Anyone who appreciates a cute front door knows what a great first impression a beautiful color makes. That’s why selecting the perfect color to don your door can be a big task—but thankfully, we have some expert help.
“A front door can be used to tell your color story to your guests before they even enter your home,” Emily Kantz, the color marketing manager for Sherwin-Williams, shared. “Have fun with it and try to go for something that feels like you.”
Deep Charcoal

Sophisticated and mysterious yet cool and classic, Kantz says this charcoal color is a top front door seller for the beloved paint brand.
Like other darker hues, Kantz notes that Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore is particularly great if you’re looking for something but you aren’t sure what, exactly.
“I would recommend homeowners who are unsure of how to spruce up their front door to start here,” she says.
Iron Ore looks especially great on a white house, which Kantz calls both classic and trendy—especially when shutters, windows, and garage doors follow suit.
Mid-Tone Green

If you’re hoping to go with a bold choice that’s sure to make your landscape pop, Kantz advises a mid-tone green shade, like Sherwin Williams Kale Green. Its cool blue undertones make it a versatile pick that works for a wide array of styles.
Kantz says if she had to pick one, she’d pair Kale Green with a modern contemporary home. This hue, in particular, works well with clean lines, dark trim, and simple exteriors.
“This color would pair nicely with white, black, gray, and cooler muted neutrals,” says Kantz.
In addition to these factors, Kantz says Kale Green also calls for careful geographical consideration. This shade has a deeper Light Reflective Value, so she suggests keeping it out of severe direct sunlight.
Classic Navy

In terms of classic color choices, you can truly never go wrong with a deep navy front door. This is especially true when you pair your shutters, too. Kantz says this creates a similar effect as a black door, but with a timeless twist.
Coral Is the New Red

If you truly want to make a statement, Kantz says coral is a new interpretation of classic red that’s both joyful and youthful. One great thing about playing with your front door color, in particular, is that it’s a fairly small surface to paint.
“While experimenting with an entire room on all four walls can be challenging and not worth the risk to repaint, it’s not the case here—so I say go for it,” Kantz says.
She particularly loves Sherwin-Williams Ravishing Coral with an all-white house, or alongside a blue exterior for a contrasting look.
4 Expert Tips for Choosing a Front Door Color
From reliable classics to bold yet versatile hues, it’s challenging to settle on a front door color. However, Kantz gives us a few pointers for selecting the perfect shade.
- A great way to start is to check with your HOA, if applicable, for any rules or restrictions.
- Once that hurdle is cleared, Kantz suggests looking at your house as a whole and assessing your existing colors.
- Then, determine how things like your window frames, shutters, and garage door would look with potential front door options.
- If you’re starting from scratch, Kantz says you have some room to play. Ask yourself what kind of personality you want your home to have.