What Color Would Look Good on Our Door?

by CS

+85

Answered

We are having some work done to the outside of our house and we decided that painting the front door would definitely help with the curb appe. It's currently a dark brown. I hate it! It's just too dark! We have brown and white trim everywhere with the brown brick and are having the siding redone in pebblestone clay. What color door would complement this? Please help end our debate. My partner wants a dark blue. But I want something more vibrant to lighten the area. Also the storm for is rather worn looking close up. Can we paint that instead of replacing it for the time being?

See, the door is to dark. You can't even see it.

Here is an image of the remainder of the front of the house. Brown brick with brown shutters.

Here is the bay window to the left of the front door.

Here is the new siding. I love it! You don't really see it from the front of the house. It's mostly on side and rear. But I still want it to complement.

Another view of the front.

63 answers

Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
Personally I would blend a color with the siding I would choose a grayish taupe for all the trim and then decide on the front door color.

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- Schwarzy on Oct 16, 2015
  @Janet Pizaro Yeah, we just purchased the house six months ago and had some fire damage to the siding in the back. That is the only reason we are replacing the siding. But for cost sake, we opted to just reuse the existing trim. It looks nice honestly. I wish I had a current picture of the one side of the house that was recently finished to show you.
  
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Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
Sorry to hear that news about the fire.The back of the house looks great.All the trim can be painted if you choose so, there is no need to replace that. Some paint works miracles. I recently repainted the back of my house over a whitewash that I got tired of. I have taupe trim that I matched with the paint thats why I said that color.Should you opt not to do the trim is no big deal,Im trying to figure out a color that would work for the front door.So my next suggestion is to research exterior paint colors in person at your local Home Improvent or paint store. I really do not like to tell hometalkers a specific color unless I know i am 100 percent confident.

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- Schwarzy on Oct 16, 2015
  @Janet Pizaro Yeah, that's just it. We can't agree on a color. I was leaning more toward a turquoise and my wonderful man was leaning towards a dark blue which I feel will do the door no justice. Seeing how the brown is on the door now make me think the dark blue will have a similar effect. If you have any suggestions, they would greatly help. Don't worry! I won't come after you if you make a recommendation and it doesn't work out. :)
  
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- Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
  @Schwarzy Hi there Please do not take any offense in my suggestions,but personally blue is not the answer.There are alot of pretty earth tones that will help the door pop so to say. Because of the brownish brick selecting the right color is very important. Please feel free to keep asking me for suggestions. I am here to advise. Ps If it is any consolation everyone goes thru this.
  
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Taf on Oct 16, 2015
Dunn Edwards and Sherwin Williams stores usually have designer's that will help you pick colors. If you have one of those stores in your area, try bringing the photos in and let them give you ideas.

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- Schwarzy on Oct 16, 2015
  @Taf Thanks. I will. But I've been to the Sherwin Williams store in our area and don't recall that.
  
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Danielle on Oct 16, 2015
I think I'd paint all the trim white including the shutters and porch posts and the ceiling of the porch, refresh the white on the storm door with metal paint and make the front door a lighter robins egg blue. It'll be pop of color like you want, a blue he might like, and should go well with the brown brick. I'd also do something with that concrete, maybe an epoxy coating in a great color. There are a million finish options out there and they're really easy to do yourself and not that expensive.

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- Valori Stoican on Oct 16, 2015
  @Danielle I think that would work well if the brick was given a wash to make the colors more like the image in Shari's post below.
  
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Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
Sorry I do not agree with blue against brown brick.

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Shari on Oct 16, 2015
You definitely need some color! In my opinion, I think aqua (any light to medium shade) would be a great color. Brown is a neutral so almost any bright or light cheerful color would work...yellows, greens, lighter blues etc. (Sage green is also really pretty with brown.) However, I do not think dark blue, or any dark color, at all, is going to give you the *wow* you are looking for. If you had a lot of nice, white chunky trim moldings around the door to set it off, a dark color might be okay but since you don't, I wouldn't go dark. I pulled one photo of an aqua door with brown brick off the internet. I think it looks beautiful with the brown! If you like aquas or even robin's egg blue shades that Danielle mentioned, I think you should go for it! Don't play it *safe* with some boring "earth tone." The front door is the perfect place to experiment with color and have fun! For heaven's sake, it's not a lifetime commitment--it's just a quart of paint! (I also like Danielle's suggestion of painting the trim, shutters, porch posts and ceiling white, if you can. It would lighten things up drastically.)

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- CS on Oct 17, 2015
  See that is the color I want. He is really fighting me on it though l.
  
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Shari on Oct 16, 2015
Here's another photo. The brick is more red but the trim around the door looks brown and the bright turquoise looks nice against it.

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- Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
  @Shari not to step on toes but really that truly is a florida color. just saying.
  
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- Shari on Oct 16, 2015
  @Janet Pizaro Beg to differ with you about it being "a Florida color." This door belongs to blogger/designer, Sonya Hamilton. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I'm sure she knows more about choosing colors and design than you and I put together ever will. http://www.beyondthescreendoor.com/2010/09/turquoise-front-door.html
  
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- Janet Pizaro on Oct 16, 2015
  @Shari that was uncalled for and I dont think that was an appropriate comment.
  
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- Sandra on Oct 16, 2015
  In lieu of sidelights on the sides of the front door, how about some bright shutters that frame the door. Brighten the colors by painting the shutters and door to match, I'd go with a light cream on the trim and a dusty blue or burgundy for the door and shutters, you could paint the storm door black to make it disappear.
  
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LaL2128725 on Oct 16, 2015
Your house and shutters are so dark, the house is screaming for color. Think of the bright colors of flowers you like-- yellow, gold, citron or robin's egg blue. I'd add shutters to ether side of the door, all painted the same color. It will brighten things up and add character. Place pots of colored plants on porch to carry out the color theme. Good luck!

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Johnny Stevenson on Oct 16, 2015
I have looked at your house for a long time and i agree with Janet about the blue door. I also agree with her about painting the shutters white. I would either paint the doors white or if you really want some color, a green the same shade as the green in the yard. to the right of the front door to the corner i would have a white Austin stone or lime stone flower bed which cost a lot less and just as nice and a lot of colorful flowers in the flower box. if you do this, put white stone on the inside too. The best improvement if your not on a tight budget would be to put a new roof in white or you could have a very light green. Please, Please Please stay away from blue. I would probably go with the light green roof. I also think spending the money for the new roof and the white rock flower beds would raise the value of the house more than what you would spend.

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Ashley Mann on Oct 16, 2015
I would probably do a classic brick red.

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Andeanna Farnes on Oct 16, 2015
My home is a dark gray, so I painted my dark brown peeling varnish door a bold yellow. It faces southwest, gets lots of hot sun... I wanted a light reflective color.

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Johnny Stevenson on Oct 16, 2015
With all of these suggestions from others it can sometimes confuse people. Try this,,,you have pictures of your house and if they are 8X10 or larger, paint the pictures with a white roof or green roof. Paint the flowerbeds, the shutters, porch post post etc. and when you finish painting the picture show it to your husband, yor friends and you could even post the picture here and see what others think. You are the one that must decide and make the changes so make sure it pleases yu more than others. I wasn't going to say this but it bothers me so i will say what i think... Paint or siding should never be put over brick. Your brick is beautiful and changes to the other things should have been done first and sometimes moisture gets between the siding and brick if you have a moist climate it can cause the siding to mold and that mold can also get into the house and that could cause a medical problem.

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- CS on Oct 17, 2015
  I agree. I love brick as well. We are not covering up the brick. We are only putting siding on the back of the house where the addition was added and along the roof area where siding is currently. Otherwise no changes to the brick.
  
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Heartbeat on Oct 17, 2015
I took a picture of my brick to Home Depot. Then I matched up several different paint samples to colors in the brick. I took them outside and Tried them in the sun. Then took them home and picked the one that Looked the best with the brick, painted the door and shutters and the compliments kept coming. leave your roof the color it is, don't go white

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Jonnie Hammon on Oct 17, 2015
Get a color wheel. Find your brick color, follow that hue, around the wheel. Choose between the complimentary colors, or a contrasting color. To make it pop, use one shade darker, or lighter. Being as your goal is to lighten the look, go with lighter. The blue only works, if your purpose is to prevent witches from entering your home. So get yo

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Jonnie Hammon on Oct 17, 2015
You and your husband need to sit down with a color wheel. Blue only works to keep with witches out of your home. Choose either a complimentary color, or a contrasting color, but a value lighter than your brick. To lighten things up. You can go even lighter, but d thaon't go into the pastel values that wouldn't work out either. Good luck.

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- CS on Oct 17, 2015
  Witches?!
  
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- Teresa on Apr 24, 2017
  
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Ami2637498 on Oct 17, 2015
I think the red would look really nice

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Garver Brown on Oct 17, 2015
I picked Blue but see someone else has too. Will compliment the clay gutters, the browns and the brick I think it would be a bright Blue too

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Debra Ekdahl on Oct 17, 2015
Turquoise!

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- Toni J on Oct 17, 2015
  Agreed.
  
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Julia Carriere on Oct 17, 2015
My first thought was red! Totally brighten the whole look. A teal blue would look nice also. I think you need something to make things pop!

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Lil Francis on Oct 17, 2015
Red

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Connie Hegwood on Oct 17, 2015
A pumpkin color: or bronze/ gold

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Betsy Woolford on Oct 17, 2015
The color samples at paint stores are my first stop. You'd be surprised how many shades of red, blue/teal, etc there are. Fortunately they are larger now and not just "chips." Take a few home, stand where you took the whole house picture and hold up the rectangular samples in front of your door. Then buy some small cans of the colors you liked best and paint swatches on the door. Back up and see which one you like best. Try them out on your shutters, too. Maybe a toned down color of the door choice would work well on them. I would paint the storm door the same color you pick for the front door.

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Mary N on Oct 17, 2015
Burgandy

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Marion Nesbitt on Oct 17, 2015
Either a raspberry or aqua/teal would be nice. If you have the time, energy, and funds, I'd also plant along the right side of the home to soften the lines.

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Linda Covert-Jurgens on Oct 17, 2015
A sunny orange

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Susan Gallagher Miner on Oct 17, 2015
Turquoise

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Sandra on Oct 17, 2015
Pumpkin color.

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Judi on Oct 17, 2015
I agree that either sunny orange or light teal...I would also paint the shutters and posts the same color. Then add some landscaping that has similar or contrasting. colors

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Vic301971 on Oct 17, 2015
front door a shade of red. tape different chips to the door and let them stay for about a week until you select the right one. Shudders whit to lighten, brighten and make the space feel more open. Posts a shade that is similar to the grout. Will blend in but not clash with other colors. For a pop of color add colorful potted plants and/or furniture for a homey feeling If possible, use say. 2 x 4s to make the post more substantial. Have fun from one DIYer!

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Debbiediablo on Oct 17, 2015
Bright apple green or bright lemon yellow.

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Bertha King on Oct 18, 2015
red for sure.

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Julia Carriere on Oct 18, 2015
Hope once you decide you let us know and shoe us the outcome of this project!

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- CS on Oct 18, 2015
  Still undecided. Got some samples. But leaning towards a blue of some sort I think.
  
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Debbie on Oct 18, 2015
Many years ago I wanted to totally repaint our wood sided bungalow. I went to Sherwin Williams and they were so very helpful. There were even professional painters around who were also generous with their advice on colors, surface prep, and what products were best for what project. I knew that repainting our house would be a lot of work and cost quite a bit, but I left there knowing that whatever colors I chose would look nice for years to come.

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- CS on Oct 18, 2015
  I should go to Sherwin Williams. II wentto Home Depot and they were no help at all.
  
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- Betsy Woolford on Oct 22, 2015
  I work at Home Depot and although we do have a painter in our department, most stores are not going to have that experience on staff. We get a lot of training, but it's pretty generalized.
  
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Susan1849 on Oct 18, 2015
it needs apple red

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Espie Tamayo on Oct 18, 2015
How about a burnt orange? You might want to paint the shutters too. Or if you want a conservative look, go with a warm almond/tan shade. Put a large, colorful pot with greenery by the front door, or a grouping of smaller pots. I successfully painted my storm door but you might want a paint that covers metal, or has a primer in it.

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- CS on Oct 18, 2015
  What did you use to paint your storm door? I really want to paint ours.
  
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Trixie on Oct 18, 2015
Definitely a "red" version. If you have the palette for then other trim, there should be a red that will pop but blend. I took a brick from our house and took it to the paint store. I was abel to find a red that "blended" with the base colors. I would also paint the storm door the same color so it looks like a solid door. When I look at the front view the first thing that stands out is WHITE...no offense.

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Jilljhbg on Oct 20, 2015
wine red..

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Ann on Oct 20, 2015
Red for sure, but you can always rub a darker color (deep green) over the red if needed to tone it down. Go ahead and paint the storm door, I repaint my patio table and chairs every year. Once they rust out (coastal air) I just toss them. Also you can beef up your columns by encasing them with wood. Just add some hardy shrubs on the right, an old wood chair (under the light fixture) and some plants on the porch also. You would be surprised what people will set out at the curb, no need to spend a lot of money. Good Luck. PS if you decide to plant shrubs on the right, do not cut them boxy (straight across the top). Something taller and evergreen between the windows (natives are best-and at xmas you can decorate it like a christmas tree). With of course lower plantings under the windows. I now try to always plant shrubs that produce berries for the birds. Just be sure to read what size the shrub will be at maturity (and how fast growing it is). Good Luck

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Espie Tamayo on Oct 21, 2015
My storm door frame is metal. I used an exterior semi-gloss latex from Lowe's. It's been about 3 yrs. now and still holding up well. Good luck with yours, Cindy.

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- Denise Boyce on Oct 24, 2015
  @Espie Tamayo Did you sand your door prior? what prep work did you do and was it off or on?
  
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Sweet Pea Studio on Oct 24, 2015
You can take a photo of your home and download that into the Sherwin Williams application online and choose any color they sell from their site and 'paint' one onto your photo online. Then take your choice of color to the store and ask them what type of paint will work for your project. I suggest a beautiful soft reddish-pumpkin tone. Have fun choosing and then painting. Yours in art, Pamela

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Sharon C on Oct 24, 2015
A red would be a nice contrast to the brown. I would also consider doing the shutters as well. The storm door can also be painted. You also might want to think about the post. My house is an orange brick with brown strewn throughout and I just painted my front door from white to French Court Blue. Behr Premium Plus Ultra stain blocking paint and primer in one. Exterior Satin Enamel. I bought one quart and put on two coats and I still have enough left to paint the storm door and some trim on the garage door.

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Kay on Oct 24, 2015
Red and do the screen door that same red

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Irene on Oct 24, 2015
I would have said red also, but as I kept looking at your pics I kept seeing a burnt orange, which is not usually my favorite color. I just think the burnt orange as being the color of fall leaves and would really compliment the "nature" appeal. If it were mine, that's what I would go with. Lookin' good, by the way.

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Espie Tamayo on Oct 24, 2015
I used a coat of Kilz before painting. The door was left on; I just taped off around the glass. I live in Texas so our weather isn't usually severe during the change of seasons. Also, we face the west and get afternoon sun, shaded by lots of trees. You might want to ask the paint experts at your local store if you are concerned about fading.

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Sophie Breau on Oct 25, 2015
I say red also, but of your husband finds that too bold, as mine does, I would go with a pale yellow, or believe it or not, his blue, but not dark, a grayish blue would be nice...with a few matching flower pots on the concrete deck.

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EllieH on Oct 25, 2015
First thought is red, except avoid bright stop-sign-red. General Paint has a nice warm red leaning slightly toward rusty red called Canuck Red that is wonderful on front doors. Paint shutters this colour too and add pots with reddish foliage & flowers. An alternative to red would be a strong teal/peacock colour. A strong marigold or school-bus yellow would look super as well. That gives you several awesome options if you don't happen to like red. LIKE us here: www.facebook.com/NexTrendDesign to get ongoing ideas/tips/trends. FOLLOW us here: www.Pinterest.com/NexTrendDesign for boatloads of ideas. Cheers, Ellie

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Sheryl J. Wykes on Oct 25, 2015
I am thinking that we are seeing so much brown, that I like, I would go with a door in a red family such as a clay red or I would call it a mexican clay red. And yes I would paint the storm door also. Don't be offended but your house in nature would represent brown dirt! So what goes with nature's landscape, any color you like. Blue sounds o.k., but not a royal or pastel but something vibrant like a marine or navy blue. Hope this helps,

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Jilljhbg on Oct 26, 2015
blue/green like in the peacock in above picture.

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Schwarzy on Oct 26, 2015
Thanks for all the feedback. It seems everyone things reddish/orange or blues for the door. My man and I are still debating. I think this Sunday when I'm home alone I just might go out and get paint and do it myself and see what he has to say. He keeps wanting us to plug things in Photoshop. But I have limited knowledge with it and am not sure I'd be able to do it right. I still prefer blues. he wants the reddish/prange color. I'll post a picture after for more feedback.

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- Shari on Oct 26, 2015
  @Schwarzy I couldn't help but chuckle at your comment. I cannot tell you the number of times my husband has arrived home to find something has been painted in his absence! lol. As I said before, painting the front door is not a lifetime commitment. If the color you want doesn't work out, all you have invested is a couple hours of your time and the cost of a quart of paint. That's pretty low cost/low risk, in my book.
  
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- CS on Oct 26, 2015
  Yeah, it works better that way. It will have been done and the argument is useless.
  
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Melinda Hull on Oct 26, 2015
A dark clay color...or dark barn red color. Pick up color with flower pots painted to match.

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Wanda sinnema on Oct 27, 2015
I'd buy some samples sized colors,, they are inexpensive and lots of variety.. try bold and bright, not neon, but cheery.. maybe get one of the blues, and one of the colors he likes I'd try a rust or terra cotta, a good contrast.. You can take a photo to the paint store and play a bit there.. also if you have a bit of paint from the shutters or a bit of the siding left, take it also.. its time well spent.. then paint part of the door each color, check it in different light,, I had a lighter brick home, we redid the windows with beige (white just didn't look right) frames, used chocolate brown gutters and overhang.. for punch I used a plum cranberry color for the front door- had it color matched to the new storm door..

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Garver Brown on Oct 28, 2015
Does this question ever end?

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- Schwarzy on Oct 28, 2015
  @Garver Brown The question ended when I asked it.
  
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Lizzy L on Oct 28, 2015
Sunny yellow.

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Che10790666 on Sep 26, 2016
cream, it will look good on your house .

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Ter7128551 on Sep 26, 2016
Your colors are completely neutral so you can go with pretty much anything. I would pick something bright that you like. A cornflower blue or Chinese red would be nice.

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- Irene on Sep 26, 2016
  Exactly my thoughts! Great minds think alike.
  
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E.n10377823 on Sep 26, 2016
Dark burnt orange to add some color. Doesn't sound good, but I've seen it with the colors of your house and it looks great!

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- Teri Campisi on Sep 26, 2016
  Personally,I like the burnt orange too!
  
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Margaret on Sep 26, 2016
Print a picture of your home. Get sample folders of paints and cut out pieces to fit your front door in the picture. This might help you visualize the look of each color.

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Sally Little on Sep 29, 2016
Brazing Blue beautiful with brown

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Colleen Bradford-Klingensmith on Oct 08, 2016
A complimentary turquoise

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Hattjacq on Oct 31, 2016
Using fungshae (sp) check for what is the best color for your door depending on the direction it faces. other than that i agree with red or blue.

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Cindy on Oct 31, 2016
I think the tan color on your siding would look best or add brown door shutters along the side of door to bring it out.

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Sonya Theos Hohl on Dec 19, 2016

Hunter Green on the door & the shutters. There is so much brown, that you need to add another color to the mix. How about some living plants or bushes, maybe with some berries or that change thru the seasons? Remember, you will enjoy coming home more if it's cheerful.

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Schwarzy on Dec 20, 2016

Thanks for all of the feedback. I actually painted the door a gorgeous turquoise and we will be replacing the shutters with deep blue ones in the near future. Next summer we are going to tackle the front garden.

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