The front door is often the first impression of your home, so choosing the right color is an important step in the exterior decorating process.
But beyond choosing a color that aligns with your style and fits your home's setting, it's worth being aware of the meaning behind your door. Likely, you've not given too much thought to this, but experts say front door colors are linked to certain emotions and can influence expectations for your home's interior, too.
We asked color psychologists, decorators, and interior designers for their take on front door color meanings, rounding up ten of the most popular shades and what they secretly mean.
Do front door colors mean anything?
The best front door colors can refresh the exterior of a home, add the most curb appeal, and might even increase a home’s value.
Bear in mind that your front door design will affect which front door paint ideas suit, as well as the period of your home and the color of paintwork visible from the street and your front porch ideas. It's also worth noting the front door colors to avoid (and why) before deciding on a hue that gives off the wrong first impression.
1. Blue
This timeless color is cool, calm and contemporary and works well in both period and modern schemes. 'A beautifully painted front door is the way to my heart,' says Irene Gunter, co-founder, Gunter & Co. 'Even though neutrals are popular for interiors, external schemes often fall flat without the gusto of a generous splash of color. My favorite front door colors are those that put a smile on your face. Blues would be my first port of call.'
Bold, impactful and elegant, blue is known to be a very calming hue. This makes it an exceptional choice for those who want to signal prosperity, quiet intelligence, and abundance. The owner of a blue front door has likely made their home a comforting haven away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Samantha Todhunter, founder, Samantha Todhunter Design shares a similar love for blue: 'Working with blue is endlessly interesting and playing with tones can change it from a vibrant jewel box to subtle and serene.'
2. Black
First impressions count and you want to look smarter, cleaner, and more inviting than your neighbors. For classic good looks, black is a winning choice for a front door color. Black is also said to be the one front door color that will add value to your property, so it is a great option if you are planning to sell.
‘A deep black front door is always in style,’ says certified color expert and interior decorator Pattie Kelly of Inspired Home Interiors. 'Black can be a natural partner to more traditional homes, and it’s a shade that will stand out, making the front door a focal point.'
Those with black front doors are thought to hold positions of power and authority. This person is also believed to be serious, sophisticated, and strong.
3. Red
With no 'one' single meaning, a red front door is perhaps the most interesting of all colors. One of the most passionate and life-enhancing colors to use, red offers a luxurious bank of positive energy. Historically, red has associations with wealth and status. In the 17th century, flashes of red dye were used on the soles of shoes worn by aristocratic courtiers to Louis XIV, while the use of a VIP red carpet goes back to Ancient Greece.
Despite being one of the most stressful colors; red was once also seen as 'welcoming'. In early American history, a red door let travelers know that they were welcome to spend the night. This may also be why red is a popular choice for many Colonial-style houses, even now.
Intresestly, in some cultures, a front door was painted to ward off evil spirits, while in Feng Shui a red door is a symbol of good luck, and represents warmth, passion, and aspiration.
Unsurprisingly, the owner of a red front door is thought to be a born entertainer, someone fearless and with leadership qualities rivaled to none. It is also a fantastic color choice for those living in colder climates.
4. Green
The color green is something of a marvel; this wonderous hue has the ability to soothe, inspire, and excite. A green front door promises to renew your connection to nature and is said to evoke feelings of balance, vibrancy, and good fortune.
Popular in Feng Shui, green is believed to invite new opportunities into your life and promote growth, balance, and kindness. In Western societies, green is the color of healing, safety, and forward-thinking. Its versatility means it pairs well with most other color palettes, so it is a safe yet confident choice – and one that we are sure your neighbors will also admire.
5. Yellow
Be inspired to decorate your front door with yellow – the most cheerful color, guaranteed to inject warmth and creativity into any space. Yellow is shining a spotlight on our home's exteriors, and it is a popular Feng Shui front door color. As one of the most uplifting colors, it is not surprising that it is having a renaissance.
From pretty primrose to zesty lemon, yellow brings warmth and sunshine to every surface it touches. ‘This cheery color imbues optimism and is perfect for bringing a sense of positivity into the exterior of your home,’ says Justyna Korczynska, senior designer at Crown.
According to Karen Haller, color psychology specialist, and best-selling author of The Little Book of Color: Yellow is known to be an incredibly soothing color, bringing stability to the homeowner, and creating a sense of restfulness and wellbeing, which is why it has suddenly surged in popularity.
Yellow is a color that people are often scared to use, but it’s a fantastic color to really lift a space and create interest. Those with yellow doors signify happiness, warmth, and reliability, too.
6. White
Put simply, a white front door will tell your neighbors that you are a clean, tidy, and organized person. A traditionalist at heart, the owner of a white door exudes confidence and sophistication. Many homeowners choose white for its timeless appeal, after all.
In the practice of Feng Shui, white also represents precision, happiness, and communication. White is a wonderfully versatile and tranquil color making it a beautiful choice for the exterior of your home.
Bear in mind that cleaning a front door is a more regular task the lighter the front door paint color.
7. Purple
'Conjuring up scenes of trailing wisteria and swathes of moorland heather, pastel purple is an elegant choice for restful spaces, especially in more rural areas,' says Pippa Blenkinsopp, content editor and stylist, Homes & Gardens. 'While vivid violets and royal purples can be seen as daring choices, their softer-toned cousin lilac lends a soothing, gentle feel to a space, and can feel like a breath of fresh air.'
Purple, historically associated with royalty and wealth, is also a spiritual color, worn by pastors and priests. Today, purple signifies creativity and tolerance.
‘Soft lilac has an inviting, friendly energy and is great for creating a relaxed entrance,’ says Francesca Wezel, founder of Francesca’s Paints. ‘Associated with sociability and open-mindedness, it helps make people feel at ease – perfect for adding curb appeal. Lilac also has a slight feminine edge, which reinforces the feeling of comfortability.’
8. Pink
A pink front door is a great way to create a warm and inviting entrance to your home. 'Those who are drawn to using pink in their homes usually pride themselves on creating a welcoming and friendly environment, and the front door is the first place to do that,' explains Tash Bradley, Head of Interior Design at Lick.
'A pink front door will invite you in with a big hug – the perfect welcome home. People will wander past a pink door and think: ‘I bet whoever lives there is warm and nurturing’ – and they’d probably be right.'
Within the category of pink paints, the options are vast. From blush pinks to deeper and darker rose tones, your choice of pink should align with existing architectural features and the style of your home.
'The shade used can vary depending on your home’s style, with brighter pinks working for more modern, eclectic homes and lighter pinks complementing a more whimsical, elegant style,' adds Ashley McCollum, color expert at Glidden.
9. Gray
If you love the calming feel of decorating with neutrals but want something a bit darker and moodier, gray is a great choice for the front door. A gray front door evokes feelings of sophistication and simplicity.
'From light to dark, warm to cool, gray is an extremely versatile neutral with the ability to create different moods,' explains Tash Bradley. 'Gray tones have a sophisticated quality and lend themselves well to timeless interiors. If you are the type of person who wants to keep things classy and simple, this is the color for you.'
Erika Woelfel, VP of Color and Creative Services at Behr suggests using Behr's Dark Ash for the front door since it has an earthy quality. 'While grays come in many shades, Dark Ash is a great choice to blend in naturally with the outdoors as the color is inspired by the forest. Gray pairs nicely with pops of color like yellows and oranges for the exterior of the home.'
10. Brown
A brown front door can create an earthy look that's understated. If you want to avoid making a colorful statement and maintain a classic look, brown is an expert-approved choice.
'Brown may not be the first color that comes to mind when deciding what color to paint your front door, however, this color should not be underestimated,' explains Tash. 'Brown has powerful grounding and earthy qualities, which makes it the perfect front door color choice for those who value comfort and nature.'
If your front door is made from wood, using a stain instead of paint is a great way to create a more natural look. 'Try using a stain like Tugboat instead of paint,' suggests Behr's Erika. 'The stain will enhance the natural character of the wood for a timeless finish. The subtle color will allow for the front door to blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings and pairs well with whites, blues, and pops of red.'
Whether you're looking to showcase your creative personality or want to reflect a calming quality across your home's exterior, the color of your front door is one of the most effective ways to do so and will set the tone and expectations for your home's interior too.
