For years, white doors have been the default. They’re safe, simple, and, well... kind of boring. White can work, of course, it’s classic, but it’s not your only option. In fact, painting your interior doors a color can completely change the look and feel of your home.

This trend of ditching plain white doors is catching on for good reason. A painted door adds personality and style without much effort or cost. It’s a chance to be creative without committing to a full room color change. These are not just door colors; they’re statements of style and personality.

Think about it, why not let your doors add something to the room?

Last year Southern Living magazine wrote an article called 9 Classic Paint Colors Designers Love for Interior Doors. A couple colors on the list were questionable but they show some great inspo photos. 

I painted the inside of my exterior door Benjamin Moore Knoxville Gray, a moody blue-green with a strong gray undertone. The color adds warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with crisp whites and soft creams. It’s bold but grounded, rich without feeling heavy, and has a quiet sophistication that works in both modern and classic spaces. What I mean is it's not a bright teal, it's muted.

In warm or southern light, its green undertones come forward, creating a soft, mossy effect that feels organic and welcoming. Depending on the time of day, it shifts between smoky teal and stormy gray, offering a cozy yet dramatic contrast against white walls. Here's what the color looks like on walls. 

 

Beyond looks, there’s a practical reason to move away from pure white: it shows every fingerprint, scuff, and scratch. Cleaning becomes a never-ending task. A deeper or warmer color not only hides wear better but also brings warmth and character to your space.

My door is metal so I had to sand it first, then painted it with a brush. I moved my Air Doctor air purifier from my bedroom next to the door while I painted but it didn't make a sound, I was shocked! It hates it when I cook, flat iron my hair, and blow out a candle, all of which it can sense from a different room! But next to paint, nothing! 

 

  

  

   

Lessons from My Blue Door Project

Don’t overbrush the paint. Once it’s on, stop going over the same spot or you’ll end up with a streaky, brushy finish. Aim for an even coat and leave it alone.

Always do two coats. The first one never looks good, but the second will even everything out and give you that smooth, uniform finish. So don’t judge the color by that first coat. Be patient. The second coat changes everything.

If your door has a wood grain, skip the mini roller and use a brush. It’ll get into the texture better and look more natural.

Take the door knobs off or tape around them. Sanding is the hardest part, but it’s worth it if your door already has paint on it. Degloss so the new paint can stick.

Use a paint made for doors. Prime first so the color has something to grab onto. Do a quick scratch test before you go all in to ensure the color is sticking. 

Peel off painter’s tape while the paint is still slightly wet to avoid pulling the paint up with it.

Get yourself a Touch Up Pen, they are good for 7 years and you fill it up with the paint you used to paint your walls. If you’ve ever nicked a wall, now scuffs and dings disappear in seconds.

I had a dog take a bit out of my baseboard trim so I used some Wood Putty to patch it up. Baseboards should always be painted in glossy finish so it's more durable since it gets the most wear and tear. 

 

The Bottom Line

If you want to experiment with colorful doors, paint can completely transform a space. Don’t default to white just because everyone else does. Color on doors is a small place to take a big chance. Whatever you paint, make it intentional. Every color should have a purpose and tell a story.