The Power of a Black Front Door: Enhancing Curb Appeal and Home Value

When it comes to the color of your front door, which color do you think stands out as a fan favorite? If you said black, you would be right. Black is the top color in 17 states and continues to grow in popularity. As people turn toward more minimalist designs with big, bold accents, it may be time to think about jumping on the black front door bandwagon.

 

Why Choose a Black Front Door


In home design, black doors are almost always on trend. Black entry doors provide a uniform appearance that doesn't take away from the overall aesthetic of the home. Brightly painted doors can distract from the rest of your exterior and cause your entryway to look chaotic and unbalanced.


Increases Curb Appeal


You may not realize how important the color of your front door is to your home’s curb appeal. While many homeowners consider color an easy change, it can actually affect home value, which is a crucial factor if you’re planning to sell your home.


Color can influence what a potential buyer is willing to pay. For instance, a home with a black door may sell for approximately $6,000 more than a house with a bland, gray door. Curb appeal doesn't only matter when you want to sell your home, either. Adding value to your house provides you with a tangible addition to your assets.

 

Conceals Dirt and Grime


White doors tend to collect dirt easily. Over time, they become covered in handprints, scuffs, and even shoe marks. Once marks appear on light-colored doors, they can be challenging to clean. Scrubbing can turn into a vain effort, and the marks may never entirely disappear.


Exterior doors are more challenging to keep clean because of all the uncontrollable variables. Kids coming in from outside may have dirty hands from playing in the yard; you may find yourself covered in oil from working on a vehicle outside. Everything transfers to the door. A black door will show fewer imperfections.

 

Complements Most Exterior Styles


There are four standard neutral colors, and black is one of them. Neutral colors don't have hue undertones, which makes them easy to pair with warm and cool palettes. Black can complement almost any style, texture, or color as a neutral color.


For example, if you have a brick home with earthy reds and yellows, black will still stand out as solid and complementary. While black doors will always make a bold statement, they do not have to clash with your current style. Whether you prefer modern and sleek or cottage-style vintage, black doors pair beautifully with most any home style.

 

Creates the Illusion of Higher Ceilings


While the black door is a standout feature for the exterior, it also changes the look of the inside of your home. If you have low ceilings, a black door can make the space look more open. The dark color creates a focal point that draws the eye to the ceiling. The effect makes your walls look taller than they really are. If you have a glossier finish, the door can also reflect light and make the room seem even bigger.

 

Stands Out as a Bold Focal Point


A black door creates a focal point that appears custom and expensive. To increase the dramatic effect, add a glossy finish or and shiny, metallic hardware.
However, while glossy finishes may draw the eye, they may also prove more difficult to keep free of handprints and dings. Semi-gloss, satin, and matte black finishes are easier to keep clean.

 

Types of Black Front Doors


Whether you’re looking for a custom door or something simple and premade, you can find black doors in a variety of styles and materials, including fiberglass, wood, iron, and aluminum.

 

Single Door


Single front doors work for all home sizes and styles, from tiny ranch-style homes to vast modern homes. They offer a more traditional appeal than other door types. With one front door, you only have one access point, which may make it easier to heat and cool your home during extreme temperatures.


In addition, single doors tend to be more affordable than double and French doors. With a classy color, a single black front door can still elevate your home to the next level.

 

Double Doors


A black double front entry adds a touch of grandeur to your home. If you have an expansive home, a set of double doors can balance the sprawling exterior. Likewise, the double entry offers more space for hosting guests or moving furniture in and out of your home. Like the color black itself, double entry doors tend to be associated with class and sophistication.

 

French Doors


Many people mistake double doors for French doors, but there are distinct differences. French doors include two adjoining doors with glass panels spanning from top to bottom. The design originated in 17th-century France during the French Renaissance. Before electricity, French doors allowed more light to enter the home. However, at the time, glass panels were a luxury, meaning French doors were also a way to show off wealth.


Most French doors have aluminum-reinforced frames and double-glazed windows for ample security. Energy-efficient glass can also reduce your monthly electric bill while maintaining a comfortable interior temperature.

 

Pivot Doors


Black pivot doors have increased in popularity in modern, elegant homes. These doors create a bold statement if you love a sleek aesthetic. They have extensive, dramatic features because contractors can build wider door panels than side-hinged doors.

 

Sidelight Doors


Sidelight doors can include single or double doors. When using black for the door, with two windows on either side, the natural light through the window creates a more dramatic, open effect. The windows on either side of the door look larger and more open because of the dark door between them.

 

 

How to Adorn a Black Front Door


Black doors can come in a variety of styles, from simple and chic to ornate and expansive. How you choose to dress up your door depends on the type of door you ultimately choose, and what decor options complement the structure.

 

Complementary Colors


Black front doors can complement various styles. You can decorate your entryway while adhering to your style. For example, a classic black door will look sophisticated between two beautiful topiaries in planters. Likewise, decor color combinations that suit the look well include:

  • Black and tan
  • Black and silver
  • Black and gold


A pop of color in a wreath or holiday decorations will stand out against the backdrop of a black door. Likewise, having a colorful brick or a contrasting element around the door can make a significant difference in how people perceive your home. They are more likely to buy into the curb appeal when you have colors that complement the door nicely.

 

Trim Colors


There are many trim colors to choose from that work well with your black front door. Your trim and doors do not have to be the same color. Consider adding visual interest with a complementary color, or choose black trim to make your black door look even grander.

 

Hardware Colors


The hardware of your doors should tie in with the rest of your decor, rather than matching the black door. Look at your light fixtures, furniture, and other details of the entryway before you determine what hardware to add. The hardware should match other aspects of your home. For instance, if you have a colonial home, you may want to emphasize crystal and vintage knobs in your home.

 

Enhance Your Home with a Black Front Door


If you’re looking for a relatively easy way to enhance your home’s curb appeal and boost value, a black front door might just be the solution. For more insights on home design trends, read this article