The screen door – it’s one of those small architectural details that can have a surprising impact on your home’s curb appeal. While their main purpose is functional, letting air in while keeping pests out, your choice of screen door color can influence first impressions as much as a new front door.
You may think there’s not much to ponder when it comes to the humble screen door, but there are actually some intriguing considerations around style and color. For example, did you know that your screen door doesn’t have to precisely match your front door?
Or that painting or staining an old screen door can give it a fresh new look? From the significance of your home’s architecture to the power of neutral versus bold color choices, the world of screen doors has more depth than you’d initially expect.
Read on to learn key factors in choosing the perfect screen door color to boost your home’s curb appeal.
Here are 5 tips for choosing the color of your screen door:
Contents
- Consider your home’s architectural style. Choose a classic white door for a cottage or colonial home, or go bold with a bright color for a modern house.
- Look at the color of your home’s siding, trim, brick, and roof. Pick a screen door color that complements the existing palette.
- Your screen door doesn’t have to match the front door. Often a neutral shade is best so the front door stands out.
- Look to popular screen door colors like white, black, beige, gray, and brown for timeless options.
- Paint or stain an existing screen door to refresh the look or get a custom color. Use exterior paint and sealant for longevity.
Should the Screen Door Match the Front Door?
While you certainly can opt for a colored screen door that matches your front door, this isn’t required. Many homeowners choose to make their front door the star of the show by selecting a screen door color that blends in rather than competes.
Neutral colors like white, black, beige, gray, and brown are classic options that typically won’t take attention away from your front door. You can also choose a screen door color that coordinates with your home’s trim for a cohesive look.
Consider how much contrast you want between your front door and screen door. If you have a brightly painted red front door, for example, choose a more understated screen door color like black or white so as not to overwhelm the eye.
Popular Screen Door Color Options
Here are some of the most popular, versatile, and stylish screen door color choices to consider for your home:
White
White screen doors are a classic choice that suits any architectural style. Crisp and clean, white complements brick and stucco exteriors as well as homes with white trim. On a white house, a white screen door can seamlessly blend in. One downside is that white shows dirt easily and needs frequent cleaning.
Black
Few colors make a statement like a black screen door. Black creates an elegant contrast against a white or bright colored front door. It also disguises dirt well. Use black screen doors to draw attention to your home’s front door color.
Beige
For homeowners seeking a neutral but warm screen door color, beige is an attractive option. Available in hues from oatmeal to tan, beige offers a subtle punch of style. It’s ideal for cottages, cabins, and coastal abodes.
Brown
Add a rustic, woodsy touch with a brown screen door. Brown makes sense for mountain homes, cabins, and ranch houses. Pair it with natural siding or a green front door for an earthy, inviting look.
Gray
On-trend gray screen doors complement both traditional and modern architectural styles. Go for a pale hue as an alternative to stark white or make a statement with charcoal gray. Gray disguises dirt well, too.
Blue
Perky sky blue instantly brightens up a home exterior, while navy blue adds sophistication. Blue doors lend coastal homes a nautical vibe. Since blue is so widely appealing, it’s unlikely to negatively impact resale value.
Tips for Painting a Screen Door
Rather than replace your existing screen door, you can also paint it to achieve your desired color. Painting a screen door helps refresh worn doors and allows you to get creative with unique colors. Use exterior enamel paint and proper preparation for best results.
Here are some tips when painting a wooden or metal screen door:
- Lightly sand the screen door first to rough up the surface so new paint adheres well.
- Carefully mask off glass panels, screens or other areas you don’t want painted using painter’s tape.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of paint for coverage and to avoid drips. Allow ample drying time between coats.
- Finish off with a coat of sealant or varnish for added protection.
For a wooden screen door, you can also opt for a wood stain instead of paint. Make sure to completely remove old paint or stain before applying a new coat of stain. Follow all product label directions closely.
Sealing Your Screen Door
It’s not mandatory, but adding a protective sealant to a stained or painted wooden screen door is a smart idea. Outdoor sealants safeguard doors against moisture, UV rays, and other wear. Sealants help wooden doors better withstand the elements and last for years longer. Apply 2-3 coats of sealant to your freshly painted or stained screen door for the longest-lasting finish.
Choosing a Screen Door with Curb Appeal in Mind
A screen door’s color makes a bigger impact on your home’s curb appeal than you may initially think. While the door serves the simple purpose of allowing airflow while keeping pests out, don’t underestimate how much small details like a stylish screen door influence first impressions of your home.
Rather than defaulting to basic white, take time to consider screen door shades that enhance your home’s exterior. A colorful front door paired with a more understated neutral or complementary-colored screen door can help your front entry make a stellar first impression.
With proper prep and the right exterior paint or stain, you can easily transform a worn-out screen door into an eye-catching focal point. Don’t let a lackluster, faded screen door detract from your home’s curb appeal or bring down your property value. A fresh coat of paint or stain and a new screen can make an old door look brand new.
Consider your home’s architectural details, color scheme, and style preferences when selecting the ideal shade. And don’t be afraid to add a little extra personality by choosing a fun, unique color for your screen door. With strategic color choices and proper prep, you can have the best-looking screen door on the block.
