What Does Your Front Door Say?
When I first came across this wonderful, snow covered, blue door, I was completely mesmerized. Isn’t it beautiful?! This photo started me thinking...if you have a front door that requires painting, how do you go about choosing the color to paint it?
I don’t know about you, but I agonized and fretted quite a bit over this decision when I last had my home painted. I knew whatever color I chose, I’d be living with it for a long time. In the end, I chose a bold color and so far, I still love it. :-)
Did you know many cultures associate rather complex meanings to the colors we choose for our home, especially the color we choose to paint our front door? The front door is thought to be the “mouth” of the home, the entry point where energy, abundance and opportunities may find us. Wow...that’s a pretty big responsibility to hang on a front door!
I thought it would be fun to explore some of the symbolism and beliefs associated with the colors we sometimes choose for our front doors.
I don’t know about you, but I agonized and fretted quite a bit over this decision when I last had my home painted. I knew whatever color I chose, I’d be living with it for a long time. In the end, I chose a bold color and so far, I still love it. :-)
Did you know many cultures associate rather complex meanings to the colors we choose for our home, especially the color we choose to paint our front door? The front door is thought to be the “mouth” of the home, the entry point where energy, abundance and opportunities may find us. Wow...that’s a pretty big responsibility to hang on a front door!
I thought it would be fun to explore some of the symbolism and beliefs associated with the colors we sometimes choose for our front doors.
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Throughout history, blue has often represented sky, water and abundance. Blue is also considered a great Feng Shui color. If you want your home’s curb appeal to suggest a feeling of abundance and prosperity, consider painting your front door a beautiful blue.
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Dark blue doors are believed to create calm and peace for your home...in turn, bringing those feelings to your guest and family who enter through and into your home. Additionally, blue is thought to bring lots of positive energy into a space.
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Yellow is a color that evokes mental clarity, perception, understanding, wisdom, confidence, curiosity, humor and merriment. Wow, I'd like some of that coming into my home...wouldn't you?
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How about a green door? Green is always a great choice for the front door since it's a color that is said to represent balance, peace, compassion, growth, renewal, and harmony.
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Surprisingly, purple is a pretty popular color for front doors. It's symbolizes energy and is thought to invite many opportunities into your home.
Some folks even believe you can improve your opportunities...or whatever aspect of your life that relates to the doors direction, or the direction it faces, simply by painting your front door purple. Whether you're hoping for a better career or better health, some say purple will help.
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There is only one exception with purple, and that is the northwest-facing front door. Better to paint this door gold, white, silver, or gray.
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| White is a classic color for doors, especially on a cottage style home. Throughout history, white has come to represent purity, serenity, and virtue. |
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In Feng Shui, a red front door means “welcome.” Interestingly, in early American tradition, it meant the very same thing. In fact, if a home had a red front door, tired travelers who might be traveling by horse and buggy would know the home was a place where they would be welcomed to stop and spend the night or rest.
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by Bella Porta
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| Of course, it's well known that red doors often hold tremendous symbolism for many faiths/religions.
In Scotland, homeowners paint their front door red to signify they have paid off their mortgage. |
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by Allison Cosmos
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| Think red is a little too traditional for your taste...this door just might change your mind. :-) |
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So, what color did I choose for my front door? I chose Benjamin Moore, "Heritage Red." Why that color? Simply because, I just loved the way it looked...no other reason. :-) I especially like a red door when it's sporting a white wicker basket overflowing with daises during the spring and summer months.
So, what is your favorite color for a front door? Attach a photo of your door with your comment, if you can. I'd love to see the color you chose!
So, what is your favorite color for a front door? Attach a photo of your door with your comment, if you can. I'd love to see the color you chose!
Ideabook updated on Feb. 24, 2011.
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Any thoughts about Black doors?
I didn't find any specific reference to black doors, but I can tell you that you are in excellent company! Black is the color of Mary Carol Garrity's front door...and I LOVE her style! :-)
Thanks for sharing all these great ideas and beautiful photos.
You front door is gorgeous and you always come up with such fun ideas!
I wanted to ask why, if you have a NW facing door you should keep it white, gold or gray.
Cheers!
Tina
I think that must be a Feng Shui thing....I found that info. in an article that discussed a lot of the Feng Shui ideas. I must confess, I tend to do what I like and don't worry too much about the "rules."
Susan
I really like the idea left in a comment of a teal door~ that would be beautiful! But I agree that your door is beautiful, Susan... makes me want to see the way you decorate the inside; im sure I would love it!
saraj- we did an interview with Susan a few months ago. You can read it and see her beautiful house photos here:
You can also read more about her house in her wonderful blog: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
this picture shows the inside of our front door- same as the outside.
rachel @ perfectly imperfect
blazerfamily.blogspot.com for more renovation pictures!
Sindy
Here's mine. I really like the green this was painted before I moved here. Now I like what it represents: balance, peace, compassion, growth, renewal, and harmony.
My house is all sided and roofed in silver tin.....really, thus "The Tin Shack". The shudders are a pretty sage green and I have been struggling with what color to paint my front door (which is currently white) and when you mentioned purple.......eggplant came to mind. My interior is rustic wood, concrete floors and a few med green walls, and a bit of stone work. I will have to post a picture once it is done, thank you for the post and ideas.
Thanks
one word regarding black doors, I have had them also. Be careful if it's made of wood and have full sun on it. The dark colors can absorb the heat and crack the door.
Happy painting...