Black front doors feng shui

How to Pick a Front Door Color With Feng Shui

In feng shui, your front door is one of the most important areas of your home and represents the face you show to the world. Feng shui colors for a front door have practical, aesthetic, and potentially energetic implications. On a practical level, it is how you come in and out of your home. Your front door sets the tone for you and your visitors entering your home. It’s also the last thing you see when leaving your home to go out into the world.

On an energetic level, your front door also represents how energy and opportunities come into your life. Just like you want your guests to feel welcome when they enter through your front door, you also want opportunities to be attracted to enter your life. Your front door is the main portal for people and energy to enter your home. In feng shui, we call it the mouth of qi, or universal life force energy.

Your Front Door Color and Feng Shui

A feng shui practitioner looks at the colors and facing direction of your home to assess how the qi (life force energy) flows to your property. These factors offer information on how the qi is received inside the building.

North-facing home: To activate the energy of your north-facing home, you can enhance the water or metal elements in your home's north sector. Water is related to the color black and dark charcoal gray. Metal element colors are white, gray, and metallics like copper and bronze.
West-facing home: A west-facing home is enhanced by metal or earth element colors. Metal element colors are white, gray, and metallics, and yellow, brown, and earthy tones are all expressions of earth.
South-facing home: The South is connected to fire, the summer season, fame, reputation, passion, illumination, and inspiration. It is related to red, purple, fiery orange, and yellow.
East-facing home: Work with wood or water element colors to support the East direction. Wood is related to greens, mid-tone blues, and teals. Water is connected to black, dark charcoal gray, and deep navy blue.

One easy way to feng shui your front door is with paint. Look at things from a feng shui perspective based on your home's facing direction and work with the colors you are attracted to. Also, pay attention to what colors will work well with the house's exterior and your neighborhood as a whole.

How to Pick the Perfect Front Door Color

Red to Get Noticed

Red is the most auspicious color in feng shui, as well as a powerful color for protection and the transformation of negative energy. Red is also connected to the fire element, which represents warmth, passion, and inspiration. If you want your front door to be clearly visible from the street so that energy and opportunities can find you, a coat of red paint can be an effective way to do this. In the feng shui energy map, red is related to the recognition area. Red makes a bold statement, and it’s a great color to use if you want to get noticed.

Arthur Tilley / Getty Images

Black to Attract Good Energy

Black absorbs, attracts, and brings in positive energy, which makes it a great choice for a front door color. It’s connected to the water element, which represents wisdom and depth. The north direction is also tied to this element. Water is also connected to your social connections and network, so black can be a supportive color for building friendships and relationships.

David Papazian / Getty Images

Brown for Support

In feng shui, brown and other earthy neutral colors are connected to the earth element and used to balance, stabilize, and nurture the inhabitants in the home. A brown door is perfect for connecting you and your family to the stability of Mother Earth.

moodboard / Getty Images

Yellow to Brighten

Yellow is a bright, energetic color for a front door. In feng shui, yellow is connected to the earth element. Earth represents stability and grounding, so yellow is an excellent choice if you or your family could use more of that.

FOTOGRAFIA INC. / Getty Images

Green for Growth

Green is connected to the wood element in feng shui, which is related to new beginnings and growth. If you intend to invite in new opportunities to help you grow and expand, you may want to paint your door green.

Feverstockphoto / Getty Images

White for Joy

Connected to the metal element in feng shui, white represents cleanliness and purity. The west direction is also tied to this element. The metal element is related to precision, communication, and joy. Try painting your door white to invite more of these metal element qualities into your life.

SondraP / Getty Images

Blue for Knowledge

Like green, blue also represents the wood element, which supports growth and new beginnings. Deeper shades of blue are also connected to the "gen" area of the feng shui bagua map. Gen represents knowledge and self-cultivation, so dark blue can help support an intention to deepen your skillfulness.

Nico Tondini/Getty Images

Gray for Helpful People

Gray also represents the metal element, so it is a supportive color for inviting more metal element qualities into your life. In addition, it’s the color associated with the "qian" area of the feng shui bagua. Qian is all about helping people and travel, so a gray front door can support your intention to invite helpful people and benefactors into your life or to travel more.

TriggerPhoto / Getty Images

After you've chosen a color for your front door, make sure you use it. Many people don't use their formal front doors. It's essential to activate energy flow by opening and walking through them regularly. Even if it's not the entrance you use most often, try going out your front door when you go out to get the mail, for example.

Finally, don't forget to keep your freshly painted door clean. Part of having an inviting entryway is having a clean entry. When cleaning your home, take some time to wash your front door, including the hinges, knobs, and frame.

FAQ

Feng shui is based on Taoism, a Chinese philosophy, and since red is the most auspicious color in Chinese culture, it is the most favored color for a door in feng shui. It represents good luck, protection, and the fire element. Fire is related to exciting energy, such as passion, inspiration, and expression.
Some of the most common colors in feng shui for a door include red, green, blue, and brown. Red is related to power and energy, green brings growth, blue brings abundance, and brown brings earthly grounding.
Fire element red may be the most promising for attracting all good things. However, purple is also associated with wealth and royalty and can attract abundance and luxury into your life. Like red, purple is also associated with the fire element, attracting attention and change.

The Best Feng Shui Colors for a North-Facing Front Door

Anjie Cho

Anjie Cho is a certified feng shui consultant, professional architect, and author with over 20 years of experience designing spaces. She co-founded the Mindful Design Feng Shui School and wrote "Holistic Spaces: 108 Ways to Create a Mindful and Peaceful Home. "

Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process

Updated on 09/15/21

David Papazian / Getty Images

In feng shui, one of the most important areas that we look at is the front door. This is the main way that qi, or energy, enters your space, which is why it’s also known as the mouth of qi. Because of this, it’s a good idea to show this part of your home some extra love and attention. A strong front door can help welcome positive energy and opportunities for the people living in the home.

There are many different schools of feng shui, all with varied approaches. Each school is valid and has valuable insight to offer, so we recommend choosing the one that resonates with you most. Some schools of feng shui, like the Classical, Compass, and Flying Star schools, look at the magnetic compass directions of various aspects of your home, including the front door. If you are working with a school of feng shui that uses the magnetic compass directions, one way to strengthen your front door is to find out which direction it is facing and paint it a color that supports that direction.

How to Find Your Front Door Facing Direction

To find your front door facing direction, grab a compass and stand in the entrance to your home facing out. Your compass can be one that is specifically meant for feng shui, or simply an app on your smartphone. Use the compass to find out which way you are facing when you’re standing in this position; this is your front door facing direction.

In feng shui, the north direction is related to the water element, which represents wisdom, introspection, and fluidity. It’s also connected to the Kan area of the feng shui bagua, representing your career and path in life. If you work with a feng shui consultant, they will likely look to this area if you want to strengthen and support your career, or gain clarity around your path in life.

Paint Colors for North-Facing Front Doors

Each of the five elements used in feng shui is associated with particular colors. If your front door faces north, you can support it by painting it in a water element color. Alternately, you can choose a metal element color, because metal feeds water in the five element cycle. Metal is connected to joy, precision, beauty, and communication.

peterspiro / Getty Images

Water Element Colors

Black: Black absorbs energy, so a black front door can help you collect more positive qi for your household. It’s also a very elegant color that looks great with many homes.
Deep charcoal gray: Very dark grays that are almost black also represent the water element. If black isn’t a great fit visually for your home’s exterior, a deep gray might be a good fit.
Deep navy blue: Similarly, very dark blues that are close to black are connected to the water element, too. Keep in mind that lighter blues represent the wood element, rather than water, so choose something dark if you’re wanting to bring in water energy.

Metal Element Colors

White: White is a very yang color, meaning its energy is very active. It also represents purity and simplicity. It can be a beautiful, crisp choice for a front door.
Off-whites: Because a true white can sometimes be a bit too harsh in certain contexts, you may also consider off-white. This is a great way to bring in the metal element with something a little softer.
Metallics: Metallics like gold, silver, bronze, and copper are also connected to the metal element. If a metallic door is appropriate for your home, it can be a beautiful way to bring in metal energy.
Gray: A combination of white and black, gray is a peaceful, soothing color that complements many different colors and decor styles. A gray door can be a beautiful and subtle way to invite in the metal element.

If You Can't Repaint Your Door

If you live in a rental or are otherwise unable to paint your door, don’t worry! There are still plenty of ways you can incorporate feng shui colors to make the most of your north-facing door. Here are a few ideas, but feel free to use your creativity to find something that works well for your space.

Invite the water element to your front entrance with an elegant black welcome mat.
Navy or black planters on your front step can be a chic way to bring in the water element.
Add flowering plants with white blooms to your front step to welcome the metal element.
Add metallic house numbers to your front door. This is doubly beneficial because it’s recommended in feng shui to have easily visible house numbers, so that opportunities can find you!

Create a Relaxing Atmosphere at Home With the Best Feng Shui Fountains

Watch Now: How to Give Your Front Door Good Feng Shui

Feng Shui Tips - what the front door can tell you.

1. Feng Shui and the harmony of life
2. What is a Feng Shui door?
3. Entrance door and sides of the world
4. Color of the entrance door
5. Shape of the entrance door
6. And if the door is not according to Feng Shui
7. Correction of incorrect location
8. Mirror in the hallway
9. Stairs and entrance door
10. Tips and Recommendations

West and East interpret the principles of harmony and human happiness in different ways. Western culture focuses on functionality, practicality and external beauty. The East is trying to get to the bottom of things. Feng Shui, with its oriental aesthetics, offers us, people of a different culture, a fresh look at familiar interior solutions. One has only to plunge into his philosophy and see how the world around us is changing. nine0012

1. Feng Shui and the harmony of life

How do well-being, prosperity and good luck come to the house? Just like the people living in the house, they enter through the front doors. According to the laws of Feng Shui, space, people and everything that surrounds us consists of energy, in China it is also called Qi. The human body and soul cannot live without constant replenishment of Qi, as well as plants and animals. Qi is invested in us from birth, it comes to us in the form of food and water. It enters our homes with air currents. In order to feel strong and happy, we must not hinder its free penetration. From the point of view of Western culture, the door is only a necessary element of a human dwelling. Its dimensions, color, opening side, location relative to the cardinal points - these are just small nuances that can be neglected for the sake of comfort, beauty, functionality. But if you think about it, a door is what connects two different worlds. It is the link between the inner and outer life of man. nine0012

2. What is a Feng Shui door?

According to Feng Shui, the front door should be of medium size. It is believed that too large an entrance to the premises can create financial difficulties, a small one leads to family quarrels. The door itself should be of a regular rectangular shape, open and close easily and freely, and have a beautiful appearance. The color is chosen depending on the direction of the world - the north, east, south or west direction in which the door is facing. In the hallway, as well as in the outer corridor, if it is an apartment, there should be no extra things, untidy shoes and clothes. Clutter, blockage of a direct passage to the dwelling block the flow of energy. But in order to understand this, it is not necessary to be a follower of Feng Shui. Aesthetics, purity and freedom of space make our thoughts and feelings cleaner, more consistent and clearer. nine0012

Feng Shui consultants advise to install the front door in the form of a solid sheet without glass inserts. Also, an absolutely glass version will be undesirable. The entrance to the house must be reliably protected and hidden, which is why it is not recommended to make a door from fragile delicate materials. For free penetration of energy into the dwelling, the door leaf is hung so that it opens into the room. It is believed that the opening outward allows the dissipation of Qi, its loss. If there are windows on both sides of the front door, it is necessary to decorate the window sills with pots of live plants or beautiful curtains, so the energy will remain in the house. nine0012

3. Entrance door and cardinal directions

If your entrance door faces north, this contributes to a calm, measured and stable life. To dilute the regularity with bright events and interesting meetings, it is recommended to paint the door brown.
The Northwest direction favors men as masters in the house, contributes to a sense of respect for them by other family members, as well as their career success.

Successful learning, education helps the northeast direction of the front door. Active external forces bring changes to the house and the desire for new horizons.

The door of the south direction gives its owners an activity and a rich social life. According to Chinese tradition, the entrance to the house should be facing south. This contributes to gaining recognition and honor, helps to establish the necessary connections. Fire, as the main element of the southern direction, gives the inhabitants of such a house energy. On the advice of Feng Shui consultants, a painting depicting water will help soften the fiery character of the apartment. nine0012
The southwestern direction helps to strengthen family and marital ties. And also, in general, it has a beneficial effect on relationships between people, friends, neighbors, colleagues. Good luck will surely look through such a door.
If the door faces southeast, it means that the planned plans will be carried out slowly. But the house will always be accompanied by material well-being. According to Feng Shui, the Earth element, the most conservative, reliable and restrained, is responsible for the southeast direction. Adherents of the doctrine recommend decorating such houses with living plants so that stability does not turn into dullness. nine0012
The east direction of the door promises a career take-off and success in your endeavors. It also contributes to the health and prosperity of all the inhabitants of the house.
Feng Shui West is responsible for the younger generation, their success in education and knowledge of this world. For a young family, the western direction promises a big strong family. And if talented people live in the house, new creative opportunities will open before them.

4. Entrance door color

The Feng Shui direction of the door must harmonize with its color.

North. Water patronizes this side of the world. A fast cold current, sobering the mind, contributing to career success. Choose cool and contrasting shades, such as black, white, blue, cyan. Warm earthy colors such as browns, yellows, greens and their shades should be avoided.
Northeast. Suitable beige, brown and yellow shades. Do not paint the door green. nine0012
Northwest. Good colors will be - silver, gold, copper. Avoid blue, red and black.
South. According to the principle of opposites, the patron saint of the south is fire. The door is chosen in red, green or brown shades. Accordingly, cold water colors should be avoided.
West. For western doors, all metallic shades are suitable: silver, bronze or gold. nine0012
Southwest. Desirable colors - yellow, pink, beige.
Southeast. Choose green and purple. White color is better not to use.
East. This direction is responsible for material wealth. The “correct” door should be green, but white shades should be avoided.

5. Front door shape

Feng Shui door shape is determined by the element that corresponds to each cardinal direction. nine0012

The elements of fire are usually pointed forms that are present in the decor of the canvas. It is good to decorate such a door with milling in the form of rails, stars and zigzag lines.
The elements of the earth - clear geometric correct forms. Squares, rectangles, restrained and calm, will complement the image of your door.
Water element - rounded shapes. The flow of water in the river - the smoothness and streamlining of the contours. You can use milling without sharp corners or decorate the door with wavy lines. nine0012
The element of wood is a symbol of upward movement. Elongated shapes, rectangles will be appropriate.
The element of metal - the expression of bizarre forms. The doorway can be made in the form of an arch. A combination of regular geometric shapes and smooth lines.

6. And if the door is not according to Feng Shui

Opposite the bathroom. It is recommended to install partition screens between the door and the toilet. nine0029
The door must not face the mirror. According to Feng Shui, mirrors have a powerful energy that can both positively and negatively affect the well-being in the house. The location against each other in this case can lead to financial difficulties in the family.
In front of the door itself, this applies to private houses, there should be no drains, forks, sharp protruding corners or roofs of neighboring buildings, as well as poles and antennas. It is good to illuminate the door with pendant lights. nine0012

7. Correction of incorrect location

When buying a ready-made housing, we cannot make the front door where we want. But, if you still really want to observe the principles of harmonious home improvement, Feng Shui invites us to outwit the Qi energy.

Live plants. Lovingly arranged flowers in pots will have a positive effect on the atmosphere in the house and cheer up the household. The main thing to remember is that all plants should reach for the sun, and climbing creeping flowers should not be in the house. nine0012
Rugs with special ornaments in front of the entrance doors. If it was not possible to choose a door of the appropriate color, a rug purchased in the correct color scheme will partially correct the situation.
Folding partitions. It is good to fence off the door with them from the negative influence of other rooms or parts of the interior. For example, you can put such a partition between a toilet and a door, or a door and a staircase.
nine0029
Talismans. These are crystals of various shapes, horseshoes, Chinese lanterns. They are placed in the hallway near the front door. If you doubt their effect, they can serve as a decoration.

8. Mirror in the hallway

You can not place a mirror in front of the door, and the best location will be the same wall on which the door is located. It is believed that in this way the Qi energy entering the house will not only not run out, but will also increase. In extreme cases, one of the side walls next to the door can be mirrored. nine0012

9. Stairs and entrance door

The location of the apartment opposite the entrance stairs is considered unfavorable. In private houses, you should also not place steps to the second floor opposite the entrance to the house. According to Feng Shui, this prevents the Qi energy from flowing freely. You can correct this problem by installing a barrier screen. If this does not work out, and in multi-storey buildings this is simply impossible, you need to qualitatively illuminate the area in front of the door and use Feng Shui talismans. nine0012

10. Tips and Tricks

1. Do not place paintings with battle scenes or collectible weapons in front of the front door. It is believed that such elements will bring discord between family members and the people around them.

2. The front door should open easily, silently, without creaking. And locks and hinges should be lubricated, serviceable and reliable.

3. Install the doorbell in a convenient position in the line of sight and make sure that it is in good working order. Pay attention to its sound.