Front door and exterior colour ideas for your house

Start with what you cannot change

Your brick, roof tiles and pavement are fixed, so choose colours that work with them. Red brick suits deep greens, navy and charcoal. Pale stock brick and render suit almost anything, from soft greys to bold colours. Stand across the road and look at the whole house, not just the door.

Doors that rarely go wrong

• Navy or deep blue: works with brick, render and stone.
• Dark green: a classic on older terraces and period houses.
• Charcoal or black: smart and modern, especially with brass or black door furniture.
• Soft muted colours such as sage or grey-blue: gentler, good on pale walls.

Match the age and style of the house

Period houses often look best with traditional colours, while a modern house can carry something bolder. Look at the other houses in your street for what suits the area, and decide whether you want to blend in or stand out a little.

Check the rules before you paint

Repainting a front door usually does not need planning permission, but conservation areas, listed buildings and leasehold or management-company rules can restrict colours or changes to the front of the house. If you are not sure, ask your council or landlord before you buy paint.

Details that finish the look

• Door furniture, a clear house number and a good light make the door feel looked after.
• Matching window frames in a dark neutral give a crisp look against light walls.
• A pair of planters beside the door adds colour that you can change with the seasons.

If you are repainting or rendering the walls

White, off-white and soft greys are popular and keep the house looking bright, but they show dirt more. Prepare the wall properly, use paint made for exterior masonry, and test a patch in the weather before you commit.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing from a tiny swatch in a shop and not in daylight on the house.
• Skipping preparation: paint on a damp or flaking surface will not last.
• Forgetting how the colour looks next to the neighbours' houses.

Try colours before you buy the paint

Upload a photo of the front of your house to GlowUpp and see AI-generated versions with different door and wall colours, then share the one you like with a local decorator or builder. Always ask a qualified professional before moving gas, electrics or plumbing, or changing anything structural, and check your lease or local rules if you rent or live in a conservation area.