Best exterior house paint colors
Best exterior house paint colors
Best colors for exterior house paint
The best exterior house paint colors for your home depend on several factors, including your home's location, design, surroundings, and personal preferences. Still, some colors consistently rank among the most popular and timeless choices. Neutral tones are typically the most fade resistant. Neutrals and blues are often the best for choice resale value.
| Color | Details |
|---|---|
| White | Classic and versatile, white creates a clean, fresh look that complements various architectural styles |
| Gray | From light to dark shades, gray offers a sophisticated and modern appearance |
| Beige | A warm neutral like beige blends well with natural surroundings |
| Taupe | A balanced neutral, taupe combines gray and beige tones |
| Blue | Ranging from light sky blue to deep navy, blue can create a calming or bold effect |
| Green | Earth tones and sage greens provide a connection to nature |
| Yellow | Cheerful and welcoming, yellow works well for traditional and contemporary homes |
Exterior paint colors can significantly impact a home's curb appeal and perceived value. In this guide, we'll cover the many factors to consider so you can feel confident you're selecting the best exterior paint colors for your house.
How to choose exterior colors for your house
Choosing the right exterior paint colors involves more than just picking your favorite hue. Consider these factors when making your decision:
Regional influences
Some colors are more popular in certain regions due to climate, cultural preferences, or historical trends. The table below details the prevalent color palettes and influencing factors of several regions across the United States.
| Region | Prevalent Colors | Influences |
|---|---|---|
| New England | Dark grays, greens, reds, navies, with accent colors of deep purples, icy blues, and cheery yellows | Colonial architecture, Atlantic Ocean, summer greenery, local wildflowers (accents) |
| Mid-Atlantic & Southeastern Coast |
Sage green, river rock tones, cream | Ocean hues, river rocks, Mediterranean styles (in Florida) |
| The South | Rich blues, gray-blues, oxbloods, yellow ochres, light greens | Pre-war architecture, brick exteriors |
| The Midwest | Beiges, taupes, creams, wheat, gold-tinged browns, soft greens, now evolving into richer deeper hues | Long winters, diverse architectural styles like Prairie School and Farmhouse styles |
| Pacific Northwest | "Monochromatic" or "fisherman's color scheme" of grays, deep blues, whites | Overcast skies, coastal influences |
| Southwest | Earth tones, terracotta reds, adobe browns, warm yellows and oranges | Desert landscape |
Southeastern Florida maintains some Art Deco influence with whites and grays accented by peach tones.
In urban areas of the Midwest, loft-style spaces may feature bright, bold primary colors, influenced by Scandinavian design.
Don't forget to consider your personal style and home features when choosing colors. Many homeowners are getting more daring with color, moving away from traditional palettes but still staying connected to their local surroundings.
Neighborhood harmony
While you don't need to match your neighbors exactly, choosing colors that complement the overall aesthetic of your street can enhance your home's appeal. Additionally, if you live in a neighborhood with a homeowners' association, be sure to check your HOA guidelines for any color restrictions.
Environmental palette
Consider your existing landscaping or the natural environment, as well as your driveway, walkways, and other hardscape elements. Choose colors that work well with these elements but that don't exactly match them. Contrasting colors create balance and prevent your home from disappearing into its surroundings.
Ensure your paint colors work well with your roof color if you're not planning to replace it soon.
Lighting conditions
Lighting has a major impact on how exterior paint colors are perceived. Paint colors often look significantly darker in shaded areas than they do in sunlight. They can also look different based on the time of day, weather conditions, and the home's orientation.
North-facing home: Colors on the front of the home may appear grayer or toned down because they don't get direct sunlight. No direct sunlight also means no shadows.
South-facing home: Paint colors look lighter overall and change appearance throughout the day as the sun's position shifts. South-facing homes receive the most sunlight throughout the day.
East-facing home: Paint colors look lighter in the bright morning sun and then flatter, like a north-facing home, in the afternoon.
West-facing home: Colors look flatter in the morning and then lighter, brighter, and warmer in the afternoon sun.
If you're selling soon, focus on the appearance of colors on the front of the house. Otherwise, prioritize what is most impactful for you. If you spend a significant amount of time in your backyard, be sure to view paint swatches on that side of your home at various times of the day as well.
Consider Light Reflectance Value, or LRV, when choosing an exterior paint color. A higher LRV paint reflects more light, ideal in hot climates as it absorbs less heat and keeps the home cooler. In cooler climates, a lower LRV paint can help keep the home warmer.
Home design
Different home styles have traditional color palettes that can serve as a starting point for inspiration. The table below covers various architectural styles and their complementary color palettes.
| Architectural style | Colors | Example combination |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Cod | Main: white, off-white, light gray Accent: white, navy blue, forest green, red |
Gray siding, white shutters, navy door |
| Colonial | Main: white, cream, gray, black Accent: deep red, navy blue, forest green |
White siding, black shutters, red door |
| Craftsman | Main: earth tones, browns, greens, warm neutrals Accent: off-white, white, darker earth tones |
Olive green siding, cream trim, dark brown accents |
| Farmhouse | Main: white, off-white, light gray Accent: black, dark gray, natural wood |
White siding, black window frames, wood door |
| Mediterranean | Main: terracotta, sandy beige, warm white Accent: bright sky blue, golden yellow, sage green |
Cream stucco, terracotta roof, blue shutters |
| Mid-century modern | Main: white, beige, gray Accent: orange, teal, chartreuse, mustard |
Charcoal siding, white trim, orange door |
| Ranch | Main: beige, tan, light gray Accent: earthy green, blue, brown |
Tan siding, white trim, sage green accents |
| Tudor | Main: neutral tones, brown, gray, tan, cream, white Accent: deep green, burgundy, navy blue |
Cream stucco, dark brown timber, burgundy door |
| Victorian | Main: bold, rich colors, burgundy, purple, blue, green, yellow Accent: gold, silver, copper |
Purple siding, cream trim, gold accents |
You can also use color strategically to highlight or downplay certain architectural elements.
Personal preferences
While external factors are important to consider when selecting exterior paint colors for your home, your personal taste should also play a role. Select colors you'll be happy with for years to come, not just current trends. However, if you plan to sell soon, neutral color schemes tend to have the best resale value.
Exterior house color schemes
Creating a cohesive exterior color scheme involves more than just choosing a single color. Typically, a well-balanced exterior color scheme includes three colors—a dominant color for the main body of the house, a trim color for architectural details and edges, and an accent color for doors and shutters. Here are some popular combinations:
Monochromatic: Various shades of the same color
Complementary: Colors opposite each other on the color wheel
Analogous: Colors next to each other on the color wheel
Triadic: Three colors are evenly spaced on the color wheel
Neutral with a pop of color: A neutral base with bold accents
Exterior accents
Accent colors can add depth and interest to your home's exterior. Consider these exterior home features:
Front door: A bold front door color can create a welcoming focal point.
Garage door, shutters & trim: These elements can contrast or complement the main color.
Gutters & downspouts: Consider whether you want these to blend in or stand out.
FAQs about exterior house paint colors
What exterior house colors increase home value?
While personal preferences vary, and the best choice depends on your specific location and housing market, the following exterior colors tend to boost home value:
Neutral colors: Grays, beiges, and whites often appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
Blue: Studies have shown that homes with blue exteriors, particularly light blue or gray blue, tend to sell for higher prices.
White: A classic choice that can make a home appear larger and well-maintained.
Earth tones: Colors that blend well with the natural environment often have broad appeal.
How many colors should I use on my house?
Typically, a well-balanced exterior color scheme includes three colors—a dominant color for walls, a trim color, and an accent color for doors and shutters.
How much does it cost to paint a home's exterior?
Professional exterior house painting costs $1 to $4 per square foot on average, or about $1,700 to $6,800 total for a 2,000-square-foot house. However, the cost varies widely based on location, labor rates, home size and height, surface material and condition, and paint quality.
In general, the cost to hire a painter for exterior painting ranges from $20 to $50 per hour or $200 to $500 per day.
How often should you paint the exterior of your home?
The frequency of exterior painting depends on the climate, paint quality, surface material, and the previous paint job. Homes in harsh climates may need repainting more often. A quality paint job lasts longer than a poor one. Walls that face the south or southwest typically wear faster due to increased sun exposure.
The following table provides a general guideline for various home exteriors:
| Siding type | Repainting schedule (years) |
|---|---|
| Aluminum | 5 – 10 |
| Brick | 3 – 20 |
| Cement fiberboard | 10 – 15 |
| Stucco | 5 – 7 |
| Vinyl | 2 – 10 |
| Wood | 3 – 7 |
Getting estimates from exterior painting companies
When looking for exterior house painters near you, be sure to:
Get 3 to 5 painting estimates with similar details to compare.
Look for licensed, insured, and bonded painting contractors with experience painting your home's siding type:
Ask for references or a portfolio of past projects to review.
Look for consistently positive reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Avoid going with the lowest quote. Extremely low prices may indicate low-quality work or lack of experience.
Ensure you have a written estimate, contract, and warranty that clearly outlines the details before the work begins.
Never pay in full before the job is finished. Establish a payment plan instead for work completed.
Questions to ask exterior painters
Asking the right questions can help you feel confident you're hiring the most qualified professional for the job:
Can you provide proof of your licensing, bonding, and insurance?
What is your background in residential painting?
How many homes like mine have you painted?
What are the most popular color schemes for this style of home?
Which paint finish would you recommend for my house's exterior?
Should I paint the gutters and downspouts as well?
Is it possible to view examples of your completed projects?
How many team members will be assigned to my project?
Are your painters employees, or do you use subcontractors?
What is the estimated timeline for completing the paint job?
What paint brand and type would you suggest for my home, and why?
How many layers of paint will be necessary for optimal coverage?
What measures will you take to protect the surrounding areas during the painting process?
How long does it typically take for the paint to dry completely?
What is the expected lifespan of this paint job?
Do you offer a warranty, and if so, what are the terms?
Could you clarify what is and is not covered in your cost estimate?
Are there any potential extra expenses for which I should prepare?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.