Don't Paint Your Front Door Pantone's Color Of The Year: Here's Why

It was the home design announcement heard 'round the world when the Pantone Color Institute unveiled its 2026 color of the year: Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a shade of white. Billed by Pantone as a "billowy white" that "encourages true relaxation and focus," this neutral hue certainly is calming (and much lighter than Pantone's 2025 color of the year, Mocha Mousse). However, this color isn't the best option if you're looking to give your front door a fresh coat of paint in the new year.

Generally, there are a few good reasons why painting your front door white is a bad idea. For many, a white door can feel flat and devoid of character and interest, especially if it blends in with classic white trim. It's also impractical for homes with heavy foot traffic: Whites like Cloud Dancer are so light that they'll exaggerate any scuffs, weather damage, dirt, or signs of wear and tear on your front door. Many design experts agree that while it may seem like a great idea at first, it won't take long to regret a bright white door. Instead, you could go the trendier route and spring for a contrast-y or bold paint color that makes a statement and conveys a more thought-out design approach.

We've established that whites like Cloud Dancer, while serene and elegant-looking, aren't an ideal paint color for your front door. So, how should you go about choosing the right paint color? It can be a tough decision. Since it's one of the first things people see upon visiting your home, your front door plays a big role in setting the tone for your space. It's important to be both intentional and practical with your selection.

Pros advise that there are certain colors to avoid when painting your front door — including red, gray, and olive green. As Zillow explains, these hues are visually unappealing, especially if you plan on trying to sell your home in 2026. If you'd prefer a neutral color for your front door, consider ditching Cloud Dancer and other whites in favor of darker colors that can actually hide wear and tear, such as browns (looking at you, Mocha Mousse), charcoals, blacks, or even a warm wood stain. But if vibrant colors are your jam, your options really open up. Shades of blue make a safe yet attractive choice, with teal, in particular, being one gorgeous color everyone will be painting their front door in 2026. If you're not feeling it, a classic rich navy or indigo blue would also look stunning on a front door.