You only get one chance to make a first impression. 

Choosing the right front door color can make or break your home's curb appeal. It's one of the first things people notice about your house, and it sets the tone for your entire property. Not to be dramatic, but the color you choose is one of the most influential design choices you’ll ever make. So here’s how to choose a color. 

Consider Your Home's Style

The architectural style of your home should influence your door color. Here are some basic guidelines: 

• Traditional Homes: Classic colors like navy, hunter green, or deep red often work well. 

• Modern Homes: Neutrals like white or gray work for modern homes. So does a natural wood finish, for warmth and contrast. 

• Cottage or Country Homes: Soft pastels or earthy tones can complement the cozy, welcoming feel.

Think About the Surroundings

The siding, roof, and trim should factor into your decision, too. It’s best for your front door color to coordinate with these elements. And don’t forget the natural surroundings and landscape. If you live in a desert with lots of warm tones, then a green or blue door could provide welcome contrast.  

Reflect Your Personality

In a way, your front door is the face you show the world. It’s therefore the perfect canvas for self-expression! So if you love vibrant colors, don't be afraid to choose a bold hue. And if you’re all-in on neutrals, let your beige flag fly. 

Use Color Psychology

Colors can evoke different emotions and feelings. Here are some common associations: 

• Red: Energy, authority, and power. 

• Blue: Calm, trust, and stability. 

• Green: Nature, growth, and harmony. 

• Yellow: Happiness, warmth, and positivity. 

Test Before You Commit

Before making a final decision, test a few colors. Paint large swatches on your door and observe them at different times of the day to see how they look in various lighting conditions. This will help you understand how the color changes with the light and ensure you are happy with your choice. 

Consider the Front Door Material

The material of your front door can also influence your color choice. For example, wood doors can be stained to show off their natural beauty, or painted. Metal and fiberglass doors can also be painted. 

Be Careful with Black Paint

While black doors can look sleek and sophisticated, they come with some significant drawbacks. Black paint absorbs a lot of light, which can cause the door to heat up quickly, especially if it's in direct sunlight. This leads to warping, cracking, and fading of the color over time. 

If your door faces South or West, or gets a great deal of peak sun, you'll want to build a bigger overhang to keep it in the shade. If this isn't possible, then we advise against black paint or other extremely dark colored finishes. This is even more important if you live somewhere warm, like Arizona, Texas, or Southern California. When temperatures outside are in the 80s, your door’s surface temp can top 160 degrees Fahrenheit! 

Don't Forget the Hardware

The color of your door hardware (knobs, knockers, and hinges) should also complement your door color. For instance, a bright red door might look stunning with brass hardware. After you paint or stain your door, you might need to update your hardware, too.

Historical and Cultural Significance

In some cultures and historical contexts, certain colors have specific meanings. For example, a red door can symbolize good luck and welcome in Chinese culture. And in a historic neighborhood, you might want to avoid, say, neon green, or else your house will look out of place—but not in a cool way.  

Maintenance and Durability

Dark colors may show dirt and wear more easily, and if you have dogs or little ones, a pure white door is probably...a disaster. Some wood finishes like oil stains can be touched up relatively easily, while repainting is a bigger project. But as soon as your finish starts to look worn, take care of it. Neglecting the wood finish will only make it worse.  

Take our Front Door Color Quiz for a color recommendation based on your style!