How to Pick a Front Door Colour

Even though it’s the first thing people see, we often forget to give our front door the attention it deserves when decorating. Yet changing the look of your front door with a fresh lick of paint is one of the cheapest and simplest ways to make a statement. And with plenty of front door colour ideas to choose from, it’s easy to get inspired.  

Read on for our complete guide to front door décor ideas.  

Follow this step-by-step guide from expert decorator Marianne Shillingford to learn what to consider when choosing a colour for your front door.  

1. A front door is your home’s first impression, so it can say as much about the style and personality of your house as the people who live there. Before choosing a colour, think about how you want that first impression to feel. Traditional homes always suit colours that reflect the period in which they where built.  Colours like smoky heritage greens, dark maroon and black never look out of place but older homes have a lot of stories to tell when it comes to different styles of living and occupants so they easily adapt to new colours. For a modern home you might consider subtle tinted greys, classic black or rich midnight blue that tell of modern style-conscious occupants. Whichever type of house you live in, focus on the feeling you want when you arrive at your front door. If it’s a welcoming vibe, try uplifting yellows, warm coral shades or vibrant teals.  If you prefer a more calm and peaceful feeling try warm greys, muted blues and greens
   
   
2. When choosing your front door colour you could also consider how long the colour is going to appeal, especially if you are planning to sell up and move on.  Too much of your own personality as a first impression of your house can put off buyers who want to imagine themselves living there.  If you want to have a colour that endures, choose a true classic.  Choose cool neutrals that work with all other colours and materials, like charcoal, soft grey and simple elegant black.
   
   
3. No one likes anything that is high maintenance, especially when it comes to a front door and different colours show wear and tear differently. Lighter shades tend to show scuffs, fingerprints, and dirt more quickly so whites, creams, and very pale greys might need touch-ups more regularly. All greens hide a multitude of sins when it comes to marks and scuffs and all darker colours, especially charcoal greys and black are great for masking most minor imperfections.
   
   
4. Aim for colour harmony with your whole exterior so the front door doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb. Your front door should complement your home’s existing materials. Red brick homes pair well with all blues and greens plus cool neutrals like grey and black. For natural stone buildings most colours work, especially muted organic shades of green and rich reds.  Concrete and white painted render lend themselves to sleek dark and tinted greys.
   
   
5. Test before committing. The final and perhaps most crucial step is to test your colour choices. Natural light affects how colours appear, so buy samples of your top choices and paint onto pieces of cardboard or bits of timber that you can live with for a while before deciding. View these samples at different times of day – morning, midday, and evening – to ensure you’ll love the colour in all lighting conditions.

Discover our top modern front door colours to transform your home's exterior, from elegant hues to welcoming brights and calming pastels.

Rich shades are a great way to change the look of your front door, no matter the style you’re opting for. Bold primary colours like Oxford Blue or Cranberry Crunch work well for period homes, giving an elegant feel while being sympathetic to the house’s style. 

Contemporary homes suit cool neutrals like Gallant Grey – choose a mid-sheen finish for a modern and sophisticated look. Warm neutrals like Celtic Cream are an elegant and stylish choice for front doors, whether you have a contemporary or traditional home. Plus, these colours match most shades of brick. 

Painting your front door in an eye-catching shade is a quick and easy way to improve your home’s appearance. 

Warm shades of yellow and orange conjure feelings of hope, positivity and joy, so it’s no wonder that yellow doors are a popular choice. For a cheerful look, decorate your front door in a bright shade of yellow, like Lemon Pie.

Terracotta hues like Tuscan Terracotta feel warm and inviting to visitors. For a touch of class, consider adding some gold accents to your yellow door, such as a matching letterbox and door knocker. 

Find more bold colour inspiration in our guide to attention-grabbing front door ideas. 

If you want to promote calmness, restful blue and green front door colours in pastel hues – such as Green Glade and Blue view – are good options. Perfect for both contemporary and period properties, pastel shades will help your door stand out without looking too bold. For a romantic feel, paint your door in a pastel pink shade like Pink Parchment, and consider planting some flowers in pastel colours around your door to complete the fairytale look. 

For a refreshing new entrance, consider these green front door colours.  

Overtly Olive brings a soft, muted green that is sophisticated yet calming. Meanwhile, Spring Meadow offers a lighter, fresher look, creating a welcoming atmosphere without being too bold. For a darker, earthy green that makes a statement and creates an inviting entrance, try Bamboo Stem.  

Grey front doors are far from boring. Available in a wide range of shades, they offer a versatile, neutral alternative to traditional black or white doors.  

Coastal Grey brings a touch of tranquillity to your front door, making it an excellent choice for homes with a coastal aesthetic.  For a softer, more neutral approach, Goose Down complements various exterior colours and styles.  

Meanwhile, Pebble Shore's light, warm grey is inviting and cosy, working well with both contemporary and classic designs. Alternatively, try Javelin for a darker, more dramatic grey that makes a bold statement.

Explore these front door décor ideas to add the finishing touches to your paintwork.

Whatever colour you settle on for your door, complete the look with a seamless colour combination. Paint your porch or front doorstep in a crisp neutral shade for a smart contrast, such as Jasmine White or Sandstone from the Dulux Weathershield masonry range. 

As you begin your front door makeover, be mindful that the décor you opt for will leave just as much of an impression as your new front door colour.  

Transform your entryway with a hanging flower basket or attractive wall lamps. For homes with large porches, why not consider a cosy seating area? Even something as simple as a new doormat can give your home’s exterior a much-needed refresh. 

Painting your uPVC front door is an excellent way to enhance your home’s kerb appeal. Dulux Weathershield Multi-Surface can be applied directly to uPVC without a primer. With the right preparation and paint, you can achieve a smooth, durable finish that revitalises your door.  

Learn more about painting uPVC doors and windows in our guide.          

Protect your home exterior from the elements and keep it looking beautiful for longer with Dulux Weathershield. Our weatherproof exterior paint comes in a range of finishes and colours. What’s more, it can be mixed with any shade in the Dulux range, so you can personalise the outside of your home just as you would the inside. 

For more front door colour inspiration, take a look at these attention-grabbing front door ideas.