What Color To Paint Front Door Threshold? [5 Perfect Options]

Planning and designing a home can feel endless if you don't have your colors right. Do you want to add some color to your front door threshold but have no idea what will look best? Is it a good idea to paint the threshold of your front door a different color? We will discuss these points below.

Painting the threshold can be great for anyone wanting to spruce up their front door area. We recommend using neutral colors for your threshold area, including white, grey, beige/tan, blue, and black.

Of course, that's not to say more vibrant colors aren't necessarily "out," but you want to be careful with the hue you use for your front doorway.

As we begin, we will cover all things thresholds and discuss what color you should paint yours. Whether it's time for fresh paint or you need inspiration for later, we can help. With that said, let's dive head first into this topic!

What Is The Threshold On A Door?

For anyone confused about a threshold, it's the place directly beneath a door frame. Some may call this often forgotten space the "sill" of the door, so it has a few names.

However, you will typically see thresholds made from either wood or stone and frequently painted in vibrant colors to add an extra bit of charm to an entrance.

Furthermore, you can think of a door's threshold as the place you walk on to enter a house/building, so it's an essential component here.

Most of the time, the threshold of a front door will be the same color as the rest of the frame, which is why so many of us don't even notice it.

You don't have to match the two areas, but if you prefer people not to see it, using a similar paint on a threshold is a good idea.

What Color Is A Threshold Usually?

For the most part, thresholds will be the same or a similar color to the door they're under. As we said, this is standard, and considering a threshold is historically stone or wood, you don't always need to get crazy with the painting.

Moreover, white, beige, and grey seem to be the top colors for a threshold design. Of course, you can choose to get more creative with this space, but try to keep your hues cohesive.

Referring back to our list earlier, black and blue are other great shades for a threshold, so those are other ideas you can think about.

Generally, you don't want to bring more attention to a door frame or threshold, but instead the actual front door, so if you want a vibrant color, try shifting focus.

You can also match the color of your trim to your threshold and door frame, so there are many ways to find inspiration here.

Our Threshold Recommendations

Now that we have the basics down, it's time to see some different threshold options:

White

First, we have a classic white threshold paint idea that is very bright and clean. Typically, white paint will be perfect for remodeling or a new build, as it symbolizes something untouched/new.

Although some may find white boring, this more dramatic wood front door, the white frame, and threshold work nicely. On top of that, the rest of the home's exterior appears white, so this is an easy way to continue that theme.

You could also try going warmer with your threshold if you aren't into the bright white aesthetic, so keep that in mind.

Grey

Next, we have a modern grey front door threshold which fits this home perfectly. Like our previous example, this design also matched the threshold and door frame, making everything feel cohesive.

Although using different colors for a house's paint is nice, sometimes you can't go wrong choosing a couple of hues you like and using them on the exterior.

Also, the deeper grey paint adds the right amount of drama to this white farmhouse, so if that's what you're after, this could be the idea for you.

Beige/Tan

Third, we have a beige threshold for the front door, which is neutral and camouflaged. Although this front door has a more striking paint job, the tan/beige frame and threshold tie everything together.

Especially with brick siding, choosing cohesive colors can be a challenge. Therefore, it might be the best option to stick to something simple.

Even though tan paint isn't exciting, it can help create a theme for your front door area.

Blue

Switching gears a bit, we have this daring blue front door threshold that is sure to start a conversation. Even though deep navy blue and green don't come to mind first, this unlikely pairing works nicely.

Sometimes, taking a risk with your paint colors can pay off, while other times, it won't, so this can be hit or miss. However, you have a higher chance of success if you find colors for your doorway that share a similar undertone, whether cool or warm.

Black

Last, we have this striking black front door threshold, which is quite dramatic. Even though black can sometimes be overpowering in space, the way it is used here doesn't feel like too much.

Specifically, the matching shutters and front door help tie this darker theme together. Furthermore, the bright white trim around the front door helps add some contrast, so keep that in mind for your project.

What Color Should I Paint My Front Door?

For anyone now reconsidering their front door color, there's no need to worry. Like the threshold and even door frame, you have plenty of options for color.

In general, many home designers keep the front door neutral, whether that be white, beige, brown, or even grey. Again, you don't need to do this, but a neutral tone is worth considering if you want something less distracting.

On the other hand, you can also try a more vibrant option. Recently, red and blue doors have appeared across the country, as well as yellow.

These three colors are bright and easy to pair with, which explains their popularity.

Moreover, black front doors are more common for modern houses, so if that's your aesthetic, you might want to head to the store.

Regardless of what color you choose, make sure to find front door paint that fits the rest of your home and one that you won't need to redo often.

Which Front Door Color Is Better: White Or Grey?

Between having a white or grey front door, this comes down to your style. As we mentioned, there isn't one right way to paint and design your front entryway.

Generally, as long as you use colors with a similar undertone, your outcome will be nice. That said, white front doors are the default choice for newer properties, so they're a good place to start.

On the other hand, grey front doors have a modern, more edgy vibe, which is perfect for a renovation. 

Again, both choices share a cooler tone and contemporary aesthetic, so it comes down to your end goal. If you still can't decide, you can always mix and match the two, whether it's a white front door and grey frame/threshold or vice versa.

Do You Have To Paint A Threshold?

Although you don't always need to paint a threshold, that doesn't mean you shouldn't. Especially for the front door, leaving an unfinished threshold can be unattractive.

Imagine leaving your wood front door as-is, with no finish, paint, or color. Even though a threshold isn't as noticeable as the trim, frame, or door to your house, that doesn't mean you should forget it.

As we covered earlier, there are many ideas for a threshold's paint. If you're feeling more neutral, white, beige, or tan can be the perfect solution.

Trying blue or black paint is the way to go if you want your threshold to be striking. Furthermore, grey tends to fall between these two sets of hues, as it is neutral but can also be very dramatic.

At the end of the day, you want your front door to be welcoming and 100% you.

How Often Do You Need To Repaint A Threshold?

Depending on the paint you use for a threshold, this can significantly impact its lifespan. Generally, you want to purchase a high-grade exterior option for a front entrance threshold.

You also want to find a paint that can handle foot traffic, as this will be a busy area. We recommend something oil-based, with a thick consistency.

With that said, expect to need to repaint/refinish your threshold every five or so years. Of course, you may get away with holding off for a little longer, but you will need to do this periodically.

To Wrap Up

Whether you have a front door in dire need of TLC or want to figure out a plan for a new house, it's essential to get your colors right. From what we found, you can paint the front door's threshold various colors, including white, beige, grey, blue, and even black.

On top of that, it's crucial to find a color palette that is cohesive for your entryway. Even if you don't want everything to match, having your hues share an undertone can be helpful.

Regardless, try to find paint for your threshold that fits your exterior's aesthetic, and don't forget to use one that is premium-quality and can handle foot traffic.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related home posts below!

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