Best foyer colors
6 Best Entryway Paint Colors, According to Designers
Style
entryway
by Hannah Baker
updated Nov 18, 2022
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When it comes to decorating your home, the entryway may not be the first space you focus on. All those big ticket spaces like bedrooms and living rooms usually take precedence, and for good reason, since we spend so much time in both of these areas. But designers seriously advise against neglecting your entryway—not only is it one of the most trafficked areas of your home (thus, you see it a lot), it’s also the first place guests step into when they come over for a dinner party or a casual glass of wine.
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And you only get one first impression, right? So make sure it’s a good one and treat your entryway like it’s a decorating preview of what’s to come in the rest of your home.
Even the smallest of entryways could benefit from a fresh coat of paint and a little bit of strategic styling. And because it’s a space that’s used so frequently, it’s smart to choose an entryway paint color that you love, but also one that can withstand a little wear. For a bit of color inspiration, we spoke to four designers on their favorite entryway colors. Here’s what they had to say:
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1. Greige
Nicole Gibbons, designer and founder of Clare paint, is a big fan of using warm neutrals in entryways. “It’s a space that should feel inviting, so I love using warmer shades to make it feel welcoming,” she says. “Greige is the perfect combination of gray and beige, and it has a bit of depth, so it will also help hide scuffs and smudges that are likely to appear in an entryway, which typically gets lots of foot traffic.”
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2. Off-White
For something a little cleaner and brighter, Gibbons suggests another neutral. “On Point is a favorite, thanks to its airiness,” she says. “It’s a clean, super light neutral with a touch of warmth, and it reflects light beautifully!” Plus, choosing a pretty off-white shade like this for your entryway means you can go bolder when decorating the rest of the space. Try bringing in a patterned bench decked out with your favorite throw pillows, a mini gallery wall, or a dramatic light fixture that’s in opposition to the light walls.
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3. Bold Blue
Designer Caitlin Murray, founder of Los Angeles-based Black Lacquer Design, is all about big and bold when it comes to entryways. “I like my foyers to make a statement and serve as a sneak peek for what’s to come in the rest of the house,” says Murray. “If I’m using mostly white walls throughout the home, a punchy accent wall is a great way to create coziness, add drama, and define the space.”
To make a splashy paint color work in a small space, as Murray did here using Brilliant Blue by Benjamin Moore, we suggest layering in one or two more bright accent colors in the form of accessories, art, or rugs and then keeping the rest of the furnishings neutral for balance.
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4. Blue-Green
Georgia-based designer Maggie Griffin, founder of Maggie Griffin Design, likes a striking deep blue as an entryway color. “One of my favorites is Newburg Green by Benjamin Moore—it has beautifully subtle variations of green, blue, and teal,” she says. “It’s the perfect hue to highlight with shades of coral and olive green.” Plus, thanks to its darker tone, you won’t see scuffs or dirt as easily.
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5. Deep Gray
To create an instant cozy factor in a home, Griffin likes painting entryways in an enveloping deep gray. “Antique Pewter by Benjamin Moore has smooth undertones of olive and blue and pairs well with vintage wood pieces,” says the designer. Play up the gray hue by adding in accessories in varying shades of silver, as Griffin did here with a throw pillow and decorative plates mounted on the wall.
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6.
Warm WhiteDesigner Jade Joyner, founder and principal of Georgia-based Metal + Petal, is also a fan of using white. “When it comes to entryway colors, a soft white like China White by Benjamin Moore is my favorite,” she says. “It’s a versatile shade that catches the natural light beautifully to open up a foyer and create an inviting, spacious feel.” Her tip for using white in an entry? Choose a satin finish, which hides smudges, scuffs, and small imperfections in walls.
The 10 Best Foyer Paint Colors for an Elegant Entryway
By
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim
Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
Updated on 01/18/22
The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto
Your home's foyer is the first space guests see when they enter your home, so it's important for setting the mood and tone for the rest of your residence. The transitional room can sometimes be an afterthought but is actually one of the most important design decisions you can make for your home. The best foyer paint colors depend on the size of your entryway and the tone you want to set. Keep in mind that neutrals like gray or beige are popular for foyers, but bright shades, moody hues, and subtle pale colors can also work well in the right setting.
- Color Family: Various
- Complementary Colors: Various
- Pairs Well With: Various
- Mood: Calming, cozy, elegant
- Where to Use: Foyers
Here are 10 of the best paint color ideas for your foyer.
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01 of 10
The SpruceWhether you have a large or small space, a crisp, clean white is always a great choice. Sherwin-Williams' Extra White is a cool tone that opens up the foyer and highlights any of the natural light streaming in. An entryway that is simple, but welcoming and modern, makes a great impression on guests.
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The SpruceIf you want to play with color but don't want to overwhelm the space, a soft pink can add a romantic touch that works beautifully in a foyer. The Spruce's Rose Power is a soft medium pink that is subtle enough to welcome guests and transition your space, but with just enough color to add a little depth.
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03 of 10
The SpruceIf you have a lot of cuts and architectural details or very high ceilings in your foyer, a color with some depth to it will highlight the space. We love Farrow & Ball's Dimpse because it's a soft cool gray that reminds you of the air at twilight, but it's not too dark or overwhelming.
Tip
Apply low-stick painter's tape to the edges of surfaces that will not be painted, and make sure to only remove it when the paint is fully dried and cured. Many beginner painters make the mistake of peeling the tape off too early when it's best to wait about three days.
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04 of 10
The SpruceAn unexpected color like Benjamin Moore's Hale Navy is a great way to make a statement in your home. This rich navy is a classic shade that is incredibly saturated and lends a moody tone to your foyer. Keep your trim and accessories light and airy, and navy will feel cozy and inviting when you walk in.
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The SpruceA beige shade such as Benjamin Moore's Sparrow is a good choice if you have a lot of different accessory colors or shades of wood in your home. This foyer paint color will tie them all together. This rich, latte-like beige is just dark enough to add depth, but won't feel dreary.
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06 of 10
The SpruceWe love Sherwin-Williams' Aqua-Sphere because it can play similarly to a neutral, but still adds a fun pop of color to your entryway. It gives us major beach decor feels and complements a lot of different color palettes. It looks great with various shades of white (perfect for a coastal color scheme) and tan or topaz hues.
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The SpruceMagnolia's Silverado Sage is a muted green shade that is lovely for a foyer of any size or shape. Named for the sturdy Texas plant, its nature-inspired color has a soothing air to it. It has soft blue undertones and pairs wonderfully with either white or natural wood accents. Finish the look with a fresh bouquet of eucalyptus on your console table.
Tip
To create the illusion of more space, paint architectural details like window frames and crown molding the same color as your walls. This is an easy way to make a narrow foyer appear wider and taller than it is.
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The SpruceWhile many foyers stay neutral and minimalistic, that doesn't mean you can't experiment with a little color, especially if you want to stay true to the rest of your space. Sherwin-Williams' Reflecting Pool is a rich teal shade that packs a punch without feeling too whimsical. It has rich green undertones and pairs beautifully with natural wood.
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The SpruceWe absolutely adore The Spruce Best Home's Lilac Sand for any foyer. Not only will it open up a smaller space and help it appear light and airy, but the dusty lavender undertones add a lovely hint of color that works well with a variety of decorating styles. Pay attention to the lighting, as it can influence whether the shade appears more gray or taupe.
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10 of 10
The SpruceIf your home is classic, you'll want a foyer shade that sets a mature yet modern feel for the rest of your home. Benjamin Moore's Revere Pewter is a greige shade that lends just enough gray to feel modern but contains rich beige undertones to cast a warmth to your space. It's perfect for a traditional home or a modern farmhouse look.
Find out how much paint you need with The Spruce's Paint Calculator.
Foyer - 135 Best Hallway Interior Design Ideas
Khoroshevsky Residential Complex
BALCON
Fresh Design Idea: Modern style foyer with gray walls, medium parquet floors and brown floor - great interior photo
Création d'un meuble de rangement & redéfinition d'une entrée
Le Décor de Jules
APRES - L'entrée a été délimitée par un travail autour de la couleur et de l'habillage en bois, qui crée un filtre sur le reste de la piece sans pour autant obstruer la vue. La création de cette boîte noire permet d'avoir un sas intermédiaire entre l'extérieur et les pièce de vie. Ainsi, nous n'avons plus l'impression d'entrée directement dans l'intimité de la famille, sans transition. Le claustra permet de masquer l'ouverture sur le couloir et intègre des patères pour les petits accessoires du quotidien. nine0007
HALL D'ENTREE
Régis LANNOY
Les carreaux de ciment viennent se marier doucement au parquet chêne
Une entrée astucieuse
SOHA conception
Stylish design: small Scandinavian style foyer with white walls, ceramic floor, single door, white front door and white floor - the latest trend
Rénovation épurée pour cet appartement sur l'île de la Jatte
Mon Concept Habitation
L'utilisation ponctuelle de couleurs intenses crée une nouvelle profondeur à l'espace tandis que le choix de matières naturelles et douces apporte du style. Effet deco guaranteed!
Alameda Residence
Christian Rice Architects, Inc. nine0003
Coronado, CA The Alameda Residence is situated on a relatively large, yet unusually shaped lot for the beachside community of Coronado, California. The orientation of the “L” shaped main home and linear shaped guest house and covered patio create a large, open courtyard central to the plan. The majority of the spaces in the home are designed to engage in the courtyard, lending a sense of openness and light to the home. The aesthetics take inspiration from the simple, clean lines of a traditional “A-frame” barn, intermixed with sleek, minimal detailing that gives the home a contemporary flair. The interior and exterior materials and colors reflect the bright, vibrant hues and textures of the seaside locale. nine0007
Palm Beach Gardens Home
Insignia Design Group Llc
Sargent Architectural Photography
Home Inspiration: Neoclassical (modern classic) foyer with gray walls and beige floor
R|House Design Build 9002 beautiful foyer is filled with different patterns and textures.
Design ideas for a medium sized contemporary foyer with black walls, vinyl flooring, bi-fold front door, black front door and brown floor
Modern Farmhouse | 2019 Dry Creek Parade
Solitude Homes
Home-inspired medium-sized country foyer with white walls, light parquet floors, single door, white front door and beige floor
Hemlock Lane
s Design Original design example of retro foyer with white walls, dark parquet floors, black front door and brown floor
Appartement Invalides
BAT & CO
Inspiration for a homey feel: large classic foyer with blue walls, light parquet floors, double front door, blue front door and paneled walls
Modern Tudor House | New Construction and Decorating
Bria Hammel Interiors
A fresh design idea for a neoclassical (modern classic) foyer with white walls, medium parquet floors, single leaf front door, glass front door and brown floor - great interior photo
Lake Champlain Home
Folkway Design & Wares Co.
Photo By: Jen Morley Burner
Design ideas for a small neoclassical (modern classic) foyer with white walls, medium hardwood floors, a single entry door, black entry door and brown flooring
Castlehill Project
Seventh & Grand
Pictured: huge neoclassical (modern classic) foyer with white walls, double doors, black front door and multicolored floor with
Edge Hill Project
Natural Selections LLC
Entryway with 5" white oak flooring and black stair railing. Hardwood flooring and door hardware provided and installed by Natural Selections. modern classic) with white walls, medium hardwood floors and beige floors
Best Designer Picks For Foy Paint Color 💡 Interior Design |0112
Baltic gray - Benjamin Moore | Olga Adler
Designer's Finest Foyer Colors
First impressions matter. Whether your home has a large foyer, or just a place inside the front door to set up your mail, this space sets the tone for your entire home. Raise your entrance as ten talented designers and decorators share their best foyer colors.
Benjamin Moore - Baltic Gray
Olga Adler: "My color for foy paint is Benjamin Moore 1467 Baltic Grey. It is a warm, soft shade of gray that is perfectly neutral. It works in all lighting conditions - looks great in daylight and at night, works well in warm California light and cool New England light (as pictured).
This is a color that gives you a lot of flexibility as it mixes well with all other colors. And perhaps most importantly, it creates the perfect backdrop for displaying art, and what foyer couldn't use a stunning piece of art for a first impression experience? " nine0003
Olga Adler : rentmyeye.com
Morning Sun - Sherwin Williams | Kerry Kelly
Sherwin-Williams - Morning Sun
Kerry Kelly : “Sherwin-Williams Morning Sun (SW 6672) brings the perfect amount of 'happy' to any space, especially the lobby. Warm yet grounded enough to provide a neutral backdrop, the shade welcomes guests graciously and sets the tone for home balance.”
Kerry Kelly: KerrieKelly.com
Farrow and ball - Blue key | Lindsey Pennington
Farrow and Ball - Blue Blue
Lindsey Pennington: “My current favorite spotlight color is Farrow and Ball's Stiffkey Blue.
This is a very dark blue, but not too green and not too brown. Only color
creates depth and mystery while being sharp and classic. I love darkness and
moody entrance. This creates the foundation for the entire home and gives
a sense of comfort and security upon first entry. Rooms from
the entrance should be lighter in color, creating a greater sense of space and
light in the more practical rooms of the house. The front door painted in "Stiffkey"
Blue "will also invite people to stop, rest, relax and
comfortable in the minute they walk through the door. "
Lindsay Pennington: Lindsay Pennington
Amazing Gray - Sherwin-Williams | Morgan Farrow
Sherwin-Williams - Amazing Gray
Morgan Farrow: “With the popular open concept design, we see the entire color of the house, which is usually neutral, continued into the foyer area. Color trends are, in general, a little upbeat - still light, but towards more "dirty" colors. One of my favorite colorways is "Amazing Gray" by Sherwin Williams. If I need paint with a touch of a more gray tone, I like to use "Repose Grey" by Sherwin Williams."
Morgan Farrow : Tatum Brown Interiors
Monroe Bisque - Benjamin Moore | Jill Hosking-Cartland
Benjamin Moore - Monroe Bisque
Jill Hosking-Cartland: “Monroe Bisque Benjamin Moore, HC26, is one of my most reliable foyer neutrals. This warm, unusual color is wonderful because it highlights the architecture of stairs and windows, regardless of the style of the house.
Jill Hosking-Cartland: HoskingInteriors.com
Loyal Blue - Sherwin-Williams | Ariann Bellisir
Sherwin-Williams - Loyal Blue
Arianna Bellisir: “One of my favorite entrance colors is Sherwin-Williams 6510 Loyal Blue. It's the perfect shade of blue because it's rich and adds drama, but the subtle greens add just enough warmth to keep this cozy space from feeling chilly and perfect.
Arianne Bellizaire : Ariannebellizaire.com
White mountain peak - Benjamin Moore | Tamar Stein
Benjamin Moore Mountain Peak White
Tamar Stein: Go to Foyer Color: Benjamin Moore, Mountain Peak White 2148-70
“Many whites tend to be shades of pink or peach. Not what you want in a room that represents your home! Mountain Peak White is a clean, warm white that looks brilliant in any foyer. I have used it over and over again with radiant results!"
Tamar Stein: [email protected]
Jute - PPG Pittsburgh Paints | Dee Schloter
PPG Pittsburgh Paint - Jute
Dee Schloter, Color Manager for PPG Architectural Coatings: “The foyer is the first impression of a home interior for guests, it should reflect the homeowners, their style, their personality, and that should welcome guests.
If your home has muted or neutral accessories and lots of wood furniture, Jute (PPG1098-5) by PPG Pittsburgh Paints Voice of Color will reflect your style in your entryway. The soft golden bronze color warms and welcomes when guests enter. nine0003
For an edgy orange foyer tone that's energizing and inviting, go with Casuela (PPG17-23) from PPG Pittsburgh. Paint "Voice of color". A pleasant color tells guests that the home is filled with conversation, energy and fun.”
Dee Schlotter: PPG architectural coatings
Aqua-Sphere - Sherwin-Williams | Lynn Dayton
Sherwin-Williams - Aqua Sphere
Lynn Dayton: “Blue is a great shade for a foyer. It can be considered as neutral
as it matches and complements such a wide range of accent colors. i
like using blues like you would see in nature on the horizon where
the ocean meets the sky - a little misty, a little bit covered with chunks of
clouds. Aqua-Sphere by Sherwin-Williams is the perfect choice. It can
make you feel like you are floating! "
Lynn Dayton : Dayton-Home.com
Benjamin Moore - Earring Ellie | Diana Hathaway Timmons
Benjamin Moore - Ally's Heart
My Go-to Foyer Colour: Benjamin Moore Allie Earring.