12 Entryway Paint Colors for a Warm Welcome

Make a good first impression with these expert-recommended shades.

An entryway paint color sets the tone for the rest of your home. It plays a key role in making a big first impression on guests and embraces you after a long and tiring day. But with thousands of paint color shades available, how do you choose the right one to make your entryway warm and inviting, yet stylish and timeless? We turned to paint industry experts and asked them to share their favorite entryway paint colors.

They provided us with a list that includes a little bit of everything; There are crisp whites that reflect light and nature-inspired greens which create a calming atmosphere, and then there are bold reds and saturated blue and yellow tones which may seem dramatic, but when used right, can make a stunning design statement and memorable first impression. Take inspiration from this collection of expert-recommended entryway paint colors and give your space a welcoming refresh just in time for the new season.

Related: 20 Modern Entryway Ideas for an Inviting First Impression

Tamarind by Benjamin Moore

Tamarind by Benjamin Moore is an earthy shade of brown with an inviting quality. “This rich mushroom hue holds weight to ground the home, especially in open floor plans and multi-level homes,” says Hannah Yeo, the brand’s senior manager of color marketing. To define the space, she recommends using contrasting colors or values, which can also serve to highlight the entryway’s architectural details.

Paint color: Tamarind by Benjamin Moore

Related: 28 Small Entryway Ideas That Make a Big First Impression

Encore by Valspar

For a dramatic yet timeless entryway paint color, go with Encore, which has been chosen as Valspar’s 2025 Color of the Year. “Make a bold statement in your home’s entryway with atmospheric deep blue hues like Encore,” suggests Sue Kim, director of color marketing at Valspar. She says it works just as well with a traditional aesthetic as it does a modern home and adds, “It evokes joy and playfulness in any space helping create a welcoming and uplifting feel.”

Paint color: Encore by Valspar

Related: Every 2025 Color of the Year That’s Been Announced So Far

Koral Kicks by Sherwin-Williams

Create a warm and welcoming entryway with a pastel shade like Koral Kicks. “I especially love this shade in an entryway because its gentle but playful presence creates a friendly and inviting atmosphere,” explains Emily Kantz, color marketing manager at Sherwin-Williams. This soft yet cheerful hue is her go-to pick if you’re on the hunt for a more vibrant paint color for your entryway, because it adds warmth while bringing in a pop of color.

Paint color: Koral Kicks by Sherwin-Williams

Cypress Garden by Dutch Boy Paints

Use Cypress Garden by Dutch Boy Paints to create a calm and serene entryway that embraces you after a long and tiring day. “It’s a muted olive hue that embodies comfort and charm,” says Lisbeth Parada, the brand’s color marketing manager. She recommends using it as an all-over wall color in an entryway for an immersive space and adds, “Calm shades like tranquil greens can create a sense of simplicity and serenity.” Parada suggests highlighting the green hue’s nature-inspired quality by incorporating greenery into the entryway and pairing it with natural woven materials.

Paint color: Cypress Garden by Dutch Boy Paint

Related: 31 Green Paint Colors Designers Swear By

Gray Frost by Glidden

“The neutral and calming nature of Glidden’s Gray Frost makes it an excellent choice for your entryway,” says Ashley McCollum, the brand’s color expert. Cool, soft gray undertones give this lovely shade a fresh and sophisticated feel that will set the tone for the rest of your home. “Its versatility allows it to blend seamlessly into a wide range of interior styles, from modern to traditional, and it pairs well with various accent colors and materials,” McCollum adds.

Paint color: Gray Frost by Glidden

Related: Top 20 Expert-Recommended Gray Paint Colors, Plus How to Pick One

Burnt Crimson by Dunn-Edwards

For a truly warm welcome, paint your entryway walls with Burnt Crimson by Dunn-Edwards. This earthy red hue creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, and, “its rich, muted tone adds a sense of depth and sophistication, perfect for making a lasting first impression,” says Lauren Hoferkamp, the paint brand’s manager of color and trends marketing. To visually balance the space and prevent the entryway from looking too dark, Hoferkamp recommends pairing this elegant paint color with neutral accents and light wood furniture.

Paint color: Burnt Crimson by Dunn-Edwards

Related: The Best Red Paint Colors for Crimson, Burgundy, and More

Chestertown Buff by Benjamin Moore

“Chestertown Buff, a rich honey hue, greets you with warmth,” Yeo says, which makes it the ideal choice for an entryway. It’s a mid-tone golden shade that’s as earthy as it is lively, and which Yeo says strikes the perfect balance between modern sophistication and rustic charm. She suggests complementing this saturated tone with dark woods to create a space that feels both grounded and inviting.

Paint color: Chestertown Buff by Benjamin Moore

Snowbelt by Sherwin-Williams

You can’t go wrong with a classic shade of white such as Snowbelt in your entryway. “This crisp white with slight green undertones from our Designer Color Collection is a great choice for homeowners who are looking for a neutral color,” Kantz says. She explains that it adds just the right amount of understated coolness to an entryway and recommends pairing it with natural wood tones to create a clean and inviting first impression for guests to experience.

Paint color: Snowbelt by Sherwin-Williams

Related: What Colors Go with White Walls? How to Decorate with White

Sugared Maple by Dutch Boy Paints

“Dark red tones, such as deep burgundy or wine, can add warmth and a touch of opulence to an entryway,” Parada says. Her favorite pick for a red entryway paint color is Sugared Maple, which is a dramatic hue that looks stunning against a variety of patterns and antique decor. To give the rich paint color a contemporary feel, contrast it with crisp white trim, hang modern artwork, and bring in textured elements such as a woven bench or wicker storage basket.

Paint color: Sugared Maple by Dutch Boy Paints

California Sagebrush by Dunn-Edwards

Turn to California Sagebrush for an entryway paint color that’s inviting yet understated. “Using this color in a home’s entryway can create a welcoming and calming atmosphere,” Hoferkamp says. This versatile shade pairs well with both warm and cool accents, as well as various decor styles. “Its muted green tone captures the natural beauty of California landscapes, offering a soothing and neutral backdrop,” Hoferkamp adds.

Paint color: California Sagebrush by Dunn-Edwards

Related: The Best Sage Green Paint Colors for Every Room

Cotton Tail by Glidden

“White paint colors, like Glidden’s Cotton Tail have a reflective quality that helps maximize natural light in the entryway,” McCollum explains. This is a clean, true white without an undertone which reflects light and creates a bright and airy aesthetic. “This can make the space feel brighter and more open, visually expanding it and creating a positive first impression for guests,” McCollum says.

Paint color: Cotton Tail by Glidden

Related: 20 Entryway Bench Ideas to Create a Warm Welcome

Rustic Oak by Valspar

Pair a warm and earthy paint color like Rustic Oak with a creamy warm white hue such as Halogen for a modern and inviting entryway. This color pairing strikes the right balance between stylish and comforting, and lends itself well to a two-tone wall design. “Complete the look by layering in medium and dark organic wood tones and greenery throughout decor,” Kim adds.

Paint color: Rustic Oak by Valspar

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