Not sure where to start with choosing entryway paint colors? Here are some of our favorite colors. Some are trendy, some are tried and true, but they all can help give your home’s entryways new life. And don’t stress too much — if you change your mind, we’ve got the Love Your Color Guarantee: if you don’t love your color, we’ll replace it with one you do.

Function and form

An entryway is full of activity. Try adding organizers and baskets to declutter the space and let the color define the style.

Leave room for objects and décor that add to the functionality of the entryway — planters, pictures, mirror and more. These give more opportunity to enjoy the space longer, instead of considering the space as a pass-through.

The invitation to pause and rest can be found in the wall color and its mood. Try using a warmer shade that’s fail-safe in creating the inviting, restful space.

Look to your lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in how you perceive color in a space. It’s common to have multiple light sources — from windows, to doors, to light fixtures — each of which can change how a color appears.

Often, the entryway is small and gets less natural light. Try dialing up in the brightness of color to inject a unique look and finish the space with warm lighting to create a comforting mood.

Natural light changes the appearance of colors throughout the day, from sunrise to midday to sunset. A room full of natural light brings out subtle undertones in lighter, cooler colors. Meanwhile, interior lighting offers a wide range of warm to cool tones. Warm light temperatures are popular, and they can help vivid and bold colors feel more livable.

Start with chips and samples

There’s no substitute for seeing paint on your walls — so no matter how much you love a color, you should always take the time to order and use paint chips and samples. Seeing a color with your own eyes and in the context of your space will go a long way toward getting an entryway you love.

To get the best out of your samples, try to recreate how you’ll typically experience your space. This means using the paint on multiple walls and seeing how different lighting affects the color. Be sure to check in throughout the day, so you get a better sense for the color as lighting conditions change.

Got an idea for what you want? Start by browsing colors by color family:

Once you’ve got a color, then it’s time to pick a paint. It might not seem as important as color, but the right paint is a crucial part of getting results you love.

Choosing the right sheen

What makes a sheen the right one? It really comes down to how you use your space and what your preferences are. Entryways can have doors, trim, walls, cabinetry and more. And your sheen choices will be based on the surface, traffic and qualities like washability and durability. For more information on sheens, take a look at our sheen article.

Choosing the right product

Our recommendation for entryway walls, cabinetry and doors is Valspar® Reserve®. It offers great hide and coverage, which will make your life much easier when painting. And because entryways are meant for busy spaces, it also gives you scratch, scuff and stain resistance.

Make sure you’re covered

Before you buy, figure out how much paint you’ll need with our Paint Calculator.

You need the right applicators to get the job done right. For an entryway, you’ll want to have both a roller and a brush on hand. Woven roller covers are ideal because they’re shed resistant and leave a smooth finish. And for brushes, go with Valspar Wall & Trim brushes for clean edges and a smooth finish.