Author Charles Dickens wrote, “A very little key will open a very heavy door.” The task of selling your home can feel heavy, but there’s a small key that can help swing things in your favor — painting your front door. The front door is one of the first things buyers see, and one of the easiest places to make a strong first impression. So the question becomes, What color should I paint my front door when selling a house? In this guide, we’ll share expert-backed color recommendations and explain how the right front door color can influence buyer perception as they approach your home. If you’re selling your home and want to appeal to the widest range of buyers, experts generally recommend classic, timeless colors that complement the home’s exterior without drawing too much attention. In most cases, this means darker, neutral-leaning shades that feel polished and intentional, rather than trendy or overly personal. “Choosing the right front door color is not just about following trends, it’s about understanding the unique character of your home, such as its architectural style and color palette,” London marketing expert Terry Fisher told WalesOnline. “A well-thought-out front door color can elevate a [home’s] perceived value and attract potential buyers.” Below are the nine top front door colors recommended by the color experts at Sherwin-Williams: Coral Clay: This welcoming shade is a soft yet sophisticated red, mellowed by warm orange undertones. It’s an excellent choice for creating an inviting entry that feels approachable and cozy. Retreat: This understated green features cool blue-gray undertones that evoke the refreshing crispness of the great outdoors. While often used for interiors, it serves as a serene, “breath of fresh air” for a front door. Antiquarian Brown: A deep, earthy orange-brown with warm terracotta undertones that creates an immediate sense of stability and charm. This grounded shade adds a classic, high-end feel to an entryway. Urbane Bronze: Rooted in the organic beauty of nature, this brownish-gray delivers a sense of down-to-earth tranquility and subtle sophistication. It offers a look that feels both grounded and trendy. Hunt Club: This luxurious, dark forest green is infused with a hint of blue, reminiscent of a quiet woodland escape. Using this shade on a front door can help transform the entryway into a peaceful retreat. Iron Ore: This cool, deep charcoal offers a sense of mystery and modern sophistication. When applied to a front door, it creates a striking focal point that feels high-end and polished. Sun Dried Tomato: This rich, earthy red is softened by warm brown undertones. It’s a cozy choice for sellers who want to add a touch of “passionate” color and personality to their entryway without being overwhelming. Naval: This deep, authoritative navy is balanced by a cool gray-green undertone that brings a sense of meditative serenity to a home’s exterior. It acts as a “new neutral,” offering a calming first impression. Tricorn Black: Upgrade your home’s curb appeal with this stylish, “never-boring” black that offers a sharp, modern edge. As a true black without distracting undertones, it is incredibly versatile for many exterior palettes. These darker, neutral-leaning shades tend to photograph well, work across many architectural styles, and help buyers focus on the home itself rather than the seller’s taste. “The goal is to make the front door a focal point that draws people in, encouraging them to envision the home as their own,” Fisher explained. To see more options and learn how the color of your front door can affect your mood, see additional paint guides from Behr (Choosing a Front Door Color) and Benjamin Moore (17 Front Door Colors to Elevate Your Home’s Curb Appeal).What color should I paint my front door?
Expert front door color picks
