Black composite doors

Black with polished brass is the London front door and it is close to unimprovable on a Victorian or Georgian frontage. A six panel or a two panel half glazed design, black, brass knocker and letterplate, and the job is done.

Schwarz Braun is worth knowing about here. It is an almost black brown woodgrain, and on a property where true black would look slightly stark it gives you the same weight with a little more warmth.

Against white render or pale brick, black gives you maximum contrast and a very sharp result, particularly with a full height glazed panel and a long brushed stainless handle. It is the specification on most of the architect designed entrances you will have admired.

Against dark cladding or a dark brick, black can disappear. In that case anthracite or a paler colour will actually make more of the doorway than black will.

Black shows dust and pollen more than mid greys, and less than white shows road dirt. Realistically it needs washing two or three times a year, which is the same as any other colour.

On a strongly south facing elevation, black will lighten very slightly over a long period. If that would bother you, Midnight Grey or Schwarz Braun are more forgiving without giving up the depth.