Sherwin Williams Naval
My Blue Front Door
When I published my Frequently Asked Questions, I shared that the most-asked question, for years, has been “What is the color of your front door?” I’ve answered it countless times, but I never mind. Having a blue front door made such a difference in our home’s curb appeal and if I can help you do the same, I’m very glad.
Here are details: Like I said before, the door was originally red. We applied a coat of gray primer followed by two coats of Sherwin Williams Naval in a satin finish. The actual product we used was Duration Exterior Acrylic Latex.
Our front porch faces east so it gets the morning sun. It is, however, shaded by the roof of our porch. We repainted the door once a few years ago…just one quick coat of Naval. The color has not faded at all and is super easy to clean.
Painting A Front Door with Sidelights
Painting entry doors can be tricky. If you have a front door with sidelights, it’s best to paint the sidelights a neutral color, and the door should be painted an accent color. Include any trim around the door as well. This will give your home maximum curb appeal by providing a contrast that catches the eye. In my case, the sidelights are white and I have a blue front door.
Other Blues for Entry Doors
There are a ton of choices when it comes to navy blue paint. To choose the right one for you, simply use the process of elimination.
- Visit your paint store and come home with several swatch strips.
- Look at the swatches outside at different times of day…because the light will change.
- Start eliminating the ones you don’t like.
- Consider the other colors on your home and if you have a front door with sidelights, consider the color of the sidelights.
- Finally, make a decision. If you make a mistake, it’s just paint.
Of course, my favorite navy blue (and not just for entry doors) is Sherwin Williams Naval. If you are looking for a classic navy paint, but aren’t sold on Naval, here are some other choices for a blue front door:
- Benjamin Moore Hale Navy
- Benjamin Moore Old Navy
- Sherwin Williams Indigo*
- Sherwin Williams Salty Dog*
*Some Sherwin Williams colors are available at Lowe’s as part of the HGTV Home Collection.
Most of the items found on our front porch can be found in my Amazon Shop.
to learn more about the house
On Sutton Place!
Hi Ann,
What finish is the paint? This looks amazing!
Hello. Could you possibly share a picture of your front if it has shutters? I am struggling to repaint our door and shutters blue again but in this pretty shade or change.
Thank you!
Sonya
Hi Ann, I just stumbled on your bed site as I was doing a search for SW Naval front doors! What a treat to find you! Your home is beautiful. We moved into our house about a year ago and I knew then that one of the first things I wanted to do was repaint the front door. I’ve had my eye on this color for a while, but I’m not sure it will work …. I really don’t want to get into repainting the trim and shutters… just the door. My house is a dark red brick (yes, I’d love to paint the brick, but HOA rules won’t allow.) The trim is a taupe color and the shutters are black. The door is red right now, and it is not a very pretty red. Do you think the Naval will work with Taupe and Black? My concern is it may not give enough contrast…. but its just the front door, so if it fails, I can always paint over it! Thanks for your input!
Hi Dana! Honestly, I don’t think navy would look good with the black and taupe. Have you considered black? That would probably be my first choice. Good luck!
Is your door handle black or bronze?
Hello!
I’m a big fan of the navy blue door, specifically, the one boasting a grapevine wreath with white silk flowers, the large planters holding ferns! Absolutely beautiful.
Which white silk flowers did you choose for the wreath?
Respectfully….
Hi! Can you do the navy door with a pale yellow house, white trim, and black shutters?
Hi Michele…I’m not sure a navy door would be the best choice. I think black would be beautiful, or perhaps a contrasting color, like a dark red. Another option, would be yellow. I definitely recommend getting paint samples, but go to a slightly darker yellow than your siding. Good luck and thank you!
What color white is your trim? I plan on doing my front flipper naval and using “extra white” for trim.
Hi Dana…the white is right off the shelf at Sherwin Williams. I don’t think it’s a custom color. Extra White sounds perfect!
This colour is so beautiful. I’ve narrowed down my front door options to In the Navy and Naval. I’m glad that you mentioned the position of your house, because my home in a similar position. I was worried about the sun fading out the paint, but you’ve reassured me. Thanks!
Ann-will you please provide the silk flower names that you used in your wreath? This is the first one I’ve seen that I absolutely LOVE!! Thank you so much!
Hi Teresa…can you tell me which wreath you are referring to? Thanks!
I have a black door which I love, but I’m lovin your blue door even more!! Do you have shutters and did you paint them blue as well? I’m not sure about changing my black shutters!!
Hello, the door looks beautiful! What colors are your shutters? Are they also The Naval color. Just wondering if you have a picture of the entire front of your house.
Do you have tips for painting your front door? Did you take it off the hinges? Remove the hardware? Sand? I’m so intimidated to paint my front door! It needs it (and I want to paint mine navy as well) but I’m afraid to try! (I love yours!)
Hi Sheila! We did not take the door off, but we did remove the hardware. We didn’t sand…but it probably wouldn’t hurt. Just make sure the door is really clean. My door didn’t have cracks, but if you have any, fill them in. We used a coat of gray primer followed by two coats of the Naval. I used a satin finish and bought the best outdoor paint that Sherwin Williams sells. Good luck…you can do it!
Can you tell me the name of the red color that was on previously?
No…I’m sorry. It was so long ago and I no longer have the can.
I love to update my front porch every month, so new ideas are always so very helpful!
I LOVE the door color and ran out to get a swatch of it from a SW dealer. Unfortunately, the swatch doesn’t look like the color on my screens 😞
Hi Ann;
LOVE your blog and your navy door. I am planning on painting my front door navy too. However, the door is on the south side of my home, with two huge maple trees in the front yard, which shade the front door. I am wondering if I should go with a slightly brighter navy? Please let me know your thoughts!
Hi Cynthia…our street is very shaded. We live in a wooded area and even though I don’t have trees in my front yard, they are all around me. My porch gets a little bit of morning sun but that’s it. I think it depends on what is surrounding the door. Your siding color, trim color, is there an overhang on your porch. If your siding is light then I think it would be OK to go with the deeper navy. Good luck with your decision!
Ann, Thank you SO MUCH for your quick and detailed response to my post!!! I am happy to hear about your home and the shade, and that naval worked for you. In fact, it didn’t only “work” for you, the door is a brilliant color on your home!!! I don’t know if you are aware of it, but the naval front door color choice was affirmed on a Home Front interview with the Sherman Williams color consultant in the Washington Post. My home has almost the identical brick as yours (with perhaps a little darker charcoal in parts). My brick detail in front goes maybe 2/3 up the side of the front of the home, and there is white siding above the brick. My roof is a medium dark charcoal. However, both the roof and the brick are multi-colored which is one reason it was crucial to choose a front door color that did not add too much variation, but still stood out. When I saw your door, it seemed like the perfect choice. I got a sample pot of naval and painted a medium canvas with it. Due to all the shade, from the street it appears to be the color of the roof. Up close you can see that it is navy. With your new input, I am defiantly going to paint the door naval, as soon as the rain period in the midwest is over. Thank you SO MUCH for your input! I LOVE your blog and your photos!!! ~ Cynthia
I always enjoy your front door and porch posts because I love decorating my front porch too. Does the front of your house have shutters and if so, what color are your shutters?
Thanks for sharing, Louise
Hi Louise! I finally put all my paint colors in one post. Here’s the link: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/on-sutton-place-paint-colors/ Thank you!
Love the front door color. I am a big fan of blue too. Thanks for sharing. Jean
I love reading your blogs. Your taste is so refreshing and you can tell alot of love goes into your home projects.
I really liked reading your story about the beginning of your House. What you have done is make it into Your Home!!! As always …thank you for sharing.
I have always loved your door color! I might use that color for my front door! :)
I wish I did not have 2 dogs so I could have a nice back porch!!! But I try. Yours is so comforting.
Love the color of your door! Had a deep tan door in one house, and a fiberglass door in the last home that was stained to look like wood. I loved it – but the front door got lots of sun and it faded fast. I was always touching it up. Do you have sunlight issues with your door ? We have a similar color blue door now in our new apartment – not sure what brand or color – but we LOVE it. You can see it on my blog. And the best part is it is indoors so no sun fading it ! Was not sure about downsizing and apartment living, but we are loving it! Thanks for all your great ideas, printables, a wonderful blog!
Naval is such a great color and your door looks beautiful! Ironically, my dining room used to be red and last week we just painted it Naval! Love the color. Enjoy your week!
Shelley
Hello. I know this is an old post, but I just came across your blog (lovely) when trying to find a color for my friend’s brick ranch. He really fell in love with your front door color. My question is, however, what color gray are your shutters. Love the way they coordinate, however, I don’t see the color listed. I’d appreciate it, thanx in advance!
Ann, your home is beautiful . . . great curb appeal!!! Just found your blog today and enjoying it.
I love the front door, I have a navy one as well. Are those fern planters navy as well or are they black. It’s hard to tell.
Hi. I am redecorating my front porch and as much as I don’t like the brick it isn’t something I can change. So I started my search for decorating ideas. I love the front door color, but I’m really interested in the pots with the ferns. Are the ferns real or artificial? Where did you find the pots?
Ann, I love your home — it’s just beautiful; and I really admire your decorating style and your imagination. Yours was one of the first “blogs” I discovered and it’s been a favorite from day one.
Thank you for allowing us to follow along.
Best to you from a fan in NC
It’s beautiful, Ann! I LOVE your door color and know you have lovingly added value and memories to your home!
I am trying to decide on exterior colors and love your navy blue front door. What finish is your door – semi-gloss, satin? Also, what is the color of your shutters currently? Thanks!
I love your home. You have really done a lot of work but what a great job!
Love the story of the house, love the door, love the wreath….love the whole post, Ann!!! Just beautiful!!! <3ya!!
I enjoyed reading the story of how you came to be On Sutton Place. I truly adore your home and your style. I have no doubt that I would feel right at home if I were to ever visit. I would love to have two tall planters flanking my front door. I’m sure it’s been awhile since you purchased yours, but may I ask where got them?
I love it! Of course…you probably knew that I would. ;) I think that I fall more deeply in love with our front door each time I look at it. :) Congrats on a beautiful home to drive up to and live in. Home is such a blessing. k.
It looks lovely & you did a great job on curb appeal. It looks like a cozy home. I love the potted fern plants..just gorgeous.
I love the ferns AND your blue front door! I’ll have two in college for next year…and then one for the three years following that…it’s already been three years…I know EXACTLY how you feel! I just keep reminding myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint! xo
I am sure you dont have any ‘buyers remorse’ now! Your home is gorgeous Ann! Your home is a perfect example of how to update the exterior of what one might say, ‘typical houses’, because now, I bet it’s a stand-out in your street! Love the navy doors too, I think I actually like it better than the red. You guys are right to hold off on some improvements on your home for your kids college – their your best investment yet!CHEERS!
I'm in Fergus Ontario Canada. Thank you for sharing pictures of your home with us. You've inspired me to go to our local Sherwin Williams first thing tomorrow to pick up "Naval" to repaint our front doors!
What is the name of your gray siding color, if you know? Thanks.
Giving this post a shout out today. Gorgeous door!!
Your door colour is gorgeous. I liked both but thought the newer colour is more fitting! I've got this linked to my doors post too today, well done!
love the new blue door. where did you get the great planters from?
Very nice Images!!! I love your Blue Door!
I love your door in red AND in blue. Sometimes change just to change is exactly what is needed! Thanks for the inspiration!
The front door color is beautiful!I love the wreath can you give a tutorial. I have double front doors and they are painted Benjamin Moore Essex green so I would probably need to change up the color scheme. But I absolutley love the door color and the wreath. Beautiful!!
I remember being here on your blog, now!! I saw your front door and was wowed by how great it looked. Great job, Kathysue
I am in the same boat with the house sentiments, the drive and are walkway are next. My hostas are currently being attacked by moles and they are new this year. Yours looks wonderful.
Thanks for inspiring me.
Beautiful House and love the royal blue door :) Lovely pic :)
Hi- I love your blue front door but i ADORE those planters.. Can you share where you found them??
Your home definitely has curb appeal. Love it! The navy front door is fabulous and the wreath and ferns near the front door look amazing!
Becky
http://bucketofbuttons.blogspot.com
Looks gorgeous–wow those ferns really add pop and the planters are fabulous. Stop by and link up if you have time!
Mary
Your front entrance is just lovely! I love the switch from your red door to navy, so striking. Navy is a classic color that never goes out of style. The potted ferns just add to that welcoming feel. Thanks for sharing! :)
I love what you have done. Everything looks so pretty.
Your home has great curb appeal, and the new navy blue door is very sophisticated, especially with the ferns.
So pretty! Love the color and LOVE the wreath. Very nice job. We also have a blue door, but yours is slightly darker. I may give the darker color a try!
Love the new door colour, looks great with the white frame. Your home is beautiful.
The door looks stunning! Love the blue! Beautiful yard too:)
Hope to see you on my blog:)
Gorgeous Ann,
You have done a beautiful job with your home. I am loving the new navy front door too!
Ann this looks so beautiful and fresh and inviting!! Your curb appeal is beautiful. Love the blue, perfect choice. Kathysue
Ann, Your home is so beautiful and has so much curb appeal. I can tell that you and your husband have put so much love and hard work into making it a warm and inviting home. I absolutely love the navy door and the planters with the ferns.. OMGosh. sooo pretty. I need a new door decoration and may just copy yours if you don't mind.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.
Babs
OH! I just love this Ann! You have the touch for sure and it looks gorgeous. Your whole house and landscaping are so beautiful and totally my style (my house is stucco…not my favorite!). The blue door looks perfect and the wreath is incredible. I'm drooling here! :-)
Vanessa
I am getting ready to do an outdoor redo and you are a true inspiration! Your home is beautiful!
I LOVE the blue. Don't get me wrong, red doors are great, but this is so much better and more unique! Great job.
The blue door looks so beautiful with all the greenery!
Your front door looks great. And the wreath and planters show if off beautifully. Your whole house has great curb appeal.
Have a great day.
Sue
Love the new door color, Ann. Your home and landscaping are gorgeous!!
A labor of love, your home is gorgeous and the new blue door looks mighty pretty!
Love your wreath too…wonderfully done!
Cindy
I love houses like yours and have dreamed about having one just like it. No wonder you are so proud of your achievements: you have created a beautiful home. Congratulations.
Best wishes for a lovely week,
Natasha.
Your house is just beautiful! I love how pretty you've made everything, including the new blue door. As you said, it's been a ton of work, but it sure looks like your hard work has paid off!
Have a great day!
Pam
Hello there Ann with no -e-! :) I'm so glad you're my newest follower, I'm honored. It is kinda funny you just found a Goodwill dresser too, but I agree $60 seems a little steep for Goodwill! My dresser was so bad when I bought it that I was thinking $15 seemed like too much. (to the point I drove all the way home…then of course, you KNOW I went back! lol)
Your house is very nice and I LOVE your new blue door color, it looks wonderful!
Have a great week!
missy
So glad that you received my painting safe and sound, adore it, and liked it better in person!
I can't ask for anything more than that!!
Have a great week,
Barb
I love the color you picked for the front door. The wreath is one of the pretties I've seen. Your home looks like a model home with the landscaping done so beautifully.
Dee
Your home truly looks like a haven. You can see the love and pride you have in your home. The new color of the front door is eye-catching, especially with the wreath and the ferns. Your rug compliments all of the colors you've used and adds some fun to your entrance.
Very nice!!! I love your wreath too!
Your house is beautiful & the navy door is breathtaking! I've been itching to paint our door a striking color…but wimped out and stuck with the same old boring brown!
Great job!
I love the blue SO MUCH! The red looked nice as well, but I loooove that navy blue.
LOVE the blue door! The door mat is pretty too. I need to get DD2 a new one. Very pretty entrance.
Dropping by from Met Monday. I hope you'll come see the safari nursery.
Allison
Atticmag
I liked the red a lot, but I really love the blue. What a fantastic change (love the doormat as well)! I always enjoy changing colors and swapping out items. I just wish I could convince my husband that this sort of thing needs doing occasionally.
Ann. it looks so good love the blue. your yard looks amazing
Pattie
What a drop dead gorgeous house! And that door is amazing in blue, well done.
You have a beautiful home and property. A lot of hard work has been done! I love the new colour of the front door. What a change! Your wreath is gorgeous. Have a great week.
Ann, that navy blue door and the wreath you made are stunning!! And, yes, yes, yes, the homes can be great character builders. You have done a beautiful job with yours. blessings ~ Tanna
Pretty door in Naval Blue, and the wreath is fabulous!
Your new front door is great! I love the wreath you did! All your hardwork has paid off – your landscaping and exterior look great!
Ann your home is gorgeous, and such great curb appeal! I love the blue door. Thanks for joining the summer paint party. Have fun!
You can tell by looking at your yard and home, that it is loved and well cared for. You should be proud.
So beautiful! Your home has lots and lots of curb appeal. The landscaping is just perfect too. SO fun stopping by to visit!
Kindly, Lorraine
Being a blue freak, I love the door color and everything {the wreath and mat}tie in beautifully!
I do love the new color. My front door is red and I have been think of a new color, too.
I like both doors…still change is always fun! Your cute little mat is just the right touch!
Blessings,
Haven
Absolutely Beautiful Ann!! Your landscaping is gorgeous and I LOVE those planters with the ferns in them they look beautiful! Your front door looks great! Martina
Ann, I love the blue on your front door. What a great job on the house everything looks so welcoming!
You have obviously put a lot of work into the exterior of your home. Your blue door is beautiful and your wreath is FABULOUS! I love it!
Your home has a great deal of curb appeal now, you must be very proud of it.
Hugs, Cindy
Ann~ your home is beautiful! It's definately a home when you put all your hard work into it to make it your own; what a great accomplishment!
I love the blue door, and the wreath is gorgeous! I have a blue door too! :)
Jodi
I love it Ann!!! Looks so pretty. I love the wreath and the plants too – very nice update!
Your home definitely has curb appeal now! I love your home and the new front door color. I am wanting me some nice blue paint somewhere. Maybe the living room when we get around to that redo. Thanks for visiting and following me at the Johnson Home, it always makes my day to have new friends.
It sure is gorgeous now! And that front door: you picked the absolute best color. So tranquil for those who enter. Wish I was good at making wreathes. That one is a beauty!
Brenda
What a showstopper! I love the blue, the doormat, the wreath, and the ferns! It's so fresh and summery. You must be really pleased!
Your home is absolutley beautiful. I mean that. Once again I am loving the Hostas. The blue door was a fabulous change. I really can't put into words how great your home looks. I am glad you are so proud of it because you should be.
Ann, you are not alone. A new doormat would totally make my day, too ;) I LOVE the blue door. Your wreath really pops against it. It's nice that your house lends itself to changing door colors… it's fun to switch things up from time to time. Nice job!
you know,,, i love a red door,, but this blue is so classy, really elegant looking, your home is just lovely,, all work hard work was worth it I'm sure,
Your home and landscaping are gorgeous. Fabulous curb appeal. I love the blue door, it is so pretty and the wreath looks stunning. I need to redo my wreath, thanks for the inspiration. Hugs, marty
I love, love your blue front door….so glad you found a color. I will have to remember the color you used. Your home is beautiful and you can take such pride in everything you've done. It's so worth it, isn't it. You are so lucky to have a handy hubby because mine isn't and it really hinders projects unless I want to do it on my own. Anyway, such a great blue front door!!
You have one beautiful home and you can tell a lot of love has been put into it! I love the new color of your door but what really took my breath away was the wreath you made for it, such a great job on it, really pretty!
Rondell
You have really done an amazing job! It looks wonderful!!
My age? Oh well, at least my kids know the song from my singing it. I guess that I should change the title of that post!
I hope that your painting arrived and that it is what you expected.
Have a great weekend,
Barb
You have created great curb appeal! And I just love the navy door. It contrasts so nicely with the brick and the white trim. And all the little details just work so nicely together – the wreath, the ferns, the mat, etc… Great job!
Ann –
Your home looks very nice – I love the new look to the door – wow! I know what you mean about curb appeal as I have none as well. Yours looks really nice – welcoming and sweet. Your investment and work paid off! I am wondering how you get the name of your blog on the bottom of all the pictures you post – would love to know how to do this if you have a moment!
Stacey of Embracing Change
I love the new naval blue door and matching welcome mat. I think it makes you perfectly normal that that mat made your day. :)
I like your new door colour very much.
We once had a house that looked a lot like yours – it was just the best family house!
Truly gorgeous. You must be so proud. I love the door color. We painted ours a bluish green to match the flagstone steps. Yours is really elegant and the striped door mat is so fun.