6 Colors You Should Never Paint Your Entryway, According to Color Experts

Entryways, despite being the first thing people see when they walk into your home, are often overlooked when it comes to design and decor.

But with just a coat of paint, even a drab entryway can feel welcoming, inviting, and special—as long as you choose the right ones.

“Ultimately, your entryway should say ‘welcome home’, not ‘walk through’,” says Rona Edelman, founder and lead designer at Edelman Color & Design. “The right color makes that first impression feel both intentional and warm.”

We spoke to Edelman and other experts to find out which entryway paint colors you should avoid—and what to use instead.

Stark White

While it may seem like a natural choice, our experts all agreed that you should skip really stark white shades when painting your entryway.

“This shade can feel cold and clinical, and it shows marks, scuffs, and everyday dirt very easily,” says James Mellan-Matulewicz, Creative Director & Interior Designer at Bobbi Beck. “The entryway is the first place you step into and often takes the brunt of muddy shoes, umbrellas, and wet coats, so a more forgiving color works much better here.”

Matt Boden, owner of Fresh Coat Painters of Tampa, agrees and suggests opting for a warm white or creamy ivory instead, if you still want to stick to the same color family.

Want more design inspiration? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest decor ideas, designer tips, and more!

Dark Gray

Boden also warns against using any dark gray shades in your entryway.

“While deep grays can feel elegant in the right setting, they tend to absorb light rather than reflect it,” he says. “In most entryways, which are often smaller or lack natural light, this can make the space feel cave-like and unwelcoming.”

Instead, Boden suggests opting for similar, yet warmer, neutral tones like greige or mushroom beige.

Rona Edelman, founder and lead designer at Edelman Color & Design, likes to opt for brighter hues over charcoal gray or even navy.

“Unless your entryway boasts soaring ceilings and abundant natural light, dark hues can make the space feel closed-in and heavy—hardly the welcoming first impression most people want,” she says.

Bright Red

If you want to give your entryway a dramatic feel, you have plenty of color options—but Boden cautions against using bright red.

“Red is energetic, but it can also feel aggressive and overstimulating right when you walk through the door,” Boden says. “It may also clash with other colors in adjoining rooms and make decor choices more difficult.”

Instead, he suggests more muted tones like terracotta, clay, and rosy beige to give your entryway that warm feel without being overwhelming.

Neons

Similarly, Boden says neon colors or anything that is too highly saturated might not have the right effect when used in the entryway—and can also be difficult to decorate around.

“Electric blues, lime greens, or bright oranges may look fun in a studio or a kid’s playroom, but in an entryway, they can feel jarring and dated quickly,” he says. “They’re also difficult to coordinate with furniture, flooring, and wall art.”

If you are looking for a pop of color, Boden suggests opting for more muted shades of the same colors.

Cool Pastels

For some homeowners, pastel shades can feel like a safe, timeless choice. But Mellan-Matulewicz says the entryway might not be the right place for them.

“In many homes they lack natural light, and hues like pastel blue or pink can appear icy cold, and washed out,” he says. “Because these tones can feel quite theme-like, they don’t always create the warm, welcoming atmosphere most people want in this space.”

Mellan-Matulewicz prefers softer colors like sage green, denim blue, or blush beige.

“They offer subtle color while still feeling cozy and welcoming,” he says.

Black

Interiors are moving more and more toward deep, dramatic colors that feel daring and bold—but when it comes to your entryway, you should think twice about using black.

“Black can be dramatic, but in an entryway, it can make the area feel closed in and emphasize dust or imperfections,” Boden says. “It also tends to absorb rather than reflect light, which is the opposite of what you want in a transitional space.”

Deep blues and warm grays can be a nice alternative if you are still looking for a more dramatic feel.