There’s nothing like making a statement before your guest even walks through the door; a black front door is a surefire way to get their attention. This sophisticated look lets visitors know exactly what to expect when they step over the threshold into your home. “We did it, and our house sold for over asking in one weekend,” reports reader Maureen. “All the realtors kept asking about the paint color. The doors were a big hit.” While the look may not appeal to everyone, it’s sure to be popular across many styles, including farmhouse, contemporary, and transitional designs.
11 Things You Need To Know Before Painting Doors Black
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Published: April 12, 2025
Updated: January 22, 2025
Sophisticated, stunning, and striking are all words that come to mind when I think of black doors. This dramatic hue fits perfectly with a classic or traditional style, elevates modern and contemporary dwellings, and adds a unique update to farmhouse design. Black doors are often associated with strength, power, and opportunity, which makes them a popular choice on so many levels.
I’m a proponent of making a statement from the front door that lets visitors know what to expect when they enter your home. Continuing black doors throughout your home is a phenomenal strategy to create continuity and flow throughout your home. But it doesn’t have to stop there! Black trim, accent pieces, and furniture can help achieve a similar look depending on your style and taste. Don’t believe me? Then, check out this sensational gallery of homes with black doors below and get ready to be impressed.
02 of Choose a Durable Paint
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“I’d suggest at least a semi-gloss,” writes homeowner Tanya. “We initially did the doors in a matte black, and they show scuff marks from people touching them. We re-did them in semigloss and so much better.” Tanya’s lesson is your gain, and it’s important to remember that semi-gloss paint is easier to clean and more durable. I’d also suggest considering cabinet paint, which is enamel-based. This makes doors much more durable to your family’s frequent comings and goings.
03 of Add a Topcoat for Durability
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Knicks and scratches shouldn’t scare you off if your heart is set on statement black doors! Contributor Amber told us that “semi-gloss on trim and doors does chip. We should have done matte on trim and doors, then sprayed doors with satin topcoat. Lessons learned.” Thankfully, making sure your hard work stands up to dings is as easy as a trip to your local hardware store. Otherwise, you can follow in Amber’s footsteps and keep a touch-up kit nearby for a quick, easy fix.
04 of Obvious Dust and Dirt
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While black doors make a stunning statement, they can also add an extra task to your chore list. “Dust will be your worst nightmare; dog hair is a close second!” States reader Jenn. They look nice, but I regret them, and all the little knicks and scratches show up terribly.” Scuffs and marks always appear more obvious on dark paint since there’s a strong contrast with the wood underneath. Even if you don’t have scratches, dust will appear much more obvious on your black doors.
05 of Ensure Lots of Natural Light
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What’s interesting about black doors is that they can read both modern and classic, depending on your interior design and complementary fixtures. “Painting interior doors black is a fantastic idea for several reasons,” states interior designer Mimi Unger. “They’re timeless and offer a high-end look for minimal cost. Black doors make a statement, especially in well-lit areas with light hardwood floors.” The stained glass transom and sidelights in this elegant foyer infuse the space with warm light, beautifully illuminating the black trim.
06 of Pair Black Doors With an Open, Airy Interior
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Not everyone is a fan of statement colors. If that applies to you, you’d be better off avoiding dramatic colors you’ll soon regret. This was the case for homeowner and reader Haley, who is more than ready to make a change. “I actually just talked to a painter about spraying them white! However, my style is very light and airy. I feel like black doors darken the space, especially when closed.” There’s no denying that open, airy rooms are often complemented with contrasting shades, while dark colors make small spaces feel uncomfortably tight.
07 of Striking Contrast for a Dramatic Design
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“Painting interior doors black can be a bold and sophisticated choice, adding a touch of drama and modernity,” says Tam Taggart, one of our expert interior designers. “It works well in contemporary or transitional spaces, creating a striking contrast.” This is especially true in rooms with high ceilings and lots of natural light, which will amplify the strong contrasting shades. However, that doesn’t mean the look is right for any style. “Black doors can enhance architectural features but require thoughtful consideration to ensure they complement the design you intend,” warns Tam. We appreciate your sage advice, Tam!
08 of Select a High-quality Paint
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While saving money with a less expensive project by selecting cheaper items can save you in the short term, it’s not always a good choice for longevity, and this is certainly true when painting your doors. Interior design enthusiast Christy shares her experience in this area: “Our builder suggested a specific paint because of the reason some people are complaining about (scratches, fingerprints, etc.),” she shares. “It was expensive, but we haven’t had any issues.” Lesson learned! Quality matters for some products, and they’re worth the upfront investment to ensure they last.
09 of Color Continuity Between Rooms
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It’s worth carrying a dark color through other features in your home to help spaces feel connected. For example, this home features black interior doors and a black beam that gives color continuity throughout the open floor plan. “We also did the molding black in an effort to make the ceiling look higher,” wrote reader Candace. If that seems too big of a commitment, you can use black furniture to achieve a similar flow.
10 of Proper Prep Work for Longevity
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It’s easy enough to experiment by taking a few hours to paint your door and is a beginner-friendly DIY project. However, our amazing readers offer a few suggestions to ensure your success. First, Michelle recommends taking the door off its hinges and using a paint sprayer. “We did a few by hand and saw a huge difference by taking the time and doing them the other way,” she shared. Constance also advises cleaning and priming your doors as well, which should prevent light scratches. The prep work will pay off in the end!
11 of Go Softer With Dark Charcoal
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If you love the look of black doors but aren’t quite ready to commit, interior designer Jennifer Clavano has a suggestion that’s just as striking but can be much more forgiving: “A charcoal-colored finish with a satin sheen looks like a good purchase. However, avoid brush-painted super-black gloss because it highlights door flaws.” She also recommends avoiding spray paint or high-gloss paint, which is difficult to look smooth and polished. We love all these incredible homes that showcase black interior doors and are so thankful for our readers’ advice and wisdom. We hope their insights help you decide to paint your interior doors black!
