Do door colors have meanings? The short answer is yes, door colors can often convey certain meanings about the homes or buildings they are attached to. While there are no universally accepted color meanings for doors, some associations have developed over time. This article will explore the history behind door colors, explain some of the most common color meanings and trends, and look at regional differences in popular door shades. Whether you’re painting your front door or just curious about home exterior design, read on to learn more about the subtle messages different door hues can send.
History of Painted Doors
The tradition of painting doors distinct colors dates back centuries. In Medieval times, bright front doors were a status symbol amongst the emerging middle class in England. Only the wealthy could afford vivid paints and lacquers for their entryways. Brighter doorway colors also helped homes stand out on narrow streets before numbered addresses were common. During the 18th and 19th centuries, certain door colors became associated with particular building types. Black doors were customary for carriage houses while red doors were typical for inns and public houses. In the Victorian era, varnished wooden doors were fashionable. But by the early 1900s, a new range of affordable paints led to more creative freedom in door colors. Distinctive hues helped arriving guests locate the correct house.
Common Door Color Meanings
Over time, some symbolic color associations have stuck for exterior doors. Here are a few of the most common meanings:
Red – A red front door often signals a welcoming home. Red evokes feelings of warmth, love, strength. It’s an energetic tone fitting for an entry. Red doors may also indicate a patriotic home.
Blue – Blue doors represent tranquility, peace and relaxation. Soft blues suit a laidback home. Navy or bright blues suggest adventure and imagination. Blue is also associated with trust, loyalty and wisdom.
Green – Green doors complement a nature-loving home. Greens symbolize health, renewal and environmental friendliness. Dark greens nod to affluence and prestige. Mint greens evoke freshness.
Yellow – Yellow door colors promote sunshine, happiness and optimism. They suit an upbeat home. Soft yellows suggest easygoingness, while bold yellows energize. Yellow also represents hospitality.
Purple – Purple doors signify creativity and spirituality. Light purples hint at romance and femininity. Dark or bright purples are more luxurious and regal.
Orange – Orange doors exude excitement, enthusiasm and vibrancy. They suit sociable, lively homes. Orange also represents prosperity and prestige.
Black – Black front doors signal sophisticated, luxurious taste. They add drama and mystique. Black also connotes protection and strength.
White – White doors read clean, fresh and open. They imply airiness and brightness. Crisp whites work well for cottage homes. Softer whites suggest grace and innocence.
| Color | Common Meanings |
|---|---|
| Red | Welcoming, Warmth, Strength |
| Blue | Peace, Relaxation, Trust |
| Green | Nature, Health, Renewal |
| Yellow | Happiness, Optimism, Hospitality |
| Purple | Creativity, Spirituality, Luxury |
| Orange | Excitement, Vibrancy, Prosperity |
| Black | Luxury, Sophistication, Strength |
| White | Fresh, Bright, Open |
Popular Regional Door Colors
Beyond general color meanings, door shades often follow regional trends based on local architecture, heritage and climate. Here are some localized door color favorites:
Northeastern U.S. – The Northeast’s historic row houses and townhouses frequently have red, black, navy or forest green doors that stand out against brick facades. Gray and dark blue doors are also common in cities like New York and Boston.
Southeastern U.S. – The Southeast tends to favor lighter, softer hues like pale yellow, sky blue, seafoam green and violet. These suit the region’s beachy aesthetics. White and turquoise doors are trendy in Florida.
Midwestern U.S. – Midwestern doors range from deep reds and blacks on rural barns to cheery blues, greens and yellows on suburban colonials. Painted white doors are a classic pick. Dark browns and greens nod to the Midwest’s natural beauty.
Southwestern U.S. – Adobe brown, terracotta, sage green and sunset orange doors complement Southwestern architecture. These earthy tones reflect the region’s desert and mountain landscapes. Turquoise doors give a playful pop of color.
Western U.S. – On the West Coast, gray and blue doors fittingly mirror the Pacific Ocean. Shades like ochre, olive and rust also complement Craftsman bungalows. Vintage red doors lend charm to Victorian homes.
UK and Ireland – In Britain and Ireland, red, black, green, blue and white doors are historically prevalent. Their signature row houses lined with brightly painted doors create cheerful streetscapes.
Mediterranean Europe – Cobalt blue doors abound around the Mediterranean, from Greece to Portugal. The blue paint was believed to ward off evil. Bright yellow, pink, orange and green doors also reflect the region’s sunny warmth.
Scandinavia – Scandi style favors minimal, muted doors in colors like charcoal, dove gray, mossy green and dusky blue. Pops of crimson, yellow or sage green provide contrast. White doors are classic.
| Region | Popular Door Colors |
|---|---|
| Northeastern U.S. | Red, Black, Forest Green, Gray |
| Southeastern U.S. | Yellow, Sky Blue, Seafoam, White |
| Midwestern U.S. | Red, Green, Blue, White, Brown |
| Southwestern U.S. | Terracotta, Sage Green, Orange |
| Western U.S. | Gray, Blue, Ochre, Olive |
| UK and Ireland | Red, Black, Green, Blue, White |
| Mediterranean Europe | Cobalt Blue, Yellow, Pink, Green |
| Scandinavia | Gray, Green, Blue, White |
Factors in Choosing a Door Color
When selecting an exterior door color, keep these factors in mind:
– Home style – Choose a door color that complements your home’s architecture and material finishes. For example, bright colors suit brick row houses, while neutrals match suburban colonials.
– Existing colors – Coordinate the door with siding, roof, trim and accent colors. Contrasting hues help the door pop while harmonious colors unite the scheme.
– Personal taste – Consider colors you’re naturally drawn to and those that align with your personality. But also think about future resale value.
– Sunlight exposure – North-facing doors can handle deeper, bolder colors. Opt for pale, muted shades on sun-drenched southern exposures.
– Climate – Darker colors absorb heat in warm climates. Pastels and whites stay cooler. Use rich shades in cooler regions for visual warmth.
– Surrounding landscape – Pick an energizing splash of color to contrast a verdant garden. Go natural with earthy greens and browns nestled in nature.
– Nearby facades – To stand out on a block of similar houses, go bold or unconventional. If surrounding doors are neutral, make a statement.
Following regional trends, considering color meanings, and keeping these factors in mind will help you pick an ideal exterior door shade for your home.
What Color to Avoid
While personal preference should rule your door choice, there are a few door colors that are generally not recommended:
– Bright pink – Unless you want to make a bold statement, bright pinks can look overwhelming on doors.
– Neon hues – Similarly, neon oranges, yellows, greens and blues often appear garish.
– Brown – Brown doors can easily fade into the background and look flat or muddy. Distinguish them with contrasting trim.
– Gray – Cool grays risk looking sterile or depressing. Opt for greige or taupe for a bit more warmth and personality.
Steer clear of anything that clashes with your home’s style or surroundings. Homeowners associations may prohibit unconventional colors in some neighborhoods, so always check guidelines. When selling, mainstream neutral, blue, green and red doors have the widest appeal.
Examples of Door Colors
Still unsure where to start? Here are some inspiring examples of classic and creative exterior door shades:
Traditional red – A true red door exudes classic charm, especially on an older East Coast home with white trim and black shutters.
Nautical navy – For seaside cottages, a deep navy blue door makes a perfectly preppy statement.
Mossy green – A rich emerald or hunter green door textured with wood grain elegantly signals earthy taste.
Sunshine yellow – A light lemon, butter or mustard yellow on a front door radiates joy and warmth.
Jewel-toned purple – For something bold and regal, consider an entry in saturated amethyst, violet or plum.
Retro turquoise – Channel midcentury mod style with a lively pop of turquoise, ideally on a midcentury home.
Surprising orange – A zesty tangerine, peach or pumpkin orange door color packs visual punch.
Classic black – A striking noir door makes a sophisticated style statement, especially with brass hardware.
Neutral greige – For flexible style, greige – between gray and beige – works on any home as an approachable neutral.
| Door Color | Description |
|---|---|
| True Red | Classic charm, white trim and shutters |
| Navy Blue | Nautical, preppy statement |
| Emerald Green | Earthy, wood-grained texture |
| Sunshine Yellow | Warm, joyful, welcoming |
| Jewel-Toned Purple | Bold, luxurious, regal |
| Retro Turquoise | Lively pop of color, midcentury modern |
| Zesty Orange | Punchy, vibrant, unexpected |
| Classic Black | Sleek sophistication with brass hardware |
| Greige Neutral | Flexible beige-gray works on any home |
Conclusion
Door colors certainly carry symbolic meanings and convey regional preferences across different home styles. But there are no hard rules – feel free to get creative! Choose a shade aligned with your personality and sensibility. Just be sure it complements your house facade and surroundings. Whether you crave an uplifting lemon door to spark joy or seek a sophisticated deep green tone, the right entry color can make coming home a little brighter. So embrace door hues to add personalized character and visual interest to your home’s curb appeal.
