Your interior doors are more than just functional pieces that separate rooms – they are a significant design element that can either enhance or detract from your home decor. While functionality is important, you’ll want your doors to coordinate with and complement the styles and colours in the rooms they connect. The right hue can tie a space together or create contrast as desired. With so many paint colour options today, choosing the perfect door tone may seem overwhelming. Here are some tips for selecting a colour that matches your interior design goals and visual style.
Consider the Styles in Adjacent Rooms
Start by analyzing the design styles of the rooms on either side of the doors. Are they traditional, modern, rustic? What colours are used prominently in walls, trim, and furnishings? Matching or coordinating your door colours with the predominant hues next door allows everything to flow cohesively. Monochromatic colours create a sense of unity while contrasting shades provide visual interest and separation between areas.
Traditional spaces with rich wood tones will pair nicely with classic white or off-white doors. Contemporary white walls pop against charcoal or cobalt blue doors. Country cottage areas feel inviting with a sage green or antique yellow door. Matching earthy stain colours creates effortless transitions between rustic rooms. The goal is for doors to tie adjacent spaces together rather than stand out as jarring elements.
Consider Lighting and Foot Traffic
Practical concerns like lighting and usage also impact optimal colour selection. Darker shades make the most sense on low-traffic closets and storage rooms with little natural light. But you’ll want a lighter hue to brighten small spaces in high-traffic areas like main entryways or home offices. Lighter colours also show less dirt accumulation over time.
A bright white door allows light to reflect throughout interior rooms with limited windows or overhead fixtures. But in sunny spaces, consider a tone just a shade or two darker to reduce harsh shadows and glare on entryways. Deeper colours absorb rather than reflect light in problem areas. Bathrooms with natural vanities also complement wood-look tones.
Consider Furniture and Flooring Hues
When mulling over options, include the prominent basement, wall, or trim colours in nearby Family Rooms or living spaces. Coordinate doors with the furniture and flooring pieces they frame. Light-toned hardwood pairs gracefully with creamy white or soft grey doors, while darker-stained floors suit richer shades like navy or forest green.
The right hue makes furniture pop rather than disappear. Dark leather couches and wood media units stand against lighter walls and doors. But ornate cherry furnishings command attention regardless of background colour. Neutrals allow flexibility to change decor over time without dating doors. Earthy wood stains blend organically in casual great rooms.
Consider Architectural Details
Door frame and casing styles also influence the ideal colour scheme. Traditional raised four-panel doors suit classic whites and creams. Shaker styles appear simple yet sophisticated in soft colours with minimal detailing like pale blue or sage. Contemporary slab designs showcase personality in darker, moodier shades.
Fully-grooved flush doors coordinate best solids or near-solids. But dramatic black doors make a statement when paired with contrasting white trim for visual interest. Deep colours emphasize intricate carvings or cut-outs on ornate period pieces. Lighter tones let doors recede to highlight beautiful old-home architectural features. Carefully consider all door attributes before committing to a specific hue.
Consider Aging and Future Renovations
How a colour will hold up and complement future renovations also merits consideration. Dark shades show every smudge and scuff more readily over the years. White withstands dirt and remains flexible as fashions change. Earth tones age beautifully without looking dated.
When kids or pets are part of the household, go with wipeable, stain-resistant finishes. And if you foresee renovating nearby rooms down the line, opt for versatile neutrals that are unlikely to clash. Dark colours date more quickly as tastes evolve. Lighter hues adapt gracefully to styling shifts with minimal touch-ups between projects.
Take your time viewing colour samples in varied lighting before deciding. Place chips beside flooring, wall paint, and furniture to preview the look. Consider coordinating solid and semi-gloss paint inside with exterior stain combinations for continuity. With the right preparation and pairing of colours to your décor styles, interior doors can flawlessly enhance your home’s atmosphere for years to come.
Need More Tips?
These tips can help you select door colours that coordinate beautifully with your interior designs. Contact Yarrow Sash & Door to browse our wide selection of door styles, from traditional to contemporary. Our expert team can also help with recommendations based on your unique project details.
Recent Comments