Should Interior Doors Be Painted the Same Colour as the Walls? (2024)

December 06, 2021

Should Interior Doors Be Painted the Same Colour as the Walls? (1)

Whether you’ve moved into a new flat that needs decorating or you’re giving your long-serving family home a makeover, the colour of interior doors and their trims can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home.

Doors and trims are conventionally painted a different colour to walls – with white or at least paler shades the preferred option. However, more recently, we’ve seen a trend of doors being painted the same colour as walls.

Before you pick up that paint brush, read on for our helpful tips when it comes to choosing whether or not you have a door painted the same colour as the wall. While it all depends on what kind of aesthetic you are going for, there are a few reasons you might want to leave your doors and trims the same colour as the walls around them.

A break from tradition

Traditionally, interior doors have usually been left white, or, at the very least, have been a paler hue than the surrounding walls. In the past, this was simply down to the quality and availability of robust paints for walls, doors and trims. White gloss paint was used most often as it was easy to clean and was longer-lasting.

However, over time, a combination of an improvement in the quality of paints, and a growing concern over levels of VOCs in traditional gloss paints, have prompted a change in attitudes. Nowadays, there are more options, including high quality, modern chalk paints such as those we offer here at Frenchic, which make it so much easier to paint doors, walls and trims in a variety of attractive colours.

These sleek, stylish and hassle-free paints make it incredibly easy to redecorate, as they don't require any priming or separate sealing, and preparing the surface beforehand is a breeze.

If you have decided that you do want to paint your interior doors and walls the same colour, you can opt for one of our Frenchic Chalk Wall Paints, which come with a matching satin Trim Paint in the same hue. There will be a subtle difference in finish, but the colours will match seamlessly, and the overall effect will be elegant and modern. In fact, ultra-matte Frenchic Chalk Wall Paint, is tough enough to use for both walls and woodwork for an even more pared-down look.

Guiding attention where you want it

One of the main reasons to paint your interior doors the same colour as the walls around them is if you are not particularly fond of the doors and want them to blend in. Alternatively, maybe you simply have too many doors in a small space, one that is awkwardly positioned or another not in use.

By painting the doors the same hue as the walls, the doors will not catch the eye in the same way as they would if they were painted a different shade. Keeping them the same colour helps to create a streamlined and ultra-modern look. If you have chosen a particularly 'soft' shade, such as white or pale grey, having the doors and walls the same colour can also help to create a serene atmosphere that will help your family - and your guests - relax and feel right at home.

Make the most of your property by considering interior doors

Some people may like to make a bold design statement and paint their interior doors in strong colours that contrast the walls, such as black. But if keeping a sleek and ultra-modern look is important to you, then it's definitely worth keeping everything the same colour. Having doors painted the same as the walls is a simple trick for a pared-down look that makes the whole space look effortlessly sleek – and chic!

Hallways are areas that usually include multiple doorways or doors leading to a cupboard or the loo. If you want to ensure the flow of your hallway is the main focus, a single colour used on all will help ensure good visual flow. You might even take the decision to paint one door and frame in a slightly different tone to draw through to the room beyond.

You might also decide to keep to a single colour if the hall space in question is small as this keeps visual distractions to a minimum. Conversely, for a wide expanse of wall or a very long room, taking the decision to use a different colour for the doors and woodwork can provide much needed character and emphasis. For a closer look at this trend, read:Should Door Colour Match The Trim Or Wall?

The case for small rooms

Similarly, small rooms tend to feel ‘busy’ if they have doors and trims painted different colours to the walls. There can be too much contrast in too constricted a space, and this does not promote a calm or cohesive feel. Smaller bedrooms and nurseries in particular, where you may well be looking for ways to create a tranquil environment to promote relaxation and sleep, benefit greatly from a single colour for trims, doors and walls.

If you feel that just one colour is not for you and you are looking for a bit more contrast, how about painting your doors and trim a colour that is a half-shade different to the shade you have chosen for the walls?

This particular tip is perfect if you want to maintain a classic colour scheme, with a small but pleasing element of difference.

Painting doors the same colour as walls – the verdict

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why keeping your doors and trim the same colour as the walls can be a very good decision, along with some great reasons for using a contrasting colour! If nothing else, having everything the same hue provides you with many more opportunities to make the most of a particular room, by throwing in some stunning contrasts and accents, via your soft furnishings and furniture.

However you decide to paint your doors, we offer a stunning range of chalk wall paints and elegant trim paints that will help you create the glossy contemporary look you are hoping for. Browse our full collection today – and of course, let us know how you get on!

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Should Interior Doors Be Painted the Same Colour as the Walls? (2024)

FAQs

Should Interior Doors Be Painted the Same Colour as the Walls? ›

Guiding attention where you want it

Should I paint my interior doors the same color as my walls? ›

Should doors be lighter or darker than walls? If you wish for your doors to blend in with the walls, paint them the same color or a similar hue. But if you want the doors to stand out, consider painting them darker than the walls for a dramatic look.

What color should interior doors be painted? ›

“I would keep the door the same color as the walls because if you start changing colors it could make the space look smaller,” he says. “It's a color block that draws attention to it in a small space. You want it as monochromatic as possible.”

What color should doors be if walls are white? ›

'Even in a room with simple white walls, a door can be the perfect place to be adventurous and add a highlight color, such as a bold pink, red, or a bright joyful yellow,' says Ruth Mottershead. However, if you're looking to attain a tranquil, elegant aesthetic, stick to neutrals.

What color to paint an interior entry door? ›

The color of the door's interior should be a neutral tone to balance the interior design. Gray, white, beige, dark brown, and black are lovely neutral colors and easy to pair with vibrant shades.

Should I paint my interior doors grey? ›

Ultimately, the paint you choose for your interior doors should be based on personal preference and the overall style of your home. If you want a classic look, go with white or ivory. For a more modern vibe, opt for black or grey. And if you really want to make a statement, choose a bright colour like yellow or red.

Should doors and trim be lighter or darker than walls? ›

There's no wrong answer to this question! This is purely up to your preferences and how you want your room to feel and look in the end. Get all the details of our blue and white floral hallway. But over the years I've also become more attracted to painting trim (and even doors!) the same as the walls.

Should interior doors be painted flat or gloss? ›

Paint Finish for Interior Doors

As such, the sheen you choose should stand up to the years and not show it. Semigloss is the best paint finish for interior doors and trim. The reason being, semi-gloss can take up quite an abuse and stand up to nicks and scrapes better than any other sheen, flat or eggshell finish.

Should interior doors be light or dark? ›

The door shade should be preferably matched with dominating house furniture tone. Where dark furniture is dominating it is expedient to select similar shade doors, however, a couple of tones lighter.

Should doors be painted flat or satin? ›

Satin finishes provide a subtle sheen that is more lustrous than a flat paint finish but not as shiny as a semi-gloss. This finish tends to resist dirt, mildew, and stains, which makes it an excellent choice for interior doors.

Are white internal doors on trend? ›

The use of modern white interior doors has become increasingly popular and goes well with many different design styles and aesthetics. These doors give interior spaces with a subtle yet elegant charm because of their clear and crisp appearance.

Should internal doors be painted white? ›

Colour professional and designer Samantha Bacon recommends painting interior or exterior doors that open onto your living area “an off white or in the same colour that you have painted your walls” for a seamless look that creates a greater sense of space.

Are black interior doors out of style? ›

They're In Style

In fact, as a neutral color, they'll probably never go out of style entirely. If you're looking for a somewhat timeless look that will still create an impact, black interior doors may be right for you.

What is the best color for interior doors? ›

Interior door colors don't have to be restricted to white. From basic black that adds drama and sophistication to lighthearted blues that give a space a refreshing, approachable look, to quirky colors like light green and pink, any color you would put on a wall can go on a door.

What colour internal doors are on trend? ›

What colour internal doors are on trend? Trending internal door colors include lush greens and deep blues, reflecting current interior design preferences. For a more personalized touch, consider painting unfinished doors in bold hues such as vibrant pink or lime green to make a statement in your space.

Do doors match wall color? ›

Doors and trims are conventionally painted a different colour to walls – with white or at least paler shades the preferred option. However, more recently, we've seen a trend of doors being painted the same colour as walls.

Do interior doors need to be same color as trim? ›

Very few give much thought to the color of the trim, but this detail can completely determine the feeling of a room. Starkly contrasting trim can make a room look vivid and bright, and matching trim to interior doors can create a room with more muted tones.

Should you paint your baseboards the same color as your walls? ›

Painting the trim and the walls the same color visually adds height to a space and elevates the design,” designers Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos share. Like Williams and Papadopoulos, many designers are proponents of same-color spaces because this seamless method can help rooms look more spacious and elegant.

Should I paint interior doors dark? ›

Is Painting Interior Doors Black a Good Idea? Painting interior doors black is typically a good idea if it's a well-thought-out idea. In the right space, black doors can add contrast and personality, but it may not be a good idea for smaller spaces that do not receive very much natural light.

Do interior doors need special paint? ›

Preparing to Paint a Door

Choose paint recommended for interior doors, such as types with a durable gloss or semi gloss sheen that makes them easy to clean. If possible, paint in a well-ventilated area or use a fan to circulate the air. Before painting, clean the door with a degreasing cleaner.

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