7 Eye-Catching Yellow Front Doors

You can add instant curb appeal by painting your front door, but yellow may not be your first thought for a front door color. However, it's a sunny, happy color that radiates warmth, cheer, and is inviting to all who enter. Enjoy these photos of yellow doors and get inspiration for your front door makeover.

Paint Considerations

It's advisable to use a satin or semi-gloss paint for trim, including a front door. If you want a shiny, glossy paint, keep in mind that the door's surface must be smooth (except for paneling and moldings), or every imperfection will stand out.

Color Variations

Yellow is a primary color that is considered to be warm. Tertiary colors are orange-yellow or green-yellow. Endless gradations are achieved by adding white, gray, or black. The shade is the degree to which a pure or primary color (in this instance, yellow) is mixed with black, then is decreased into gradations of darkness. The tint is a gradation of a color (yellow) made lighter by adding white. Shading or tinting with gray is known as tone.

Symbolism

The color yellow has various meanings and symbolism, including:

The sun
Gold and other earthly riches
It is believed to have a serene, uplifting quality.
Associated with happiness and well-being.
In his earlier poetry, writer T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) made frequent references to the color yellow.
Feng shui: Pale yellow represents earth, while strong yellow symbolizes fire.
Hinduism: Yellow symbolizes knowledge and learning, happiness, peace, and meditation.

01 of 07

White House

Debra Wiseberg / Getty Images

Tasteful light gray walls with white trim are pleasant and inviting on this house. But it's those painted black steps leading up to a bold yellow door that makes it a head-turner, in a really good way. The contrasting colors are clean and vibrant.

Continue to 2 of 7 below.
02 of 07

Mid-Century Modern House

Moxie Productions / Getty Images

Many mid-century modern homes are being updated with well-thought-out color palettes that are mindful of architectural features. Mid-tone neutrals are good for the home's exterior, but trim can be painted with interesting colors, like these double glass doors painted a bold shade of school bus yellow. New homeowners of some mid-century homes, like those designed by Joseph Eichler, have been painting doors bold colors, with the same color repeated on the front horizontal fascia board. The result is simple, elegant, and eye-catching, especially if the color is era-appropriate.

Continue to 3 of 7 below.
03 of 07

Neoclassical Style

Carl Johan Ronn / Getty Images

A medium yellow paneled Neoclassical door in Ireland is flanked by white Ionic columns. The combination of white and yellow is always refreshing, especially if it is maintained.

Continue to 4 of 7 below.
04 of 07

Eichler House

Paul Bradley / Getty Images

A Mid-century modern house designed by Joseph Eichler is painted taupe, with light blue accents and a pale-yellow door. The roofline or front fascia is painted white, as probably are the beams inside, which helps to unite that concept of a seamless interior and exterior.

Continue to 5 of 7 below.
05 of 07

Georgian Door

Leverstock / Getty Images

A No. 2 unleaded pencil-yellow door pops through the ivy-covered facade of a charming house in Ireland. A white doorcase assists in making the color show up.

Continue to 6 of 7 below.
06 of 07

Brick Row House

Iñigo Fdz de Pinedo / Getty Images

An otherwise unassuming brick row house in London is brightened up with an orange-yellow door.

Continue to 7 of 7 below.
07 of 07

Old-Fashioned Door

Michael Westhoff / Getty Images

A vintage-looking storm door over an ornamental screen—both painted a pale yellow—help to make this house friendly and inviting. This color combination works because yellow and blue, or, in this case, blue-gray, are opposite each other on the color wheel, making them complementary colors, more or less.

Pots with colorful red and pink flowers make this old-fashioned house even more charming.