Should doors be painted the same color as walls? Expert advice on when to go all out and when to mix it up

SHOULD DOORS BE PAINTED THE SAME COLOR AS WALLS?

'Doors trims and the door themselves are conventionally painted a different color to walls – with white or at least paler shades the preferred option,' says Pam Gruhn, founder, Frenchic.'However, more recently, we’ve seen an interior design trend of doors being painted the same color as walls.'

COLOR DRENCHING DOORS AND WALLS CAN DIVERT ATTENTION

If your doors aren't quite as visually appealing as you'd like, painting them the same color as the walls - and color drenching the whole space -  is a clever way to hide it.

PAINTING THE DOORS THE SAME COLOR AS THE WALLS FEELS TRANQUIL

By painting the doors the same color as the walls, you can create a calming space that's streamlined and chic.

MAKE A SMALL SPACE APPEAR LARGER WITH A TONAL LOOK

Short on space? If you paint doors the same color as walls, you can actually create the impression of a larger room. 'This approach can be used to create the illusion of space,' says Ruth Mottershead. 'Simply paint the doors, walls and ceiling in the same shade to extend the walls upwards. This works particularly well in narrow hallways, pantries or galley kitchens that may be lacking in natural light.'

INCLUDE THE DOOR IN FEATURE COLOR BLOCKING

Don’t be constrained by ‘painting within the lines’, suggests Andy Greenall, Creative Director Paint & Paper Library. He explains: 'Rather than letting the shape of the door guide you, create a block of color by painting a shape that sits across a door. To ensure the scheme remains sophisticated and elegant, opt for tonal colors.'

KNOW WHERE IT WORKS BEST

Certain rooms in the house lend themselves particularly well to the color drenching trend. Painting the doors the same color as the walls will create a calming atmosphere, so works well in spaces that are used for relaxing; making ideal inspiration for bedroom and living room ideas.

SHOULD DOORS BE DARKER OR LIGHTER THAN WALLS?

There is no set rule as to whether you should paint your doors darker or lighter than the walls. And, of course, you can always paint them both the same color.

WHAT COLOR SHOULD DOORS BE PAINTED?

'The color you paint your doors is a personal choice, and is dependant on the atmosphere you wish to create in your home,' says Ruth Mottershead, Creative director, Little Greene.

'To create impact, opt to use one color across both walls and woodwork for a statement finish. 'If opting for a traditional white on a door, consider painting skirting and woodwork, almost framing the door, in a darker color such as ‘Lamp Black’ which will define the space.'

WHAT COLOR SHOULD I PAINT MY INTERIOR DOORS IF MY WALLS ARE WHITE?

'In schemes with white walls, doors are often painted white out of habit, but this has a big impact on the way that the room will feel,' says Andy Greenall. 'Consider adding a highlight color, be that a sophisticated grey or deep blue, on doors and woodwork to create a focal point to draw the eye.'

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