December 06, 2021

Should Interior Doors Be Painted the Same Colour as the Walls?

Whether you’ve moved into a new flat that needs decorating or you’re giving your long-serving family home a makeover, the colour of interior doors and their trims can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your home.

Doors and trims are conventionally painted a different colour to walls – with white or at least paler shades the preferred option. However, more recently, we’ve seen a trend of doors being painted the same colour as walls.

Before you pick up that paint brush, read on for our helpful tips when it comes to choosing whether or not you have a door painted the same colour as the wall. While it all depends on what kind of aesthetic you are going for, there are a few reasons you might want to leave your doors and trims the same colour as the walls around them.

A break from tradition

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Traditionally, interior doors have usually been left white, or, at the very least, have been a paler hue than the surrounding walls. In the past, this was simply down to the quality and availability of robust paints for walls, doors and trims. White gloss paint was used most often as it was easy to clean and was longer-lasting.

However, over time, a combination of an improvement in the quality of paints, and a growing concern over levels of VOCs in traditional gloss paints, have prompted a change in attitudes. Nowadays, there are more options, including high quality, modern chalk paints such as those we offer here at Frenchic, which make it so much easier to paint doors, walls and trims in a variety of attractive colours.

These sleek, stylish and hassle-free paints make it incredibly easy to redecorate, as they don't require any priming or separate sealing, and preparing the surface beforehand is a breeze.

If you have decided that you do want to paint your interior doors and walls the same colour, you can opt for one of our Frenchic Chalk Wall Paints, which come with a matching satin Trim Paint in the same hue. There will be a subtle difference in finish, but the colours will match seamlessly, and the overall effect will be elegant and modern. In fact, ultra-matte Frenchic Chalk Wall Paint, is tough enough to use for both walls and woodwork for an even more pared-down look.

Guiding attention where you want it

One of the main reasons to paint your interior doors the same colour as the walls around them is if you are not particularly fond of the doors and want them to blend in. Alternatively, maybe you simply have too many doors in a small space, one that is awkwardly positioned or another not in use.

By painting the doors the same hue as the walls, the doors will not catch the eye in the same way as they would if they were painted a different shade. Keeping them the same colour helps to create a streamlined and ultra-modern look. If you have chosen a particularly 'soft' shade, such as white or pale grey, having the doors and walls the same colour can also help to create a serene atmosphere that will help your family - and your guests - relax and feel right at home.

Make the most of your property by considering interior doors

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Some people may like to make a bold design statement and paint their interior doors in strong colours that contrast the walls, such as black. But if keeping a sleek and ultra-modern look is important to you, then it's definitely worth keeping everything the same colour. Having doors painted the same as the walls is a simple trick for a pared-down look that makes the whole space look effortlessly sleek – and chic!

Hallways are areas that usually include multiple doorways or doors leading to a cupboard or the loo. If you want to ensure the flow of your hallway is the main focus, a single colour used on all will help ensure good visual flow. You might even take the decision to paint one door and frame in a slightly different tone to draw through to the room beyond.

You might also decide to keep to a single colour if the hall space in question is small as this keeps visual distractions to a minimum. Conversely, for a wide expanse of wall or a very long room, taking the decision to use a different colour for the doors and woodwork can provide much needed character and emphasis. For a closer look at this trend, read: Should Door Colour Match The Trim Or Wall?

The case for small rooms

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Similarly, small rooms tend to feel ‘busy’ if they have doors and trims painted different colours to the walls. There can be too much contrast in too constricted a space, and this does not promote a calm or cohesive feel. Smaller bedrooms and nurseries in particular, where you may well be looking for ways to create a tranquil environment to promote relaxation and sleep, benefit greatly from a single colour for trims, doors and walls.

If you feel that just one colour is not for you and you are looking for a bit more contrast, how about painting your doors and trim a colour that is a half-shade different to the shade you have chosen for the walls?

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This particular tip is perfect if you want to maintain a classic colour scheme, with a small but pleasing element of difference.

Painting doors the same colour as walls – the verdict

As you can see, there are a number of reasons why keeping your doors and trim the same colour as the walls can be a very good decision, along with some great reasons for using a contrasting colour! If nothing else, having everything the same hue provides you with many more opportunities to make the most of a particular room, by throwing in some stunning contrasts and accents, via your soft furnishings and furniture.

However you decide to paint your doors, we offer a stunning range of chalk wall paints and elegant trim paints that will help you create the glossy contemporary look you are hoping for. Browse our full collection today – and of course, let us know how you get on!

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