Should Interior Doors Match?
When we’re chatting with our clients about design plans for their interiors, we find that one aspect they often overlook is their interior doors.
Doors aren’t necessarily the most exciting element of interior design, but they actually make a big difference to the overall feel of your space.
The big question is: should interior doors match or can you mix and match different doors? And if you do, does it automatically create an eclectic vibe or can it still feel contemporary?
We spoke with FCI interior designer, Lauren Austin, to find out how to choose interior doors that will best complement your space.
Is it okay to mix your interior doors?
Lauren says that it’s a resounding yes – it is definitely ok to mix interior doors.
“Mixing your interior doors can make your home interesting and infuse it with your unique style, but in a subtle way,” Lauren explains. “Most people don’t really notice doors, but interior designers and design enthusiasts do. When you pay special attention to your doors, you put yourself in that category of someone who has an eye for design details.”
There are, however, some caveats. “As you’re choosing your door styles, it’s important to make sure they go well together to ensure your home has cohesion” she continues. “Ideally choose interior doors that have consistency in one area, so either the same colour, style or finish.”
Should you paint your interior doors the same colour?
The vast majority of interior doors are painted white, but Lauren says this doesn’t need to be the case. “Painting your interior doors draws attention to them, so if you want to use your doors as a design feature in a room, paint them in a shade that stands out.”
As for painting them the same colour, she says that once again, it depends on your intention.
“Imagine you have two doors side by side that lead off from the passage. You can paint them the same colour for a sleek and calming effect, or you can paint one yellow and the other blue, a deliberate contrast that demands attention and makes a visitor contemplate the intent of the colour and what may be behind each door. Suddenly your interior doors are a talking point and part of your overall design aesthetic, rather than simply a functional element that separates your rooms.”
When do matching doors work best?
“In interior design, matching is all about creating a smooth, contemporary look,” says Lauren. “So whether you’re painting your doors the same colour or choosing wooden doors in the same style, if they’re all the same, your home will have that classic, minimalist feel that you see in many modern interiors today.”
Lauren says this works especially well in smaller homes where too much colour or variety can make the space feel smaller. It’s also the best option if you have other features in a room that you want to highlight.
“Drawing attention to your doors will detract attention from other areas of a room. So if you have a beautiful artwork hanging in your living room, don’t mix and match the doors that lead into it or you’ll minimise the impact of the piece.”
Should your door match the room’s trim?
Lauren says that much like matching your interior doors to one another, matching doors to trim is a style choice.
“Painting your doors and trim all one colour will give your home a classy and modern feel. Contrasting your doors with the trim will make both elements pop and provide the eye with a focal point. If you’ve chosen complementing colours that fit with the rest of your home’s colour scheme, this is a great way to showcase your eye for interior design by doing very little.”
In Conclusion
Whether you choose to match your interior doors or mix them up, it’s all down to your personal style and taste. At FCI, we’ve been designing interiors for nearly 40 years. Get in touch and chat with us for interior design advice – we’re open 7 days a week.
