Victorian Front Door Colours

If you’re looking to add curb appeal to your property, a beautiful front door is the way to go. During the Victorian era, it was all about making the right first impression. Ornate front doors, dramatic stainless glass panels and elegant entryways were the standard for those that could afford them.

Today, many Victorian properties are still standing. If you’re keen to elevate the exterior of a Victorian house, picking out the right front door colour can go a long way in enhancing the aesthetics of your property.

Whether you live in a detached Victorian house or your home is just one link in a sweeping terrace, the right paint colour can put your front door on the map. Looking for door colour inspiration? At Tikkurila, you’ll find a breathtaking selection of era-appropriate paint colours that can be used to overhaul period front doors and newer designs alike. 

Blue was a popular palette choice during the Victorian era. For many high-ceilinged interiors, blue colour schemes were the way to go. However, this eye-catching corner of the colour wheel was also turned to when picking out shades for front door makeovers. 

A shade like Atlantis L433 is a great choice if you’re keen to capture the spirit of the Victorian era. Although it’s rich and era-appropriate, this mid-tone blue won’t look out of a place with a more contemporary property. As it’s a darker shade, it works particularly nicely with polished brass door furniture. 

Another intense option is Ink M350. Compared to other blues in our collection, this shade is surprisingly playful. If the outside of your home needs an instant lift, there are few better colours than this one. Despite being an energetic choice, it will still pair well with cast iron and pewter hinges and hardware. 

Unsure of whether to go with a blue or green shade for your front door? Get the best of both worlds with a hue like Royal M436. This deep blue is just the ticket for when you’re out to make a statement. What’s more, an unmistakable hint of green makes this breathtaking blue deliciously complex.

Green will always work as a great front door colour. During the Victorian period, dark green was a regular pick. However, you can go a little lighter if you’re looking for something that will coordinate with more contemporary property details.

Try using a medium green like Silk Road S440 to get things started. As with the best greens in our collection, this stylish shade is enriched with a hint of blue. Perfect for establishing a sense of tranquillity when you return home.

If you prefer softer shades, try Serpentine V447. This gorgeous shade of green is the perfect partner to cast iron hardware. Furthermore, it wouldn’t look out of place with a modern-day property. If your front door is the only vintage aspect of your exterior, this is one of the best paint colours to use.

Looking for a more pale colour? Try Jade V449. As the name suggests, this is a light jade green, with more than a hint of grey in the mix. It’s a good option for more contemporary buildings, although it will also work well with front doors with period accents.

If you’re looking for a strong colour choice for your front door, black is an easy choice. As well as being low maintenance, a black front door is an authentic addition to any Victorian-era property. Not only will a black door make a statement, but it’s a versatile shade that works incredibly well with neutral tones. It’ll work nicely with all types of stone and brick, as well as more organic materials like wood. 

If you’re not ready to reach for true black, try something like Duke X491. Rich and alluring, this arresting shade is enhanced with blue undertones that bring a touch of contemporary charm. As with many dark colours, this hue will work with all manner of door furniture. 

Are you open to the idea of something darker? Try Midnight Y498. This classic black paint colour is perfect for when you want to make a statement. If the front of your home is white or clad in a lighter colour, this true black shade will create stylish contrast. What’s more, it’s a dream backdrop for ornate door furniture and will allow stainless glass door panels to shine. 

Finally, there’s Milkyway V493. This intense black is enhanced with blue undertones, making it a surprisingly versatile colour choice. You can coordinate with slightly lighter or darker blacks if you’re looking for the ideal shade for your window frames. 

Red was a daring colour choice during the reign of Queen Victoria. Back in an age when conservative black was considered a safe bet, painting a door in a fiery red meant properties stood out from neighbouring homes. Today, red is one of the most desirable front door colours around. It works well with doors of any kind and can be a sympathetic addition to brickwork facades. 

If you’re ready for red, try something like Madras N411. This burnt red is more reserved than some other colours, making it a great choice for vintage doors with ornate accents.

Looking for a playful shade? Try Reef M319. This gorgeous coral hue will brighten up the exterior of any home, while pairing well with vibrant greenery and eye-catching stainless glass panels and transom windows. 

For a more unique front door makeover, try Cardinal M334. This shade is rich and sophisticated, with its burgundy rose pigment making it a passionate choice, even for those with a penchant for red.

Design Features of Victorian Front Doors

During the Victorian era, a front door said a lot about a property and its owners. A high-quality front door with decorative hardware and ornate details was something of a status symbol. The majority of external doors during this period were panelled, with four-panelled doors becoming incredibly popular during the late 1800s. This basic design can still be seen today in many contemporary doors, although the undeniable charm of the real deal makes original Victorian doors a sought-after vintage item.

While everyday front doors tended to be ledged designs, those who could spend a small fortune chose intricate panelled designs with elegant carvings. As well as the door itself, the entryway to the home would be finished with an equally stunning door frame and architrave. These mouldings were often chosen to coordinate with matching window frames.

Ornate hardware had become a firm fixture of front doors during the 1700s. The Victorians continued the trend, with cast iron being the material of choice well into the 1800s. However, the deeper we get into the Victorian era, the more materials we encounter. Eventually, alloys became the preferred choice for chains, handles, hinges, and finger plates. Generally, door furniture designs became increasingly more complex, with many taking their inspirations from the natural world.

Many door furniture staples we take for granted today came into their own during the Victorian age. Letterboxes were once something of a luxury, but became commonplace during the late 1800s. House numbers became more of a regular sight. Some property owners chose to display these in the form of metal plates attached to the door itself, while others opted for numbers engraved into stained glass panels. 

As glazing became more affordable, windows became a mainstay of Victorian doors. The brighter the colour and more unique the pattern, the better. For many, stained glass was the ideal. These stunning panels could on their own, or be used to accentuate transom windows installed just above the door itself.