How To Pick A Front Door Color

Painting your front door is one of the easiest ways to refresh your home’s exterior. Since it can be an inexpensive weekend project, some people refresh their front door annually, even seasonally! 

So, how do you pick a color? Think of a house like a face. The roof is the hair, the windows are the eyes and the front door is the mouth. Putting a saturated or cheery color on the front door can liven up your whole home, much like applying lipstick brightens up a face. 

Contrast is key. 
If you have a house with light siding, try a dark door. If you have a dark house, try a bright door. 

Use trim as a guide. 
A simple way to achieve balance is to coordinate with your trim color. Consider a punched up version of your trim — a shade lighter, darker or richer.

Choose saturated hues. 
Few people would paint their whole house, say, lime green. But the front door is great place to be a little adventurous. 

If you're not sure which color family to consider, look at what you already have. Do you have flowers or patio furniture in a certain hue? Consider repeating that color in the front door. 

Some clients tell me they're afraid of getting sick of a bold color. My solution is to look for complex colors that have some neutrals mixed in. Complex colors are inherently more balanced and soothing. To continue with our lime green example, here is a bold option and a more muted alternative (Benjamin Moore Sweet Pea 2031-30 and Pleasant Grove 552). 

Another one of my favorite pieces of advice is to steal from the sky. Next time you see a beautiful sunset or are lured outside by the light of “golden hour,” notice the colors that speak to you. Take inspiration from the sky and your home will always reflect natural beauty. 

One final tip: use the right paint sheen. Benjamin Moore’s Aura Grand Entrance is designed to be fade-proof and durable. Make sure to use the hardest, shiniest finish to ensure your front door color holds up. 

Have fun!