The Best Colors to Paint Your Entryway, According to Interior Designers

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.

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:

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.”

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.

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. 

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.

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.  

Designer 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.