Picking the perfect front door color could be the easiest home improvement win… or your biggest regret.
Let’s face it, we all have that neighbor with the “interesting” front door color that makes you question whether they chose it sober. But your front door? That’s a statement piece—it’s the first thing buyers, guests, and Amazon delivery drivers see. And, believe it or not, the color of your front door can either add value to your home or send potential buyers running for the hills. So, let’s break it down: the Best, Better, and Worst paint colors for your front door if you’re hoping to boost (or at least not sabotage) your home’s value.
The Highest Payout Color: Classic Black
Ah, black—the James Bond of front door colors. Sleek, timeless, and always in style. A black front door says, “I have taste, I read design magazines, and I know what I’m doing.” It’s like the little black dress for your home: it goes with everything and adds instant class. Research has shown that homes with black front doors can add a few thousand dollars to their value . Plus, it’s impossible to go wrong when the color literally hides dirt. Function and fashion? Yes, please!
The Best Overall Color: Navy Blue
Blue is the color of tranquility, but more importantly, it’s a color that people actually like. A Navy door is like wearing a tailored suit—formal but not stuffy, sophisticated but not trying too hard. It says, “I’m a homeowner who’s got my act together.” Navy blue works beautifully with a wide range of exterior styles, from modern to traditional, and it has just enough personality to stand out without screaming, “LOOK AT ME!” It’s perfect for buyers who appreciate a pop of color but still want to keep things elegant .
The Worst Color: Neon Anything
This one is for the brave souls out there who like to live on the edge. But please, keep your love of neon to your workout gear or your rave days. A neon yellow or electric green door might make you feel quirky and unique, but I promise you, potential buyers will see it and think, “I’m going to have to repaint that immediately.” Neon is like cilantro—people either love it or hate it. And the ones who hate it? Well, they’re the ones making offers on your home. Avoid neon like it’s last season’s trend .
Bonus Tips: How to Actually Paint the Door
Now that we’ve covered the colors, here’s how you tackle the actual painting part without losing your sanity or repainting 14 times.
- Prep, prep, prep: Sand your door down, clean it, and make sure it’s smooth. A good paint job is 90% prep work and 10% praying you don’t mess it up .
- Pick the right paint: Use exterior paint—this is not the time to cut corners or use that leftover kitchen paint. Your front door faces all the elements, and you want something durable and weather-resistant .
- Brush or roll?: If you want that classic, smooth finish, use a foam roller. If you’re going for texture (or you just enjoy streaky finishes for some reason), grab a brush .
- Let it dry: Seriously, don’t rush this. You don’t want to find your fingerprints on the door every time you walk in.
In Conclusion: Choose Wisely
Your front door is like the opening act at a concert—it sets the tone for everything that follows. A well-chosen door color can be the boost your home needs in a competitive market, while a poor choice (looking at you, neon) might just keep buyers at bay. So, grab your roller, pick your color, and open the door to increased home value (pun very much intended).
Sources:
- : Zillow Report on Front Door Colors Increasing Home Value, 2018.
- : Better Homes & Gardens, Front Door Color Guide, 2021.
- : HGTV Design Experts, Common Mistakes in Choosing Front Door Colors, 2020.
- : DIY Network, Step-by-Step Door Painting Tutorial, 2022.
- : Better Homes & Gardens, Exterior Paint Selection Tips, 2021.
- : HGTV, Front Door Painting Techniques, 2022.