What face do you show the world?

That’s really the question we’re talking about when we talk about front entry doors. The front door of your home is the first thing visitors and friends see when they come by. It sets the stage for your home’s overall appearance. So if you decide to paint it, carefully consider your choice. This is not something you should do on a whim; it’s one of the most important design considerations you can make for your home’s exterior. To help you choose, we’ve created a quick quiz that will point you in the right direction.

But wait! What if the door paint color I choose goes out of style?!

We thought you might say that. But we’re going to let you in on a secret: aside from white and black, different colors go in and out of trend all the time. Just like fashion, home design has trend cycles that come and go. Regardless of what color you go for, it will have its time being on trend. What’s more important is how well it aligns with your overall style.

The Front Door Color Quiz

• A: Bohemian or unexpected: patchouli, blackcurrant, bay leaf
• B: Energetic and fresh: citrus, verbena, lemongrass
• C: Classic and welcoming: vanilla, linen, lilac
• D: Sophisticated and woodsy: sandalwood, vetiver, amber

• A: Violets, wildflowers, dried grass—you like variety and texture
• B: Sunflowers and poppies—anything bright
• C: Roses—elegant and timeless
• D: Orchids, lilies, gardenia—anything white

• A: Bohemian and eclectic
• B: Bright and cheerful
• C: Traditional and timeless
• D: Minimalist and tonal

• A: Vintage posters and flea market finds
• B: Abstract and colorful
• C: Old school: think landscapes, oil paintings, still lifes
• D: Black and white photography and typography

What feeling do you want your home to project for you and your visitors?

• A: Intrigue
• B: Energy
• C: Comfort
• D: Peace

Mostly A’s: Unconventional

If your overall style is bohemian, eclectic, and offbeat, then embracing an unusual front door color will work great for you. So let your imagination run wild and go for whimsical lilac or turquoise. Orange, periwinkle blue, and bubblegum pink are also good options for you! Think about the overall color scheme of your home’s exterior and choose a color that coordinates or contrasts. Live in a Victorian with dove-gray paint? Another cool color like purple will add interest without clashing.

Mostly B’s: Bright!

If your home is already chock-full of crayon-bright hues, then go for a vibrant front door. Cerulean blue, fire-engine red, or dandelion yellow are great options. Just make sure the color you choose aligns well with any other accent colors on the exterior of your home—pairing too many bright colors together without a neutral counterbalance can overwhelm the eye. Very bright colors go well with pure white or slate gray.

Mostly C’s: Traditional

You know what they say: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If your overall style leans traditional or classic, then a black or dark red front door will work for you. You could do something slightly more unusual but still in a classic vein like navy or olive green.

Mostly D’s: Neutral

Some people would rather not have too many saturated colors, preferring neutrals for their peaceful, comforting qualities. But that doesn’t mean your front door has to be boring. Subdued colors like slate gray, off-white, or soft beige are perfect for you. You could also choose to leave the wood exposed and use a clear finish, since most wood species pair beautifully with monochromatic color schemes.

Remember, your front door is the face you show the world, so make sure it feels like you. We have an entire collection of solid wood entry doors, all of which can be ordered with white primer, ready for painting!