Interior Designers List the Worst Paint Colors for Your Entryway

Black

Creating a dramatic entryway makes a bold impression—but not always a good one. "I would never recommend going with a dark black color in a foyer or entryway," says interior designer Allison Handler. "You always want to feel welcome and bright and airy when you're walking into a space—and while I love a good moody moment, I would always avoid this in an entryway."

Instead, add smaller doses of drama with accessories. "If you're looking for a more moody vibe, I would do that with ceiling details, artwork, a rug, or furniture—even a dramatic light fixture," she says.

Brights and Neons

The small size of most entryways makes it a tempting spot to incorporate a pop of bright color—but most homeowners should resist the temptation. "For me, paint colors to avoid would be ones that are too jarring and uninviting. An entryway's main function is to welcome your guests, to make them feel comfortable walking into the rest of your home," says interior designer Kristyn Harvey. "I would avoid bright or neon reds, as well as bright blue and green."

"They can be fun, but they often feel overwhelming in smaller, transitional spaces," adds Danielle Chiprut, founder and principal of Danielle Rose Design Co. "A better alternative would be rich, muted tones—like a deep olive or a soft terracotta—that add personality without being overpowering."

Lifeless Whites

Choosing the right shade of white for an entryway requires careful thought—and sometimes an expert eye. "Depending on the lighting, all warm whites can be problematic!" says interior designer Megan Gorelick.

Other designers point out that a white that's too cool can also look boring and uninviting. "Straight-up white can feel a bit cold and lifeless," says Shaolin Low, founder and CEO of Studio Shaolin. "For an entryway, go for an off-white with a warm undertone—it feels homier, without being too harsh."

If you do opt for a classic white foyer, make sure to add trim, fabrics, and accessories for energy and warmth. "We recommend not going too stark or boring with white in an entry," says Alexis Vitale, founder and CEO of Vitale Design Group. "You can warm it up by adding a little texture to make the backdrop feel more inviting. Go bold with accessories and lighting."

Dull Gray

Like black, a bold gray can make your space feel tiny and suffocating. "Dark colors can feel dramatic for someone stepping into your home for the first time, but they also make an entryway feel small and closed off," says Low. "Unless you're aiming for a moody vibe, go for something lighter to keep things feeling open and fresh."

A gray that's too pale will also create the wrong atmosphere. "These colors can feel cold and uninviting, which isn’t ideal for a space meant to warmly welcome guests," says Chiprut. "Instead, I suggest opting for warmer neutrals, like creamy beiges or soft taupes, which create a cozy, approachable atmosphere."

Any Paint Color (Try Wallpaper Instead)

Your entryway doesn't have to be one note. Trade plain, painted walls for eye-catching wallpaper, or combined with wainscoting—both will add visual interest and energy to your home's first impression. "It’s a great way to bring in texture and personality to your entryway—plus, it makes a bold statement as soon as you walk in," says Low.

Gorelick uses wainscoting and wallpaper "in nearly all of our projects," she says, referencing the home's palette for a cohesive entryway. "We tend not to paint them, as we like to create a multi-dimensional and layered space," she says. "We think of this as 'giving a wink' to what's ahead in the house in terms of colors and patterns."