrant, lighter, brighter front door colour.
- Benjamin Moore Cool Aqua and Sherwin Williams Aquarium are teals with a bit more spazip! (spazip being a super technical term).
- If you like a green-blue with a slightly vintage feel, Benjamin Moore Hazy Blue might be for you!
And, of course, the darkest of the teals – Benjamin Moore Yorktowne Green. Not for the faint of heart, Yorktowne Green is a gorgeous blend that’s flexible and easy to live with. It would look stunning in a woodsy environment with cedar siding.
The Best Blue Green Paint Colours for Your Front Door
4. Best Front Door Color – Green
There’s something about a solid dark green that seems to work on a LOT of homes.
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
The above front door is Sherwin Williams Night Owl. Another beauty is Benjamin Moore Mohegan Sage or Sherwin Williams Rockbottom for a stronger, striking look.
This next home was oooookay with its blue front door…
But I knew the siding colour (Benjamin Moore Dragon’s Breath) would be WAY better suited to a lil’ chartreuse, which also satisfied the owner’s desire for something a little OUTSIDE the box!
Benjamin Moore Chartreuse was the PERFECT choice to take things up a notch!
Let’s take a quick break to talk about paint samples…
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Visit the SAMPLIZE website HERE
5. Best Front Door Color – Black
Black is bold and is a great way to make a statement on a large or small home. It looks especially fabulous when paired with a crisp white trim.
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
And while black is a classic in the fashion world, it isn’t a ‘sure’ thing on a front door. Some homes look too intimidating with a black door – particularly ones that don’t have enough natural light around them.
- Benjamin Moore Black 2132-10. Yup, just black – clearly, a rocket scientist named it.
- Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black and Iron Ore are beautiful black choices. Tricorn Black is bolder and more striking, whereas Iron Ore is slightly softer.
Black doesn’t always suit homes with river rock or ledge stone detail or front doors that are under the heavy shadow
6. Best Front Door Paint Color – Gray & Charcoal
Gray and charcoal are a hit with homeowners these days and, with their varying undertones, suit a HUGE variety of homes.
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
- I have MAD love for Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray, a slightly warmer, deep charcoal. See how it jibes with the black trim and the river rock feature wall in the above photo.
- For a softer look, check out Sherwin Williams Dovetail, the slightly lighter version of Gauntlet Gray.
- You can also check out Benjamin Moore Amherst Gray, a medium-dark charcoal with a MINOR green undertone. Kendall Charcoal is also a big hit for a more striking look, like the darker version of Amherst Gray.
I also love the SUPER PASSIVE approach of Benjamin Moore Gray 2121-10, shown on this next front door…
7. Best Front Door Paint Colour – Yellow & Gold
Yellow and gold can look warm and welcoming on a home. Just remember that yellow reflects much more light than most other colors, so when choosing a yellow, make sure its intensity suits your home and your personal style (in other words, err on the side of caution when choosing ‘intensity’).
The above samples are just approximations of paint colors
- Sherwin Williams Rayo de Sol is a rayo of sunshine!
- Benjamin Moore Stuart Gold is a rich and stately gold color. Not too yellow, not too orange – juuuust right!
- Sherwin Williams Classical Gold, Gambol Gold, and Bee are also beautiful, brighter choices.
8. Feeling brave for your front door?
My client Mark wanted a front door that was a little different from the rest. I threw some beauties at him, and he settled on Sherwin Williams Knockout Orange!
And while orange won’t suit MOST homes, it was the PERFECT choice for his home and the palette he decided on (see the whole project here).
This last one is just for fun, as I don’t HAVE a violet-inspired front door section yet, but this one was TOO pretty not to include.
Before the rusty red wasn’t BAD, it just wasn’t connecting enough with the stone, whereas Sherwin Williams Darkroom hit JUST the spot…
PEOPLE ALSO ASK…
WHAT’S THE BEST FRONT DOOR PAINT COLOR?
The best color for your front door is the one that suits your siding, roof, stone, brick, walkway, and surrounding landscape. There is no ‘universally best’ front door paint color.
SHOULD THE FRONT DOOR BE LIGHTER OR DARKER THAN THE HOUSE?
Most of the time, the front door is darker than the rest of the house, although there are exceptions, especially when it comes to dark gray homes.
WHAT FRONT DOOR PAINT COLOR IS BEST FOR RESALE?
As long as it PERFECTLY suits the home it’s on, blue is one of the best colors for resale.
SHOULD THE FRONT DOOR & BACK DOOR BE THE SAME COLOR?
HECK NO! While they CAN be the same color, they can also do their own things.
WHAT COLOR DOOR MAKES YOUR HOME LOOK MORE EXPENSIVE?
While it’s MORE important that your front door suits the surrounding finishes/environment, black is seen as a classic black shade for expensive-looking homes.
READ MORE
Painting the INSIDE of Your Front Door
The 12 Best Navy Blue Paint Colours for Cabinets, Feature Walls & Front Door
The 7 Best Teal & Navy Blue Paint Colours for Your Front Door
Not sure which paint colour is best for YOUR front door?
Let me help with my Online Paint Colour Consulting services!
ORIGINALLY WRITTEN IN 2021, UPDATED FOR YOU IN 2023
Love your choices of door colors
Thank you Emily!
~Kylie
I painted my front door Oxford Gray earlier this year. I was considering that color on my own, and when I saw you included it here under violets, I went for it. I couldn’t be more pleased! I love it against my log cabin logs, which are stained a medium brown with a touch of red.
Thank you, Kylie! We love our door…so do our neighbors. Couldn’t have done it without you!
Thank you Toni, you know you’re one of my faves 😉
Hi Kylie,
Love your blog, style ideas, and sense of humor. Your door color choices are beautiful but I’m confused as to what color to paint an existing storm door. Same or different color than the actual front door?
Good question Shari! I’m usually inclined to do the storm door similar to the trim on the house. Not always, but ‘usually’. It all depends on the layout of the front entryway and the finishes around it (trim/shutters)… 🙂
I’ve noticed in my neighborhood that front doors and shutters are the same color. Is that a necessity? Or should they always at least be in the same family? I just don’t know 🙁
Hi Diane! It TOTALLY depends on the house, but I would say that more often than not, they aren’t the same colour. And yes, they should ALWAYS coordinate with the main house/trim/front door, but don’t need to be the same as any of those necessarily.
We JUST painted the front door of our new house Iron Ore and it looks amazing with our yellow house (SW Banana Cream) with white trim. It makes the door pop!
Oooo, I would LOVE to see it – send some pics if you like! [email protected]
Which navy is the front door painted in the picture you used? Trying to decide between Naval and Hale Navy. House is a medium to dark gray with white trim.
Author
Hi Susan – that’s Hale Navy!
What color would you paint for my front door with a beige vinyl house with white trim and the floor on the porch is dark brown
Author
Hi Sara, thank you for the note! Unfortunately it’s not the kind of thing I can suggest off the top of my head as I’d need to see what type of beige it is (warm/gray/tan), along with your roof/landscaping/personal tastes – otherwise it’s just a shot in the dark!
If you’d like to check out my E-design, I do have an affordable front door package! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product-category/exterior-paint-palettes/
~Kylie
Can you suggest a color for a front door for a home with burgundy shutters, besides repeating the burgundy? I am thinking of purchasing this house and I really don’t want to repaint all the shutters, but would like something different.
Author
Hi Karen, when it comes to that there is a LOT more to take into consideration, like the siding/brick/stone/roof and exposure. I’m sorry I can’t just ballpark something for you. You are welcome to check out my e-design, a front door consultation is $45…sorry I can’t help, but I’d be shooting in the dark! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
When the house is light gray and trim is dark gray ( siding) What color front door will look good dark gray?Or will it be to much gray?
Author
Hi Molly! There’s a few other things to consider when picking a front odor, like landscaping, roofing and any stone/brick/etc… Off the top of my head it sounds like too much gray to me, without anything to really set things off. I do have a super affordable Front Door package in my E-design and I can come up with 3 gorgeous options for you!https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/product/front-door-colour/
~Kylie
Great article Kylie! I own a small business specializing in Wrought Iron & Decorative Glass Door Inserts for front doors, and so many clients ask my opinion for a bold new colour! Very insightful, and I love all your choices (I have guided many of my clients to these colours already)
Hello! I specifically love the naval blue color! Just wondering your thoughts… What would you paint the inside side of the front door? The same or a completely different color? I’d love to know! Thanks in advance!
Author
Hi Carly! You can do either, but i DO lean toward different colours, because often what is the best accent for an exterior, can shift for an interior! That being said, both the inside and outside of my front door are black 😉
~Kylie
Love your article(s)!
Advice on new front door color? Our exterior is Malibu Beige with white trim and we’re about to get a white carriage garage door. Looking for something that pops more than our current door and shutters, which is Kelly Moore’s ‘Turtle Bay’? Was thinking Red, Black or Blue…..
Thanks in advance
Author
Hi! With personal questions, I do need to refer to my E-design! I try to give away as much info as i can on my site and if that doesn’t help, it might be time for me to take a look! You can check out my affordable packages here 😉 https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
Kylie, we have a light yellow house with white trim, and black shutters. What door color do you suggest? I am leaning toward Benjamin Moore Pumpkin Pie, or perhaps a gray shade. What are your thoughts.
Author
Hi Corrie, thank you for asking! I actually have an e-design business just for questions like yours – otherwise, I’m guessing as to what your home REALLY looks like – the type of yellow/roof/landscaping. I do try to give as much complimentary, helpful info on my blog as possible, and if that doesn’t work, it just might be time for me to take a look! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Thanks for the ideas! I’m sending your link on to many who’ve asked me for door colour ideas. Also, you are the most patient person on the planet. I can’t believe all the questions you get for free door colour advice, and you always respond so sweetly! Your services are worth every single penny so keep in doing what you’re doing!
My house is light gray with blue/gray shutters. I currently have a white painted front door that I want to paint . What color do you suggest?
Author
Hi Kara, thank you for your note! I actually have an E-design service just for this! I try to give as much complimentary as I can on my website, but if that doesn’t work you may enjoy sending me photos and getting me to spend some time with your home! https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/online-decorating-design-services/
~Kylie
Hi Kylie,
Dueling between burgundy and gray and blue front door colors.
We have a red Chicago brick and white siding. Goal is to present the house for sale and improve curb appeal.
Interior will be in Gray scale – Benjamin Moore – Coventry Gray and Metropolitan.
What would you suggest for front door in my case?
My brother wanted to do some home improvements to his tropical house before we moved in for a vacation. I found it very helpful when you mentioned that blue-green/teal colors work well for beach houses because we wanted to renovate the place to make it feel better for vacations. I’ll be sure to bring your article up to my brother when we look for contractors to replace all our doors and windows. Thank you so much!
which color is the first picture under under navy blue (the double doors)?
Author
Hi Taylor, it was a while ago but i BELIEVE it was BM Charcoal Slate :). Although it could almost look like BM Cheating Heart in that photo!
Please add dark brown brick to your tutorial. My brick has different shades of taupe mixed in with the dominant dark brown, trim is almond. Is taupe for the door a good choice since the trim is almond?
What color is the door on #4 Green, please??? We just LOVE that color for our off-white house. Thank you!!:)
Author
Hi Katie, if it’s the close up, with the grayish shingles, that’s BM Dark Pewter 🙂
The front door of my house has been used for a long time, it is broken, I think I will replace the house with a new door. I’m quite confused about what color to choose to match my house. The exterior of my house is painted white, my wife likes pink very much, she has an opinion on pink, it feels so soft, do you think her idea is suitable for the house?
Author
Welllll, it’s less about what the wife likes and MORE about what suits the home! Not every home can handle a pink front door, it call comes down to what best suits any surrounding stone/brick, siding colour, the roof and even the landscaping! Long story short, pink doesn’t USUALLY work :).
Your article really attracted me, I will let my wife refer to your ideas. Thank you for the article, hope you will make more good articles like this in the future.
Hi Kylie! I appreciate your great article for some awesome ideas on exterior front door paint colors!!
I also wanted to mention that it looks like you’ve got a broken link at the bottom of this article. The link titled “How to Paint Your Front Door and WHY you should!” is broken, so the page at the linked URL is moved or missing:
https://www.kylieminteriors.ca/tis-the-season-how-to-paint-your-front-door/
Would love to hear what you said in that one!!
Author
Mike, THANK you for letting me know!~ Looks like it’s an OLD blog post that I’ve since deleted…
Hello Kylie
I have (between yellow, gray, brown, beige and orange tones) stone on my house (half way) the rest if a vinyl gray cedarshake panel.
I was going to use BM Charcoal Kendall paint for my front door. Once I google it I found out it was more of a slate color. The picture I have of the door, it looks blueish.
Now I don’t know which color to go with. Please help me. Thank you.