Why Painting Interior Doors Black Is Suddenly Chic

Black is always the new black. That’s never been more true than now, as people increasingly turn to painting doors black inside their homes for a bold style declaration. Are you thinking about it too?

Three years ago, I must have seen the trend blooming although, in my case, it was my outdoor trim. My husband and I are remodeling a century-old home, and we took on repainting its stucco exterior and repairing the trim a couple of summers ago.

My pick for the trim: Tricorn Black from Sherwin-Williams. I have to say, it’s been the perfect black soft, not too harsh and it’s held up to the elements beautifully so far.

But the trend of black interior doors, that one’s newer and hotter. So, in my estimation, are black kitchens, which Instagram posts indicate may be making a comeback.

Ashley Banbury, color marketing manager at Dutch Boy Paints, says “the use of black has gained popularity in modern interior design due to the desire for a more dramatic and elegant look. It is a design element that can help create a sense of luxury, contrast and personality within a space.”

Painting Interior Doors Black

@stayathomewoodworks So satisfying. #painting #asmr #pantrydoor #door #black #interiordesign #notapainter #diy #howyo Wow. – Instrumental – Post Malone

Painting doors is a doable DIY project. Here’s what to keep in mind when you’re considering black.

Pros of painting interior doors black

Banbury says black doors can create a high-end aesthetic and provide contrast or a focal point in a room. Plus, they work well with various interior design styles from traditional to modern. And everything goes with black.

Cons of painting interior doors black

“Black doors may show dust, fingerprints and smudges more readily than lighter-colored doors, requiring more frequent cleaning,” says Banbury.

Consider the size of the room, too. “In smaller rooms, black doors can make the space appear smaller and cozier, which may not be desirable for everyone,” she says. And, dark colors absorb light, which means overly dark doors may make a room feel too dark or heavy.

What Color Black Is Best for Interior Doors?

“Painting something black doesn’t mean you are limited to just a jet-black shade,” says Philippa Radon, C2 Paint color and design expert. Some are charcoal, some feel cool, some feel brown, some even give a plummy or green cast.

For best results, always test in your space first. You can order sample options through Samplize, or paint a few squares on the door to test them out in your interior light, in your context. (This is always the best option, in my experience.) Let it sit, check it out at various times of day and make sure it feels like the black you want.

Banbury loves Dutch Boy’s Velvety Night, a brown-black that works well with warm undertones. “The near-black shade harmonizes well with current styles and makes the bold black color livable in various spaces,” she says.

She also likes Authentic Black, a green-tinted black that “works best when you have design and color inspired by nature, including biophilic elements,” she says.

Farrow & Ball is known for its rich pigments and color collections. Off Black is a strong pick.

Should Black Interior Doors Be Matte or Gloss?

Why not both? Matte and gloss finishes each have their place. Radon says if you’re painting everything one color, it can all be matte.

“If it’s a stand-out color [separate from the walls], we would propose satin though gloss is very durable and highly reflective,” she says. “Many people prefer a very high gloss, as it does stand out!”

Tips for Painting Interior Doors Black

“Proper surface preparation and maintenance are crucial when painting doors black, because imperfections are more visible, and wear and tear may be more noticeable,” Banbury says.

Picking the right color, finish and process will increase your odds of success, of course. And you can always hire out if it feels above your skill level.

If you’re thinking about doing it yourself, Banbury offers the following tips:

Clean the surface

No, really. Super-clean. Hyper-clean. This is a crucial first step to any successful painting project.

Banbury says make sure your door is free of dirt, dust and grease. Wipe it clean with a damp cloth and use mild detergent, if needed. Allow it to dry completely.

Remove hardware

If at all possible, take off the door handles, locks and any other hardware to make painting easier on you. If you can’t, Banbury says cover them carefully with painter’s tape.

Sand the surface

Banbury recommends lightly going over the door with fine-grit sandpaper. This creates the dull surface that will allow your paint to fully adhere. Wipe away dust with a tack cloth.

Choose the right paint

Skip the discount specials. Pick a high-quality paint. Banbury recommends Dutch Boy’s Platinum Plus Cabinet, Door and Trim product.

Apply primer

If your door has never been painted or is in poor condition, Banbury says primer will help your paint stick and cover uniformly.

Use the right tools

“The brush really does matter,” Banbury says. “Use a good-quality paint brush or roller, like Purdy, to get the best results when painting your door.”

She adds high-quality tools gives painters extra insurance against brush and roller marks. That really helps with a black surface, particularly if you go glossy.

As for the types of brushes, Radon says to think about the style of your door. “If it’s a flat panel, you can brush and fine-roll it,” she says. “If it’s paneled, you will need a small brush to coat molding details and then paint the flat parts.”

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