The Case for Beautiful Black Doors

To-do list: Freshen up the house with crisp black doors, inside and out

Natalie Myers February 4, 2012

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Painting my doors black is at the top of my to-do list, and the more images of black doors I see, the more motivated I am to do it. This is a hot new trend, not just for exterior doors but interior doors as well. A mention in a previous ideabook struck a chord with readers, which prompted this ideabook devoted to painting your doors black. Are you ready for black doors? Take a look at these examples, and tell us in the Comments section.

More black doors in design

Contemporary Bedroom Contemporary Bedroom

To me, black doors look best when paired with clean whites and light neutrals. You get a crisp and tidy combination that is not expected.

Samuel H. Williamson Associates

Black is not a new idea. When she was mourning the death of Prince Albert, Queen Victoria ordered doors in the British Empire to be painted black. This had a lot of influence on American homes then and now. Now we see traditional homes with a black front door and white trim as classic Americana.

Holly Marder

Black front doors work well with the white minimalist interiors. Here they provide a dash of intense contrast to Scandinavian-style decor.

Just a Girl

Just A Girl had a very popular blog post about how to paint your own door black without taking it off the hinges or removing hardware. The secret is Benjamin Moore Ironclad Metal and Wood Enamel in Black 363.

Of course, the proper way to paint a door is to first remove the door from its hinges. You can boil the existing hardware to remove old paint, or upgrade to new hardware. Add an oversized door knocker and a brass kickplate to add a punch of metallic.

Jennifer Grey Color Specialist & Interior Design

As long as you have your black paint out for the door, why not apply it to some furniture in need of refurbishment? An old dresser takes on a contemporary look thanks to a coat of solid black paint. The black door, black dresser as console and black accessories in the form of boot tray and coat hook on a creamy beige background come together beautifully for a New Traditional look.

Carla Aston | Interior Designer

If you are leery of painting a solid door black because of how dark it may make your room, the frames of a French door are a good place to start. You still get that touch of classic black, but the glass panels will allow plenty of light to filter in. Pair them with wispy white curtains for a breathtaking view.

Dawna Jones Design

A black door black complements black cabinetry, tying a room together in a sleek look.

More on black cabinets

Palmerston Design Consultants

Do you have a black vanity cabinet and a black tub? You are practically required to paint the bathroom door black. Paired with white marble or subway tile, it's perfection. Notice how the dashes of yellow in the painting and in the flowers infuse energy into the room.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

Black doors framed in bright white trim add extra punch. The idea of using this handsome application with black-and-white patterned wallpaper speaks to the boldness of the homeowner.

Atmosphere Interior Design Inc.

I like the glossy black finish on this door accented by black ceiling pendant, table lamps, and furniture.

Lisa Borgnes Giramonti

Using a black door on a black wall is tricky. Here, a black door with black trim is meant to disappear into the wall, and white furniture and colorful textiles in the room make it work.

Did you paint your doors black? Please show us below!

More: When to Paint Your Front Door Black