Want to paint a door different colours on each side, but not sure what to do with the bit in-between? I think I can help you with that.
I’ve painted the doors on my landing more times than I care to admit. It’s one of those things I’ve never been totally happy with; it’s a dark space without any windows so it’s never going to be party town in there/through there. Oh, I don’t even know.
When it comes to the other side of the landing doors though, they’re the same colour as the first time I painted them, but what did I do with the bit in between?
Traditionally, you’d paint the lock edge the same colour as the room the door opens into, however, this section can be a design feature of its own.
It can be painted a completely different colour, it can be scalloped down the middle or, as I’ve done in my living room, it can be painted half and half. Just because something isn’t seen all the time, doesn’t mean it should be forgotten.
DO DOORS HAVE TO BE THE SAME COLOUR ON BOTH SIDES?
Certainly not. Colour is being embraced much more in homes right now and we’re starting to see the end of ‘the white box‘, with that, decorators are using doors as an opportunity to showcase quirky colours and designs, just like the floors and walls surrounding them.
DO YOU PAINT THE DOORFRAME THE SAME COLOUR AS THE DOOR?
Not if you don’t want to! Painting the door frame can be such a lovely feature, especially when you’re using a colour you love, but you don’t want it to overpower the space, like red or bright yellow.
HOW TO PAINT A DOOR DIFFERENT COLOURS ON EACH SIDE:
On this occasion, you’re probably going to need to use some frog tape to separate the designs and I’d paint each side of the door at different times – waiting until one side is completely dry and finished before you start the next one.
A mini roller is great for working quickly and getting a smooth finish, but you’ll need a small cutting in brush for the edges and any panelling.
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I always recommend a good quality paint, many of which, don’t require a primer; just like Nancy’s Blushes from Farrow and Ball which I used for my office door and floor.
If you do want to prime the door first though (it can save some of the ‘good’ paint and helps cover a dark colour), this Leyland Trade acrylic primer is one I’ve used time and time again.
LEYLAND TRADE ACRYLIC PRIMER AND UNDERCOAT – AMAZON £14.38
READ MORE: HOW TO STOP FROG TAPE PEELING OFF PAINT
Tip: wrap your door handle in tin foil to stop it getting covered in paint.
PAINTED DOOR INSPIRATION GALLERY:
Here are some of my favourite doors from across Instagram to get you feeling inspired.