Beyond Stark White: 11 Designer-Preferred Interior Door Paint Colors for Refined Architectural Detail

PublishedJun 27, 2025 1:45 AM EDT

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Designers certainly intend for their rooms to impress, but they also ensure the transitions between them receive equal consideration. A close inspection of professional projects reveals that interior doors are rarely finished in stark white. Instead, designers select warm beiges, rich green-grays, subtle browns, and other dynamic neutrals, introducing personality without overwhelming the space. On occasion, the deepest hues—such as Benjamin Moore’sBranchport Brown(pictured above in a historicPhiladelphia homedesigned byStudio Dorion)—deliver the most significant impact. “Before, when they were white, it just felt like why are there suburban doors in this house?” notes the firm’s cofounder Michelle Ficker. “It changed everything.”

Multiple approaches are available. The hue can be confined to the door alone (note Benjamin Moore’s Sharkskin applied in thisColorado mudroom), or it can be matched to the walls and trim for a color-drenched effect—a favored approach of designerAmr Samahawhen natural white oak doors are not specified. “It helps reduce visual clutter and makes the space feel more intentional and expansive,” he shares.

A further advantage is that this update is well-suited to DIY application. We consulted Iona Graham of family-run paint and wallpaper brandGraham & Brownfor her professional recommendations, and her guidance is notably accessible. After removing the door from its hinges and detaching all hardware (where possible), clean the surface with a degreaser or mild soap solution, allow it to dry, sand it, wipe it clean, and then proceed with painting using the selected hue (her preferred choice is a deep blue calledInfinity). For doors with molding, she recommends a brush to ensure full coverage of all crevices. For flat doors without molding, a four-to-six-inch foam roller is sufficient.

For guidance in selecting the appropriate color, 11 design professionals share their preferred non-white paint colors for interior doors below.

Brinjal by Farrow & Ball

We specified Brinjal, a refined warm aubergine, for a lake house project. The door opens to a bright yellow bunk room, so the color introduced an element of surprise, and the two hues complemented one another effectively.—Annie Downing, founder and principal designer ofAnnie Downing Interiors

Brinjal

Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore

We finished these doors in Tapestry Beige by Benjamin Moore to coordinate with the plaster in the room. We also applied it in the primary bathroom, as it serves as an ideal understated tone that provides subtle depth.—Jackie Kosnett, cofounder ofGalerie Design + Build

Tapestry Beige

Carob by Benjamin Moore

Carob is a preferred selection when depth is desired without excessive darkness. It is rich, warm, and subtly unexpected—well-suited to interior doors that require a quiet yet distinctive presence. When working within a tonal palette, we frequently paint doors the same color as the walls, producing an enveloped, seamless effect that feels intentional and calming, as though the architecture is wrapping around the occupants.—Amanda Leigh, cofounder ofHouse of Rolison

Carob

Down Pipe by Farrow & Ball

Down Pipe is a grounding shade that pairs effectively with whites and other neutrals. In one project, we applied it to all interior doors and window mullions, introducing necessary weight to an otherwise airy, all-white residence.—Tami Ramsay, cofounder ofRamsay Nye

Down Pipe

Grecian-Ivory by Sherwin-Williams

We typically guide clients toward wood interior doors for their natural beauty and timeless appeal, though wood doors can cost twice as much as painted alternatives. When budget considerations require a different approach, we either match the paint to the baseboard and window trim color or to a color specified on cabinetry for consistency.—Natalie Myers, founder ofVeneer Designs

Grecian Ivory

Pewter by Benjamin Moore

For a subtle complement to nearly any interior, this color functions as a nuanced neutral that introduces gentle contrast without competing for attention. On occasion, we paint the door casing to match, increasing the impact and creating distinction from other millwork details.—Liz Hoekzema, cofounder and creative director ofKLH Custom Homes

Pewter

Ball Green by Farrow & Ball

Consider coordinating the door color with the other shades present in the room. Along these lines, a door can readily be painted in two different colors—one per side—responding to the design of the adjacent spaces. Only one side of the door is visible at any given time, so selecting two colors is a viable approach.—Angelica Squire, cofounder ofStudio Squire

Ball Green

French Gray by Farrow & Ball

For this kitchen’s joinery and doors, we specified French Grey by Farrow & Ball, a timeless, soft shade valued for its warmth and versatility.—Steven Rodel, creative director forGuy Goodfellow Interiors & Architectural Design

French Gray

Sea Salt by Benjamin Moore

This is our preferred non-white paint color for interior doors. Its soft, muted, earthy tone introduces subtle contrast and quiet sophistication, resulting in a warm, welcoming atmosphere where a true white might feel overly stark.—Lindsey Colhoun, founder ofLindsey Colhoun Design

Sea Salt

Railings by Farrow & Ball

This is a timeless blue-black that presents a classic appearance while concealing cosmetic imperfections—an advantage when working with older doors. It also makes a strong statement on builder-grade doors when additional interest is required.—Zoë Feldman, founder ofZoë Feldman Design

Railings

Delft Blue by Fine Paints of Europe

We coordinate interior and exterior doors with the surrounding architecture, furniture, millwork, and wallpaper, while accounting for lighting temperature. Rich, saturated colors are particularly well-suited to historic residences. For blues, we favorFarrow & Ball’s Inchyra BlueorFine Paints of Europe’s BS18E58 Blue. For a more playful approach with an Yves Klein sensibility,Fine Paints of Europe’s Delft Blueis an excellent choice. —Keren Richter, cofounder ofWhite Arrow

Fine Paints of Europe

Delft Blue

Lydia Geisel

Home Editor

Lydia Geisel has been on the editorial team at Domino since 2017. Today, she writes and edits home and renovation stories, including house tours, before and afters, and DIYs, and leads our design news coverage. She lives in New York City.

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