Black Interior Doors: A Lookbook of Ideas and DIY Expertise
In the era of modern farmhouse design, black interior doors have become a popular trend in home decorating. They offer a striking look that stands out more than standard white doors.
Painting your doors black can transform interior builder grade doors into custom-looking and expensive doors. This article covers the pros and cons of painting doors, popular black paint colors, a lookbook of memorable black doors, and links to DIYers who guide you through the process.
The basics of black interior doors
Painting your interior doors black is a dramatic and eye-catching choice. Here are ideas to help you decide:
Pros
– Highlight black room tones: Black interior doors add a unique and stylish touch to rooms that already feature black accents. They also work well in spaces where you need to balance out a large black object, like a TV.
– Dress up a door: Black paint can hide unattractive builder-grade doors or other disliked features. It can also make a door with decorative molding look more elegant.
– Create a focal point: When used in moderation, black doors can make a specific door stand out and become the centerpiece of a room.
Cleaning
– Black interior doors hide dirt and dust better than white doors.
Cons
– Visible scratches: Black doors with a white foundation can show marks, but using the correct type of paint with a good primer can mitigate this.
– Fingerprints: Black doors show smudged fingerprints more than light-colored doors.
– Trendy: This popular trend may not be timeless in every situation.
Choosing the right finish and type of paint
The choice of paint finish varies depending on the situation. For interior spaces with limited natural light, it’s recommended to use high-gloss or semi-gloss paint. These finishes reflect more light and are easy to clean.
Semi-gloss is often considered the most durable and reliable option for interior doors.
On the other hand, if the door is damaged, a satin, matte, or eggshell finish can better conceal imperfections due to their lower light reflection. Some people prefer the modern look of a matte finish, but it’s important to note that these finishes are less durable and less easy to clean. For houses with high activity or children, a matte or satin finish may not hold up well.
In the past, the prevailing wisdom about paint was that oil-based paint was harder and more durable. However, paint manufacturers now produce high-quality latex paint that stands up to wear and tear almost as well as oil-based paint. Additionally, latex paint is easier to apply and clean up than oil paints.
Sherwin Williams’ Tricorn Black (SW 6258) is a popular choice for interior doors. It is a neutral black with few undertones that might clash with other colors.
Off-Black (No. 58) from Farrow & Ball is another popular choice. It is a softer and less-black paint color than deep black paints.
Benjamin Moore’s Black Beauty (2128-10) is a warm black option that can add richness and dramatic color to a room without looking too dark.
Black Magic (SW 6991) from Sherwin Williams is a warm and dark black. It is considered a true neutral with no undertones. Graphite (1603) from Benjamin Moore is a dark gray rather than black.
This is an option if you want to paint your interior doors a more dramatic color but black is too stark for you.
We have selected the best examples of black interior door design to inspire you. Each showcases a specific reason why the black door style is effective in the room. Take a look at each and find ways to incorporate these ideas into your home.
One door among many
Interior black doors can sometimes be overwhelming. However, this design stands out because the owners have chosen one door as a focal point for the hallway. They painted it black while leaving the others and the trim the same color as the walls.
This elevates the hallway’s look without being excessive.
The style of these double black doors seamlessly complements the room’s design. They echo the black window trim around the front door and the black touches in the rug. The wood textures of the furniture and front door provide an earthy contrast to the modern black color tones.
A dark floor foundation
This owner has painted all the doors in the upper hallway black. The black banister matches the door tones for a cohesive look. However, the walls and trim are still stark white.
The wood floors and rustic wall trim create a textured foundation for the design that balances the dark doors.
Remembering the doors.
This foyer is a beautiful example of how opposites attract. The simple design showcases a double interior door that draws attention when painted black. The brass door handles provide subtle glam against the dark surface.
The french doors are distinctive and add character to the room.
Take a look at these beautiful curved French doors with nine glass lights. The standout design and gorgeous shape make them a real focal point. The black color of the doors is highlighted by the white paneled walls, creating a striking contrast.
To further enhance the shape of the entry, a domed light fixture echoes the curve of the door.
Black trim and molding
If you want a memorable look, paint the trim around the door and floors black or dark gray. This room has lovely traditional-style trim and doors. The black paint modernizes the door without hiding its traditional lines.
This creates a modern meets traditional vibe that is key to modern design.
Black interior doors complement various textural details, including wood, and also pair exceptionally well with sleek foundations like concrete. The straight paneled doors, along with minimalist trim and light fixtures, enhance the modern styling of the house.
Brass door knobs have a decorative effect on doors, resembling a touch of bright jewelry. Brass complements black backgrounds, while silver fixtures also stand out. For a more monochromatic appearance, consider using matte black hardware with a black door.
Black interior door handles would also be a suitable choice in this context.
Distinctive door handles on black doors like these are perfect for special guest doors, such as a powder room. The vacant sign is an excellent additional detail.
DIY ideas for black interior doors
There are several informative blogs where people have shared their experiences with painting their own black interior doors. Some provide a detailed step-by-step guide, while others offer valuable advice on why black interior doors are a good choice for them.
Thrifty decor chick
This is a helpful post by Thrifty Decor Chick on painting interior doors black. It covers the entire process, including reasons for choosing this color, taping the hardware, and the actual painting.
This blog post by Woman in Real Life provides a detailed account, complete with pictures, of how to paint your interior doors black. The blogger shares her experience, including cleaning the doors prior to painting and her reflections on the black door’s long-term appeal.
This blog post by Sarah Joy provides a wonderful step-by-step guide on painting a French door black, which is a unique process compared to painting a paneled door. The post includes photo documentation and a detailed description of the entire process.
If you are still considering painting your interior doors black, this blog by Maria Killam offers helpful tips to achieve the best look. Following her advice has fantastic benefits. Southern hospitality.
Are black interior doors in style?
Yes, black interior doors are popular right now. Black is neutral and more distinctive than white doors.
Do black interior doors look good?
Black interior doors complement various interior design styles, including modern, farmhouse, and traditional. To avoid overdoing it, carefully consider which doors to paint black. Select one door as a focal point and emphasize it with black paint.
Black is a timeless color for a door, just like any neutral shade. However, trends change over time, so the interior black door trend may eventually be replaced by another trend. Nevertheless, black interior doors will always have a classic appeal and continue to be beloved by many.
Do you need to paint both sides of the door when painting interior doors black?
While it is not necessary to paint both sides of the door the same color, keeping a consistent color and theme throughout your house can be beneficial. It is particularly helpful to paint both sides if the doors are frequently left open, such as pantry doors. However, if black does not complement the color tones and decor of your space, there is no obligation to paint both sides.
What is the ideal color for interior doors?
Neutrals are good options for interior doors. If you want something bright, try white, ivory, gray, or greige. For a different look, try dark neutrals like black or dark gray.
Dark green or blue can also be fabulous in the right location.
Does my trim need to match the interior door?
If you’re painting interior doors black, the trim can match or contrast. Black interior doors with white trim make the door stand out. Black trim with a black door looks amazing too.
This creates a cohesive style that looks custom.
Black Interior Doors: Conclusion
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