Ready for a front door refresh but not sure where to start?
Look to these expert tips to learn how to pick the right front door colors.
Your front door is likely the first thing people see when they visit your home.
Credit: Werner Straube
“Is it a happy and welcoming yellow or a classic and sophisticated blue?
“You also need to take into consideration the color andarchitectural style of your house.
If you’re looking for a little more color, think about a deepred front dooror adark blue.
Credit: Brie Williams
Both are versatile, classic colors that act like neutrals.
That means they work with many different house colors and materials.
And if you change the color of your home, any of these neutral hues will adapt.
Credit: Kevin Miyazaki Photography
These neutral house colors can benefit afront door painted a showstopping color.
A splash of orange, yellow, or lime green makes a statement against a neutral house.
Opt for high-quality exterior-grade paints.
Credit: Kim Cornelison
The pop in of door you have determinesthe pop in of exterior paintyou need.
Water-based latex paints are best for most wood species and fiberglass.
Oil-based enamel paints prevent rust on metal doors.
Credit: Brie Williams
Use a corresponding primer and opt for a gloss or semi-gloss finish; they are the hardest-wearing.
But don’t be afraid to break the rules.
An unexpected color can enliven and update even a very traditional facade.
Credit: Brie Williams
“Draw inspiration from your landscape,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams.
Using natural colors has the bonus of making your home look like it belongs in the landscape.
Think also about what color will jibe with the other houses on your street.
Credit: Jeff Herr
Here, columns painted in pale gray offer a bit of visual interest against the creamy white facade.
Don’t Ignore the Trim
The trim around your front door is also a candidate for painting.
Its the same effect as putting a frame around artwork.
Credit: Greg Scheidemann
Remember that the color of the facade, trim, and any shutters on your house is the background.
Colors directly across from each other on the color wheel are calledcomplementary colors.
They give you the maximum contrast and drama but still look pleasing together.
If you want less contrast, look at colors adjacent to your house color on the wheel.
For a dark blue house, that would be greens and purples.
This is called an analogous color combination.
It’s arelatively simple and straightforward DIY job.
If the door is the same color on the outdoor and indoor sides, the answer is yes.
You shouldn’t paint over your door without preparing it first.
It’s best to use both tools.
