I’ve always liked red. I’m never one to have a “favorite” anything, so the color I’m feeling at the moment is always changing. But red seems to appear throughout my clothing, design, and our home. While I’ve always pictured a house with a red door, the idea did feel very strong to me. Bold. I wasn’t sure that was what I wanted our home to say. I want our home to feel how I hope we come across as a family: traditional with some twists, colorful, welcoming.
So I started to research red doors and it was rather interesting what I came across.
In Feng Shui the front door is considered the mouth of the home. Red means “welcome,” specifically that you’re welcoming energy into the space. Red doors in Early America also meant “welcome” to travelers on horse and buggy, letting them know they could knock for a meal and a night’s rest. Some say it was also a sign of the Underground Railroad.
The Israelites put lamb’s blood on their doors to protect them from death during the Exodus. More traditional churches have red doors as a reminder of Christ’s blood shed for us and the protection we have because of it. The more facts I found, the more I realized this color was perfect for us.
Along with a red door I’m in search of a great door knocker. A lion keeps coming to the top of my want list, and I’ve learned that it’s tied to all things British – perfect.
What do you think about a red door? What color is your door, and what do you think it says about you?
Catherine Hansen Peart says
I love red doors. Particularly on a colonial. We have an orange door right now. I would have happily gone with red but this house wanted orange (maybe the house isn't traditional enough? red wouldn't have matched the brick colour either). I don't have orange anywhere else but it makes me so happy to drive up to our house and see it. I love any colour door in the right setting. Yellow and blue are other firm favourites. The last house we owned had a bright yellow door and I loved it too. I think our orange door says we are happy, welcoming kind of people. I hope that is what people feel anyway.
Rebecca - Hello Creative Blog says
Who knew? I love the symbolism!
Meghan says
Wow – who knew there was so much behind a red door?! I love it and think it will be a perfect choice for you!
Reni says
Fantastic!! I love that red doors can have so many meanings and be beautiful.
the little lion girl
themakerista@gmail.com says
I do too, Reni! Thanks for following along!
Jennifer@The Chronicles of Home says
The first thing I did when we moved into our last house was paint the front door red 🙂 Love that look. Our door is now is black but I have a feeling I may go back to red eventually. And I loved all the history on red doors – I had no idea!
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
In our first home we painted our front door red. My grandma always said a red door means "welcome" and it just stuck with me. I with you on that lion door knocker! I picked on up at the flea market last weekend and can't wait to add it to our front door back home 🙂 xoxo
Rachel Rardon says
How cool! Love all of the facts. Our front door is white right now – but if it were to be a color, for some reason I think Navy would be a good fit for our family.
Just another Martha says
Our front door is Stadium Red by Ralph Lauren. I love it!!! It needs a fresh new coat and new hardware, but I love the color. I do not believe that RL offers the color anymore, but you can go to most home stores and ask them to do a custom mix on another base. I've done that and it works very well. I plan to replace my brass hardware with black – I can't wait to see how it looks on the red!!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Ooh, I love all of the Ralph Lauren colors. I was really bummed that they discontinued them, and I wish I would have stocked up on the paint chips! I'll have to check it out, thanks so much!
Bethany DeVore says
How neat! I never knew they had such meaning behind them, but I've always loved red doors!
kelsey williams says
I love that you did this research. Our front door is mustard and I love it! 🙂
BrookeR says
Hi, Gwen! Love picture #2 with the red moulding. Not sure if you follow Daniel @ Manhattan Nest or not but he is thinking about painting his door and moulding in black. Such a statement! Love your blog.
Brooke
themakerista@gmail.com says
I have heard of him, especially lately with the pineapple wallpapered bathroom he did, but haven't really checked him out, but thanks for giving me something to dive into for the last hour. 🙂 On my, what a house!
Gina Julian says
I realize I'm a little (okay, a lot) late to the party, but I've always heard that a red door means that you've paid off your mortgage. I've known some people to have door painting parties upon sending in their last payment. I think it's a fantastic tradition!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Love that, Gina! So many great reasons to have a red door. 🙂
Vava (aka Virginia) says
Hi Gwen, oh….girl, your blog and IG feed! Would you reveal (again, if you have already) the red for your front door? I want to do that as well! Second question – did you paint both sides OR just the front? Thank you!!!!
Joanne says
I learned a lot about the history of red doors. Interesting! I painted mine red about 7 years ago. Last year I thought about changing it, but when I see it from the street, it is perfection. Why mess with that?! Lol
Hilary says
I’ve loved red doors since I can remember. A few years ago I saw my childhood dolls house at my brother’s house. It has a beautiful metal red door so I think that may be where my love for red doors came from!
Because of the Scottish meaning I’ve never felt that I can paint mine red but since learning of the other meanings in 2015 I’ve finally decided to paint mine red. My husband is busy with it right now!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Glad you’ve changed your mind, Hilary! I think they’re so beautiful!