13 Ways to Paint an Interior Door
Turn your interior door into an accent piece, or make it seem to disappear
You can change the way your home looks by simply painting your interior doors. Add life to them, show off architectural detail, or make a door less noticeable. Go a little dark on the paint, or take it to the next level, using a bold or deep color.
Tips for painting interior doors
Tips for painting interior doors
- Keep in mind that any time you paint a door a deep color, you should take your time and prep well because the darker the paint, the more lines you can see.
- Most doors and trims are painted semi gloss because it cleans easily and subtly shines. If you want to go for a more shiny look use a high-gloss paint, which when done well can look gorgeous, making the color you use very deep and reflective.
- Prep well before painting and use materials referred by a paint professional, so it looks smooth.
- When painting doors, start at the top and work your way down. And always brush in the direction of the wood grain on paneled doors.
Painting this glass door and trim the same bold color as the wall creates an illusion there is no doorway, just panes of glass. I would love to try this on a frosted door leading to the basement. A door with a bold color is very tempting to open to see what fun lies beyond.
If a door is in an awkward spot or breaks up a small space, make it nearly disappear by painting your door and trim the same color as your walls.
If you are using dramatic wallpaper in a room that has light and deep colors in it, use the dark color on the door itself, and the light color on the trim for a dramatic feel.
Choose a soft gray or beige on your doors and trims for a dramatic look that still feels light and airy. Why not add a bit of character to doorways that have beautiful chunky molding?
Create a chalkboard door using chalkboard paint.
Outline your doors for a detailed look. Use a deep paint color on your door trim only. If you have raised panels in the door, outline each groove in the same color.
Let the door stand out. By painting the door itself black and leaving the trim around it white, it becomes a highlight of the room, especially if you have a door with lots of glass or interesting architectural details.
Try a decorative paint finish. Paint is not expensive, so have a ball!
Tip: You don’t need to remove doors from hinges to paint them. It is quicker to paint them while attached, and the result can be just as great. Regardless of what color/finish you do, paint in the direction of the grain.
Hire a professional painter near you
Tip: You don’t need to remove doors from hinges to paint them. It is quicker to paint them while attached, and the result can be just as great. Regardless of what color/finish you do, paint in the direction of the grain.
Hire a professional painter near you
Black or deep brown painted doors keep a contemporary space looking clean and chic. In this space there are no bright-white stark-feeling moments. To get a fine finish, take your time and prep well.
Color code a door or two to remind both adults and little ones this room is a special place (for doing homework or another activity).
This beautiful, glossy orange door leads into a stunning wallpapered bedroom. It is the perfect first impression.
Tip: When you have a door painted a bold color on one side but not on the other, what color do you paint the edges of that door? I choose to paint the edges the color of the side that opens inward, as in this photo.
Tip: When you have a door painted a bold color on one side but not on the other, what color do you paint the edges of that door? I choose to paint the edges the color of the side that opens inward, as in this photo.
In a home painted with neutrals, black doors pop with interest. You can just paint the doorways in the public spaces and leave the private rooms a creamy light white color.
Find a local paint supply store in your area
DIY: Upgrade That Ugly Door!
Find a local paint supply store in your area
DIY: Upgrade That Ugly Door!