First Impressions Start at the Front Door

NEW YORK — Front door colors shouldn't be an afterthought for homeowners. After all, it's the first thing people see when they visit your home. The front entry should serve as a welcoming beacon to greet guests. Although you can paint your front door any color, a few considerations can help you pick a shade you'll love.

With these tips on choosing a front door color, you can make yours stand out, blend in, suit a design style, or bend the rules, depending on your vision. If you live in an older home, repainting a worn front door is an easy weekend refresh that'll score major curb appeal points.

Follow these do’s and don'ts for choosing the perfect front door color:

Do stick with the classics

Use a neutral hue such as brown, black or gray for a look that will withstand the test of time. Even deep reds and navy blues are classic front door colors that act as neutrals. If your style changes or you alter your home's exterior later, neutral hues will adapt with you. Another neutral option is to use stain for your front door color instead of painting it. A wood stain will emphasize the door's natural material or grain pattern.

Don't be afraid of a bright front door color

Some people are nervous about using bright colors in their décor, but a door is a smaller commitment than painting an entire house or room. Why not experiment? Try it out if you have a hue that really speaks to you. A splash of orange, yellow or lime green makes a bold statement for front door colors. If brights are too daunting, try a dark version of a color, such as burgundy, forest green or eggplant.

Do purchase the right paint

Since your door is exposed to outside elements, using the proper paint to pre-vent peeling and fading is essential. Latex exterior paints provide weather-resistant coverage. If your door is metal, look for one with built-in rust protection. Remember that you'll need to go over the door with an exterior primer no matter what you choose. Door-friendly exterior paints are available in various finishes, including matte, semigloss and glossy. A high-gloss finish will bring out architectural details but will also show more knicks and blemishes on a door. Opt for semigloss paint for a more forgiving front door finish to hide flaws.

Do speak to your home's style

Your home's overall style can help you pick a front door color. But don't be afraid to break the rules. Using an unexpected color can add personality and liven up a traditional facade.

Do consider your surroundings

If you're stumped on a color for your front door, look to your home's natural surroundings for inspiration. Greens, blues, browns and other tones that appear together in nature will also work well on your house. Using natural colors has the bonus of making your home look like it belongs in the landscape.

Don't pick a front door color indoors

To fully understand how a paint color will look, you need to see it in its planned environment. Front door colors can look very different in different lighting conditions. Tape paint swatches to an exterior door and observe the color throughout the day. If you want a better idea of how it'll look, paint a small swatch directly on the door.

Do make it monochrome

If you have a small house, this trick is for you. Visually expand your home by painting the door, trim, window frames and exterior the same color. A monochromatic color scheme also provides a neutral backdrop for accessories to shine, such as the planters and sconces around this farmhouse front door. Use color to highlight other architectural details, too.

Don't ignore the trim

Your front door trim is also a candidate for painting. White is classic, but another option is to make the door pop with contrasting trim. Rich brown tones, for example, can warm up a cool-colored door.

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