The color of your front door says more than you might think. Before anyone notices a floor plan, the living room, or the backyard, they’re already forming an opinion at your doorstep. Is the house cheerful? Calm? Confident? A little bold?
Here, we spoke to interior designers about what popular front door colors tend to say about a house—and how to choose one that feels right for you.
RED
In classic storybooks, there always seems to be a red door. Across many cultures, a red front door symbolizes hospitality and good fortune, making it feel meaningful and inviting. It’s also one of the oldest paint colors used for entryways, which may be why it reads as timeless, rather than trendy.
“For homeowners, choosing red can feel like a bold move,” says Jennifer Cataldo, interior designer and founder of Maison Cataldo. “It creates a focal point from the street and suggests a charming, character-filled home.”
In other words, a red door doesn’t just add color—it suggests personality, tradition, and a house that's loved.
WHITE
A white door is a safe choice. It’s fresh, simple, and timeless. But while white is classic, it can also fade into the background if the rest of the exterior doesn’t carry its weight.
“A white door relies on strong architecture, landscaping, and hardware to avoid signaling a potentially generic interior,” says Cataldo. “With beautiful trim, statement lighting, or standout door hardware, a white door can feel crisp and refined.”
DARK BLUE-GREEN
If red is bold and white is safe, a deep blue-green sits somewhere in between. It’s not flashy or timid, but from the street, it can give the impression of a homeowner who pays attention to detail and is a tastemaker.
Jessica Whitley, lead designer and creative director of Jessica Whitley Studio, describes the shade as “a richly layered blue-green with a moody, mineral quality.” That balance is what gives it staying power. It also hints at a touch of luxury and sophistication in the home.
BLACK
There’s a reason black never goes out of style, and that rings true for your front door, too. It's at once bold and classic, and almost hard to go wrong with.
Designers love black for its clarity. It frames the entry, sharpens architectural details, and creates a focal point. However, you need to have the right finish to pull it off. “When done in a matte or soft satin finish, especially paired with rich hardware, it elevates curb appeal dramatically,” says Jessica Alpert, principal designer of Jessica Alpert Design.
Black also anchors lighter façades, complements brick and stone, and pairs beautifully with warm metals like brass or bronze.
NAVY
If black feels too stark, then navy strikes the perfect balance.
“It adds depth and polish without demanding too much attention," says Cataldo. “The deeper the blue, the more timeless it becomes, especially on traditional or coastal homes.” Paired with brass hardware, crisp white trim, or weathered shingles, navy is thoughtful and enduring.
Tennille Burnup, interior designer and founder of Tennille Joy Interiors, agrees. “A navy front door has a timeless appeal, and it says, ‘I am safe and grounded,’” she says.
YELLOW
If there’s one color guaranteed to make people smile, it’s yellow. Unlike deeper, moodier hues, yellow feels open and expressive. It catches the light beautifully and brings energy to the façade, whether you choose a soft butter tone or something a little sunnier.
“It is the universal color of optimism and joy,” says Burnup. “A yellow front door on a home indicates a feeling of ‘you’re welcome here.'”
Pair a yellow door with crisp white trim, natural timber, or even charcoal cladding.
PINK
Far from bubblegum, today’s warm blush tones read as sophisticated and grounded, especially when paired with natural stone, crisp white render, or aged brass hardware. “A soft pink or warm blush pink front door suggests sophistication and emotional maturity,” says Burnup.
Beyond aesthetics, the color also carries symbolism. “In feng shui, the color pink at the front door represents love and harmony entering the home,” she says.
ORANGE
Few colors radiate warmth quite like orange. We associate it with the sun, energy, and creativity. That being said, it’s a bold choice for a front door.
“I love an orange door—it signals creativity, confidence, and a homeowner who isn't afraid of personality,” says Cataldo. The key, she notes, is in the styling. “Paired with classic architecture or grounding neutrals, it looks more curated and less loud.”
The hue also matters. Consider a burnt terracotta or a softer clay-inspired shade, framed by stone or brick.
