Red Front Door Visualizer: Try Classic Red, Oxblood or Burgundy on Your Own House

A bright, true red. The traditional look on white and colonial houses.

Deep, darker reds that look quieter and more formal.

A muted, earthy red that suits farmhouses.

A rich red that looks best in high gloss.

A warmer, lighter red with a hint of orange.

Bright red on white is the traditional pairing, especially on colonials.

Red on a cool, blue-leaning gray is a common pairing.

The door and the brick are close in tone, so guides usually suggest another color. If you want red, try oxblood first.

White trim around a red door makes it stand out more.

A door colour looks different in morning sun, afternoon shade and under the porch light. Paint a sample board, tape it to the door and look at it at different times of day.

The picture is a preview. Phone and laptop screens show the same colour differently, so take the picture to the paint store and ask for a close match, then check the real sample.

Front doors are usually painted in satin, semi-gloss or high gloss. Gloss shows the colour deeper and is easier to wipe clean; it also shows dents and brush marks more.

Wood, steel and fibreglass doors each need the right primer and exterior paint. Ask at the paint store before you start.

Some homeowner associations approve front door colours. Ask before you paint, and bring the picture with you.