If you’re preparing to sell your home, painting your front door may not be on your to-do list right now, but it’s worth it – literally. As we discussed in our article on interior colors, a Zillow Survey revealed that the right color for a house can improve your bottom line by as much as $2,590. Yes, how your home looks is important, and your front door is an important part of that. Even if you don’t plan to repaint your entire home, a new door color can complement the color of your home, making it feel more purposeful and appealing to buyers.
There are other benefits too. You can change your current color relatively easily and cheaply and choose a tone that is more modern for a fresher feel, preparing visitors for whatever other modern touches are in there. Your front door is the first place a buyer interacts and sets the expectation for what is to come.
Which colors are popular for 2026? Let’s see.
Color trends for 2026
Overall, this year is not about being ‘sleek and modern’. They want their homes to be a sanctuary that reflects that feeling. This means a return to colors that feel grounded, organic, calm and inviting. These are the five colors that will evoke emotional responses from buyers this year.
- Pantone Color of the Year: Cloud Dancer (11-4201)
Image by Pantone
White doors are making a comeback, but instead of bold white doors we’re seeing a shift towards softer, ‘marshmallow’ whites. Pantone’s Cloud Dancer is the perfect example of this. If you know anything about color trends, you know that Pantone is a major player in them, and it’s surprising to see them choosing everything that has to do with white. But it also shows how much people prefer calm over shock. Their choice is a soft, creamy note that feels airy and light.
In general, white is the favorite color for doors, regardless of whether the exterior of the house is white or another color. For homes with color, a soft white door acts as a focal point, while the color of the home feels clean and fresh, subconsciously indicating that the home has been well cared for. White doors and upholstery convey a touch of care.
This Pantone choice is a less jarring white to soften the experience. It works best on homes with darker siding, from blue and green to gray, black and beige.
2. Sherwin-Williams Color of the Year: Universal Khaki (SW 6150)
Image by Sherwin Williams
Gray has been a staple in interior design for decades, but Shermin-Williams is moving towards more warmth – and especially warm sand tones. Their color of the year for 2026: Universal Khaki. It is an earthy, beige neutral color that pairs exceptionally well with white homes, natural wood columns or stone accents that we see everywhere in new home construction. The color bridges the gap between traditional and modern, making it a safe yet sophisticated choice for sellers.
3. Benjamin Moore Color of the Year: Silhouette (AF-655)
Image by Benjamin Moore
Black doors have been a staple of real estate, but the specific shade of black affairs. Standard jet black can feel too harsh, cold and commercial, especially now, when the desire this year is for warmer, cozier homes.
Benjamin Moore color silhouette carries the benefits of black while minimizing its harshness. It’s a blend of deep charcoal and rich, chocolate red undertones. You get the high-contrast drama of a black door, but with a velvety softness that is not only gentler on the eye, but also feels more expensive. In the design world, this means ‘quiet luxury’ – a theme that reflects what people want in a home this year. It attracts attention without shouting, in a natural, organic way. This door color matches beautifully with cream white siding or red brick.
4. Behr Color of the Year: Hidden Gem (N430-6A)
Image by Behr
“Biophilia” (the love of life and nature) is ubiquitous in 2026 home design. Buyers are looking for colors that feel sophisticated yet evoke the outdoors, leaving them feeling more calm and rooted, so to speak. Hidden gem is Behr’s answer.
The color is deep blue-green, bordering on blue and green, but leaning more towards green. It is reminiscent of ocean water, evergreens and hunting cabins. This is a color that instantly adds personality and creative flair, but is still rooted enough to fit even traditional homes. In other words: it’s a good mix of natural refinement. It suggests a home that is tasteful and peaceful, but not boring, and the striking look makes an ideal focal point for your door.
This type of color stands out beautifully against homes with other colors on this list, such as dark brown, beige and creamy white. It is also a beautiful complement to the red and clay tones, which we discuss next. If you have a traditional, cottage, craftsman or bungalow style home, this color is your friend.
5. Farrow & Ball Marmelo
Image by Farrow & Bal
Farrow & Ball is known for offering beautiful paint colors. There is not one winner every year; instead it groups “New Colors”. This year’s range joins all the others on this list by offering natural, earthy tones that combine tranquility and sophistication.
Some colors stand out, which is an ideal feature for doors. A front door can function as a calling card, especially in the right color. An example is Quince, No. 316. This color is a soft, terracotta-like orange and strikingly gentle on the eye. Similar to the color of clay pottery, it offers the same natural look and feel, but in a color that feels refined.
If you want something in a softer yellow, Duster No. 319 is a good second choice, but from soft pink to deep moss green, the company has your back.
Design tips for the front door
Before you go out and start painting, here are a few tips to get the most out of this home update.
- Your house will look best if the door also matches your roof or door window coverings. Do your best not to conflict with them; otherwise it will feel out of place and like a visual band-aid. In some cases, you may be able to complement them with the right color or simply match them so that the look of the house is not too busy.
- To make your door feel and look even fresher, consider the jewelry: your hardware. Cold chrome and stainless steel handles are replaced by unlacquered brass, champagne bronze and matte black.
Make sure the first impression counts
When it comes to home viewings, in most cases you only get one chance to make a buyer fall in love. If you’re preparing to list your home in the Portland metro area, you won’t have to guess at the design; determine a strategy with us.
Our team has over 20 years of experience selling homes in this specific market. We know exactly what today’s buyers are looking for, from the porch to the backyard. We also charge less than average and offer more marketing services. Contact us at 503-714-1111 or use our chatbot to start the conversation. Let’s sell your house.
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