The Case for Beautiful Black Doors
To-do list: Freshen up the house with crisp black doors, inside and out
I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless vintage decor which makes for a unique eye. I work in Los Angeles but offer e-design services nationally. Visit my website and my blog at http://www.veneerdesigns.com
I am an interior designer with a passion for modern clean spaces and timeless... More »
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
More black doors in design
| 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. Private Comment
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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.
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| Black front doors work well with the white minimalist interiors. Here they provide a dash of intense contrast to Scandinavian-style decor. Private Comment
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| A black door black complements black cabinetry, tying a room together in a sleek look. Private Comment
More on black cabinets |
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.
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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.
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I like the glossy black finish on this door accented by black ceiling pendant, table lamps, and furniture.
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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:
Black Wallpaper: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Step-by-Step: Dress Your Home in Velvety Black
Black Casework, Doors and Cabinetry
Private Comment
Did you paint your doors black? Please show us below!
More:
Black Wallpaper: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark
Step-by-Step: Dress Your Home in Velvety Black
Black Casework, Doors and Cabinetry
Comments
fionamann says:
So very thriiled to see this! Just sent a text to my painters who will now be painting our internal doors black. Just in the nick of time as painting starts tomorrow.
4 months ago ·
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jeg700 700 says:
Bold look those black doors, but no one mentioned how high maintenance black is...as much as white, I assure you! Every speck of dust shows up on black in a home...and you can't get rid of ALL the dust...ever!
4 months ago ·
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Thank you for the many beautiful INTERIOR examples. They're gorgeous.
4 months ago ·
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Maureen Kocsis says:
I have always had a black door and I'm sharing a secret with you....My painter always put a coat of marine poly to top it off. This is used on boats. It protects it much more than plain poly. Fabulous shine.....FYI
4 months ago ·
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jo_mcvicker says:
I love a black door. I always know it will be interesting when I walk through it.
4 months ago ·
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rdonal says:
Black is such a wonderful "neutral". It brings everything together and yet sets things apart with great design character. Black is my very favorite 'color'.
4 months ago ·
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Lauren Gries says:
I painted my bathroom door black. . . Love it! So happy I took the jump!
4 months ago ·
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Mary Hamp says:
Love the black doors..can't wait to convince my clients they need them!
4 months ago ·
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jacquelyndavis says:
Mary, your clients need them as much as I do! If I could only convince my husband. I've heard forgiveness is easier than permission, so I just need to get it done before he gets home from work!
4 months ago ·
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Creative Decor by Mandi says:
:) I didn't ask my husband ...just bit the bullet and did it! He would have questioned it for sure but I knew the results would be fabulous so I tackled it on my own. The interior of our entry door was white and showed so many scuff marks from shoes and paw prints...I was constantly washing and retouching it. Now that they are black, no marks and they look great all the time...dust is no issue. The black paint really made the neutral entry pop and added a touch of elegance. I just love it and my husband hasn't told me I was wrong.
3 months ago ·
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Dawna Jones Design says:
Every home I've built and will continue to build has always had black doors it's a must for me!
3 months ago ·
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lauriebwilliams says:
Sorry. Can't rotate these. I think the black doors make the ceilings seem taller. I painted 2 in a guest room to start out and see if I like them and I do. This is a before and after.
3 months ago ·
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bellasmile2 says:
I painted all our cottage interior doors black. The walls are all light in color. My husband was very hesitant. Now, he loves them and so do I. Best decision!! PS, no dust on the doors, no fingerprints, easy.
3 months ago ·
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kirkdonna4ever says:
I am building a house and painting all my interior doors black with white casing. Nothing looks as crisp and high style.
3 months ago ·
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dorothyb says:
I love black doors - we painted our interior doors as well as our front door black about 4 years ago - don't think I could ever go back!
3 months ago ·
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heidihessgriffeth says:
I repainted all our interior doors gloss black last year and just love how they look. Contrary to many people’s comments about dust, they don’t seem to show that much, and the punch they add to the decor is worth it!
3 months ago ·
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julie33 says:
I love the glossy black doors, but I'm thinking about painting my 1963 hollow doors all in black chalkboard paint. Any thoughts? It will be --of course-- very dull, which is why I hesitate. There are 5 total in my hallway.
3 months ago ·
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modernistmaude says:
Our 2 pack gloss front entrance door really makes our glass pop, looks gr8 with blonde wood floors and white walls. You do have to watch warping from sun/heat for external doors (here in Oz anyway). Australian Door manufacturers void your warranty if the door is painted in dark colours.
3 months ago ·
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