Opting to paint your home black requires courage. Whether you choose a bold hue like Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black, a cool charcoal like Iron Ore, or a bewitching shade like Black Magic, a black exterior is sure to make a statement. While black is considered a neutral color, black homes create a striking contrast. If you’re the first on your block to go black, your home will not only stand out against the surrounding landscape but also differentiate itself from neighboring homes in more traditional colors. If you’re embracing the black house trend, there are 12 front door colors that can help you maintain a moody, modern, mystical, or even macabre look.
Your surroundings play a crucial role in how a black house appears. Going completely black in a colorful coastal town might seem out of place, and if you’re aiming for a monochromatic theme, a warm brown roof could clash with the black. From getting the right shade and sheen to ensuring you won’t upset your neighbors, there are several factors to consider before painting your home black. Choosing the perfect front door color is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. You’ll need to consider both the door and trim color, along with your gutter and garage door, to select the ideal palette.
Mustard Yellow
Concerned that a black house might look too gothic? Painting your front door a mustard yellow can provide the perfect balance. Opt for complex yellows like Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow or Benjamin Moore’s Ochre to maintain a sophisticated and inviting look. These shades have a low light reflectance value (LRV), adding depth to the overall moody appearance. They pair well with both warmer black colors like Sherwin-Williams’ Black Fox and cooler tones like Magnolia’s Fine Black.
White
If you’re having trouble convincing your homeowner’s association or feeling hesitant about embracing a bold black exterior, consider the timeless combination of black and white. Stick to warm, cool, or neutral undertones for both your exterior wall and front door paint choices to ensure a chic look. Whether you choose a crisp white like Sherwin-Williams’ Ice Cube or a creamy hue like Valspar’s Tahitian Vanilla, these color combinations always complement a black roof.
Sage Green
Most landscaping stands out against a black exterior, highlighting unique plant specimens and interesting trees. Sage green is an excellent choice for your front door, especially if you coordinate the shade with beautiful purple flowers in your garden, such as iris, allium, or salvia. Opt for slightly minty colors like Farrow & Ball’s No. 84 Green Blue or Magnolia’s Texas Summer for a mesmerizing effect that shifts with the surrounding light throughout the day.
Light Brown
Wood doors provide a beautiful contrast against black home exteriors, from honeyed pine to rich oak. If you have a fiberglass or steel door and staining is not an option, consider painting your front door brown. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s Butternut Brown or Sherwin-Williams Antiquarian Brown can add eye-catching contrast or subtle elegance to your black exterior, depending on the desired effect.
Red
A red front door showcases a sophisticated sense of style and makes a bold statement when paired with a black exterior. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s Vermilion, Sherwin-Williams’ Salute, and Valspar’s Thai Chili are sure to catch the eye of passersby. Red doors also carry a historical significance, often symbolizing a place of rest and safety for travelers, sanctuary seekers, and refugees. In Feng Shui, a red front door represents protection and prosperity, warding off bad luck.
Lime Green
Pairing certain black hues with a vivid lime green front door can bring out cool, greenish undertones in the exterior. Colors like Sherwin Williams’ Greenblack or Obsidian Green create a striking contrast with a small splash of color like Glidden’s Goody Gumdrop. To maintain a cool and contemporary look, stick with black or white trim, shutters, gutters, and fascia when incorporating lime green into your black exterior.
Magenta
Playing with sheen and color can enhance the black hues of your house, especially when incorporating a punchy color like magenta or fuchsia on your front door. Consider the undertones of your flowerbeds when selecting the right hue. Colors like Mischief from Little Greene or shades similar to Benjamin Moore’s Peony can complement purple, blue, pink, or white flowers in your garden.
Terracotta
While many black home exteriors feature deep black shades, you can opt for a more earthy look by combining soft black paints with a terracotta front door. Colors like Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur or Magnolia’s Prairie Smoke pair beautifully with terracotta hues like Dunn-Edwards’ Deep Coral or Behr’s Balcony Sunset. Extend the color scheme to your front porch or patio with terracotta pots for a cohesive and colorful look.
Misty Blue
If you love the look of an all-black house but want to maintain a coastal vibe, consider using misty blue colors for your front door. Shades like Sherwin-Williams’ Billowy Breeze or Farrow & Ball’s No. CC6 Hazy create a dreamy appearance when paired with crisp white trim and a black color with cool undertones. Light blue front doors, sidelights, transoms, or stained glass panels can further brighten the look, especially when combined with black or chrome door hardware and street numbers.
Salmon
Salmon is a vibrant front door color choice for black exterior houses that adds warmth and character. Colors like Sherwin-Williams’ Stone Fruit, Behr’s Guava Jelly, and Valspar’s Poppy Petal provide a slightly orangey cast that pairs well with black exteriors. Choose a salmon-inspired front door color with warm undertones to match features like a brown brick patio, creating a cohesive and colorful look.
Dark Green
For a cozy and daring look, consider a dark green front door for your black exterior house. Colors like Behr’s Equestrian Green and Sherwin-Williams’ Olympic Range make a strong focal point while maintaining sophistication. Pair these colors with bright white trim and glossy black finishes for a modern farmhouse style that stands out.
Black
To highlight architectural features, stand out in your neighborhood, or embrace a gothic lifestyle, black on black on black is a bold choice for your home exterior. Match your front door color and finish with your exterior walls for a seamless look, or create contrast with a different shade or sheen. Before painting, ensure you carefully select the right black paint color to achieve the desired effect.
