Choosing the color of your exterior door can be very daunting. There are many theories out there that suggest one color to another and many things to consider when making your choice. So, how do you choose the right color for your exterior door? Here are some tips to help you in your decision making:

The front of your house, is the first thing people see. Your exterior door is a reflection of you. It is the "opening" of your home, the place where people enter your home. So before beginning your search for the perfect color for your door you have to ask yourself. What is the purpose of this door? What do you want it to say to people as they enter? Colors can say many different things to certain people. Recently, more and more designers and architects are looking to an ancient science developed in China over 3000 years ago for room design and color choices. It is the science of harmonizing and balancing energies to ensure health and good fortune. This is called "Feng Shui." Based on simple "Feng Shui" principles, your front door is the entry point where all energies enter your home and the color choice of your front door invites certain energies into your home.

There are 5 elements in Feng Shui and each element is represented by color and certain energies:

1. The Element of Fire: Reds, oranges, purples and pinks. These colors will bring you supportive energies in your career. They represent recognition.
2. The Element of Earth: Light yellows, beige, earth and sand colors. These colors will bring you stability and nourishment. They represent protection.
3. The Element of Metal: Greys and whites. These colors will bring you clarity, precision and efficiency. They represent mental sharpness.
4. The Element of Water: Blues and Black. These colors will bring you abundance. They represent calm, ease, purity and freshness.
5. The Element of Wood: Browns and Greens. These colors will bring you health, vitality and growth. They represent wealth and prosperity.

Although, Feng Shui is one way to help you make a decision about the color of your door, there are other things to consider. You want your front door to enhance the look of your home. A beautifully painted front door can increase curb attractive and catch a potential buyer's eye. This is the first impression of your home, you want to make it a good one! When choosing a color for your door you should consider things that will not be painted, for example, the roof, the brick, the mortar etc … The roof provides a major field of color when looking at your home. You could consider the color of your roof and harmonize the color of your front door with it. Harmonizing colors are colors that lie next to each other on the color wheel. For instance, if you have gray shingles on your roof, you might want to consider painting your door charcoal gray, black or a deep navy blue. However, if you are looking for that WOW factor, using complementary colors will create a visually stunning effect. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, so if you have a brown roof, you might want to think about painting your door a shade of blue or green for exciting results.

The geography of where you live can have an impact on what you are trying to achieve, do you live in an urban area, rural area or in the suburbs? If you live in the suburbs, take a look around the neighborhood, what is the neighborhood norm? You do not want to stick out like a sore thumb but you do want to make your own statement. Do not paint your door exactly the same color as your next door neighbor's, choose colors that will set the houses apart. If you like the color your neighbor used but want to create your own look, try the same color a couple of shades lighter or darker. A popular trend in 2011 is neutral colors for the exterior of the home. Neutral colors in tones of gray, browns and beige complement natural beauty. Many home owners are borrowing colors from nature; earthy browns, luscious greens, deep blues etc …. For the more daring homeowner, try painting your door the color of your favorite flower growing in your front garden. If you live in a rural area, where there are no painting "rules", throw caution to the wind and make an impact, a bright color on your front door can be impressive. If you live in an older home, you may want to keep the historical accuracy of the home by incorporating colors that were used at the time the home was built. You can do this by referring to a historical color chart.

The quality of light that your door will be exposed to should be a factor in choosing your door color. Light has a dramatic effect on color it can magnify it or less it. So, when deciding the color of your door, take note of the direction in which your door faces. If your door faces:

North: No direct sunlight. Use warm colors. Avoid green or gray based colors. Make sure any color you use has a yellow or cream base.

South: Warm and sunny. All colors look good on a South facing door, there are no colors to avoid, but warm or cool tones look best

East: Sunny in the morning with muted sun in the afternoon. Direct afternoon sunlight appears to give colors a blueish tint, so greens and blues look best. If you want to choose white make sure it has a blue or green base.

West: Afternoon or evening sun. The colors will appear cooler in the afternoon and warmer in the evening. Direct evening sunlight appears to give colors a red or pink tint, so taupes will look pink in the evening. Direct sunlight in this direction works best with red based neutral colors.

Whatever color you choose, painting your exterior front door always makes a statement. Express yourself and you will be amazed at the outcome. Neighbors or potential buyers form an impression before they even step onto the property. Do not be afraid, painting your front door will only increase the curve appeal and value of your home. If you are painting your door yourself, beware that paint will chip and fade over time, that it is why it is always a good idea to hire a professional to paint your door. At Dudley's Discount Doors, you can rest assured that your door will come with the paint factory baked on, using only the highest quality paint to prevent chipping and fading. Contact Dudley's Discount Doors whatever you need, we are there to help!

Article originally published at Source by Dudley Peyton