Red front door design ideas + inspiration

The meaning and history of having a red front door, plus ideas of how it can increase your curb appeal.

There’s just something so classic about a red front door! It’s such a timeless classic, and a real way to make a statement with your front door. I don’t generally love decorating with red, but a classic red front door is an exception!

What does having a red front door mean?

In old American tradition, a red front door means “welcome”.  In the olden days, if a family had a red front door, travelers traveling by horse and buggy would know that a home was a welcoming place to rest. They would be able to spend the night at that house.

In Chinese tradition, red is considered a lucky or sacred color. Many doors are painted with a fresh coat of red paint just before Chinese New Year to usher in good luck and happiness. Chinese tradition believes that the color red can fight evil, and bring luck and health.

I think it’s helpful to know the history behind a red door! Sometimes it’s just a pretty paint color, and sometimes it can have more meaning behind it. Whether you are interested in the history or not, it’s undeniable that a red front door is cheery, welcoming, and makes a real statement.

 

What color house does a red door look good on?

I personally think that a bright classic red front door looks best with a white or very dark exterior. It makes a real statement this way! Here’s some great examples of this:

Red doors with white exteriors:

source

 

Via Southern Living Magazine

 

Via @LoveHurtts on Instagram

 

image from @esppainting on Instagram

 

Via The Cottage Journal

Photo via HGTV

 

 

Red doors with dark exteriors:

While the white with red is more classic, the red with a dark exterior is a little less expected. But it’s strikingly beautiful and really makes a big statement!

Image Source

 

 via HGTV dream home

 

Image source here

Best red paint colors to sample:

There’s so many red paint colors out there, and it can get overwhelming to choose which ones to sample! 

First of all – DO NOT skip the sampling process. I know it’s an extra step, and it takes longer, but I promise it’s worth it!

Paint colors will look drastically different in online pictures (usually due to editing) but they’ll also just look very different in different lights, with different undertones, etc. Please don’t skip the sampling process – I promise it’s worth it.

That being said, there ARE some classic colors that many people love for their front doors. Here are some great red paint colors to add to your list of considerations:

 

• 1. Benjamin Moore Heritage Red
• 2. Benjamin Moore Vermillion
• 3. Benjamin Moore Caliente
• 4.Sherwin Williams Show Stopper
• 5. Benjamin Moore Ruby Red

 

I hope this gives you inspiration, or at least helps give you some ideas or paint samples to try. Happy planning!