How often do I need to paint my front door?

In general, it's a good idea to consider repainting your front door every 3 to 5 years. That being said, how well the paint on your front door lasts will depend greatly on proper application and the weather it's exposed to in your area.

How much paint do I need for my front door?

For most front door styles, a quart of paint is enough to achieve two clean coats on the door. However, if your doors are larger than average—or if you're working with a particularly saturated shade—you may need more coats, and therefore more paint, to achieve the best end result.

What brand of paint should I use on my front door?

While the brand of paint you use to paint your front door isn't so important, the type of paint is. In order to achieve a beautiful and durable finish, you must use exterior-grade paint on your front door. Exterior paint is typically acrylic or latex-based and is specially formulated to withstand UV and weather damage.

How to Choose a Front Door Color for Your Brick House

5 No-Fail Tips for Choosing a Front Door Color for Brick Houses

With so many paint colors to choose from, deciding on a single shade for your front door can be an intimidating process. These simple steps will help you land on the perfect hue for your home.

1. Stick to Livable Neutrals

While paint color selection is always an opportunity for creative expression, it's often best to stick to a flexible neutral palette that will stand the test of time. Versatile hues such as gray, brown, or taupe pair nicely with brick tones and can also make your home easier to sell if you choose to move down the road. These colors don't fight with the brick's innate appeal and often accentuate its beauty rather than detract from it.

white painted brick exterior with black front door and shutters — Edmund Barr

2. Look to Nature for Inspiration

When selecting a front door color for your brick house, consider a rich tone pulled right from nature, like as deep earthy green, sky blue, or rich brown. Just make sure that a notable contrast exists between the color of your brick exterior, the color of your trim, and the front door color to make sure each individual feature pops.

painted brick exterior of midcentury-modern home with wood front doors — Anthony Masterson

3. Tap a Professional for Help

Because brick is a natural material, variations in color frequently exist. If you're having a tough time choosing a color, you can have a paint professional help you select a spot within your brick to sample and use as the trim shade or front door paint color. Just be sure to test color matches before painting!

4. Take a Walk Around Your Neighborhood

If you're stuck on a front door color for your brick house, take a walk around the neighborhood to drum up some inspiration. Exploring on foot helps you take in other homes' curb appeal and make note of what colors other brick exteriors in your area have used. Do certain combinations stand out to you? What contrasts are pleasing to the eye? In addition to offering inspiration, this strategy can help ensure a positive result by keeping your neighborhood consistent and maintaining your collective home values.

pale gray home exterior with black shutters and wood front door — Helen Norman

5. Test Front Door Colors

Like any paint project, it's essential to test colors in person before making a final selection for your front door. Every brick material is different and choosing a paint color solely from a photo or computer screen can result in an expensive mistake. If you decide to paint the trim as well, test samples on both sides of your home and observe it in the morning, afternoon, and evening. The reason? Natural sunlight can change the appearance of the color depending on the weather and time of day.

red brick modern front doorway with wood door and stone patio — Greg Scheidemann

Popular Front Door Colors for Different Shades of Brick

Although many brick homes feature shades of red, they also come in a variety of other colors, both painted and natural. Browse our favorite front door paint options to pair with gray, brown, orange, and white brick.

Front Door Colors for Red Brick

Although this traditional brick material goes well with nearly every hue, the best front door paint colors for red brick houses are often dark, contrasting shades. Hunter green, gunmetal gray, navy blue, and other rich colors are especially stunning when paired with classic white or cream trim. Other winning door colors for red brick houses include warm taupes, chocolate browns, or even a pop of something surprising like a deep burgundy red.

Suggested Paint Color: Chrome Green HC-189, Benjamin Moore

red brick colonial with black shutters and white pillars and front door — Emily Followill

Front Door Colors for Orange Brick

Selecting a pleasing color palette for homes with orange brick can be tricky, but warm white trim and a light sage or blue-green choice make for a calming entrance with character. If you want a reliable option, a tonal combination of white trim with a slightly off-white door always works beautifully as well.

Suggested Paint Color: Vast Sky SW 6506, Sherwin Williams

painted light gray brick façade with white pillars and black front door — Gordon Beall

Front Door Colors for Gray Brick

If your brick home is painted gray, white trim and a navy or black front door make an attractive neutral entryway. If you're feeling bold, a confident candy apple red or vibrant turquoise can energize your facade in an instant.

Suggested Paint Color: Space Black 2119-10, Benjamin Moore

painted taupe brick craftsman-style home exterior with concrete path and landscaping — Rett Peek Photography Inc

Front Door Colors for Earth-Tone Brick

For homes with cream or earth-tone brick, shades of brown are a safe bet for the front door. Try a paint color a few levels lighter than your brick for a subtle bit of contrast, like a muddy taupe. Natural wood also goes well with this color palette, so consider refinishing your wood door in a dark chestnut or mahogany stain instead of painting. For a playful touch, light blue or mint green paint is a great option and can lend a charming French-country aesthetic to your home.

Suggested Stain Color: Creamy Mushroom PPU5-13, Behr

butter-yellow brick façade with black shutters and front door — Helen Norman

When selecting a front door color, make sure to have the professionals at the paint counter suggest the proper formula for your application. Selecting an outdoor paint will ensure that your front door stays vibrant and fresh for years to come.

Front Door Colors for Historic Brick Homes

If you own a historic home, many popular paint brands offer historical collections with style and age guidelines to help make your front door color decision easier—and era-appropriate. Depending on the age of your home, you might also need to consult your local Historic Preservation Commission for approval before you make a final choice. Classic red, black, or hunter-green doors typically make handsome combinations with historic brick homes. Consider a high-gloss lacquer exterior paint to help bring your front door to life.

Suggested Paint Color: Black Evergreen 5009-1, Valspar

painted white brick exterior with ornate trim and turquoise front door — Jessica Glynn

Front Door Colors for White Brick

White brick facades have a multitude of attractive front door options. Muted blue-greens and warm grays create a subtle, soothing color scheme when paired with white brick. For an energizing entryway, consider a brighter color that adds a touch of personality, such as sunny yellow, light blue, turquoise, or cheery coral.

Suggested Paint Color: Fan Coral 013, Benjamin Moore

Frequently Asked Questions

How often do I need to paint my front door?

In general, it's a good idea to consider repainting your front door every 3 to 5 years. That being said, how well the paint on your front door lasts will depend greatly on proper application and the weather it's exposed to in your area.
How much paint do I need for my front door?

For most front door styles, a quart of paint is enough to achieve two clean coats on the door. However, if your doors are larger than average—or if you're working with a particularly saturated shade—you may need more coats, and therefore more paint, to achieve the best end result.
What brand of paint should I use on my front door?

While the brand of paint you use to paint your front door isn't so important, the type of paint is. In order to achieve a beautiful and durable finish, you must use exterior-grade paint on your front door. Exterior paint is typically acrylic or latex-based and is specially formulated to withstand UV and weather damage.

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!