Choosing the right exterior paint color for your home can be an exciting yet daunting task. With so many options to consider, it’s important to select shades that complement your home’s architectural style and exterior materials. For those looking to add a touch of vibrancy and warmth, yellow and gold paint colors are an excellent choice.
These lively hues can make a home pop against its surroundings while still maintaining a classic, timeless look. To help narrow down the options, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favorite yellow and gold exterior paint colors perfect for homes.
Why Choose Yellow or Gold Paint?
Before diving into the specific shades, let’s overview some of the benefits these colors offer:
- Curb appeal: Yellow and gold are bold, striking shades that immediately grab attention and give your home visual interest. This can help your house stand out compared to surrounding properties.
- Warmth and vibrancy: These joyful hues add a sense of energy and brightness to a home’s façade. Their warm undertones give off a welcoming, cheerful vibe.
- Complementary contrast: yellow and gold pair beautifully with neutral exterior materials like white siding or gray stone. The colors provide nice contrast without clashing.
- Variety: From pale buttery yellows to deep goldenrod, there’s a full spectrum to work with. You can find both mellow or bold shades.
- Classic elegance: Gold and yellow have an inherently upscale, sophisticated look. They give homes an elegant charm.
With proper selection, these colors allow you to liven up your home’s curb appeal without appearing gaudy or overpowering.
Factors to Consider
When choosing yellow or gold paint for your home’s exterior, keep the following factors in mind:
Your home’s architectural style – Consider whether a yellow or gold hue will complement the existing look of your home. For example, traditional styles like Craftsman, Farmhouse and Colonial homes can look beautiful with soft yellow or gold tones. More modern homes may call for brighter, bolder shades.
Exterior materials – Look at the color palette of your home’s existing exterior materials like brick, stone, siding, etc. Yellows and golds that contain similar undertones will create a cohesive look.
Landscaping and surroundings – Select a color that fits in well with the natural surroundings of your home and any greenery or foliage around the property. Warm yellows and golds tend to complement natural tones nicely.
Climate and light – Can the color stand up to the intensity of sunlight in your area? Areas with lots of direct sun may require deeper, darker yellows or golds rather than pale shades that can fade faster.
Personal preference – Think about the shades and tones you’re naturally drawn to. Choosing a color you absolutely love will ensure you don’t tire of looking at it.
11 Yellow and Gold Exterior Paint Colors
Now let’s explore some of the best yellow and gold paint options to spruce up your home’s exterior:
1. Swiss Coffee by Behr
Swiss Coffee is a light, buttery yellow from Behr’s exterior line of paints. This versatile neutral yellow works with a variety of home styles. It has just enough color to liven up an exterior facade while still remaining mellow. The creamy tone with golden undertones is soft, inviting and timeless.
2. White Dove by Behr
White Dove is another light exterior paint color from Behr, this time with a pale golden hue. This color is perfect for creating a subtle touch of warmth on a home’s exterior. It pairs beautifully with white trim and has a soft, clean look.
3. Colonial Revival Stone by Sherwin-Williams
Colonial Revival Stone from Sherwin-Williams is a versatile, neutral beige exterior paint color with warm yellow undertones. This welcoming shade works well on traditional or contemporary home styles and provides an approachable feel.
4. Buckram Binding by Farrow & Ball
Buckram Binding from Farrow & Ball is a gorgeous mid-tone yellow with a golden glow. This cheery color is rich and vibrant yet still understated enough for exteriors. It complements red brick and stone perfectly.
5. Gallant Gold by Behr
Gallant Gold is a bold, striking golden yellow from Behr. This bright metallic shade makes a dramatic impact on any home exterior. It works best on modern homes or those wishing to make a lively color statement.
6. Colonial Revival Gold by Sherwin-Williams
Colonial Revival Gold from Sherwin-Williams is a rich, warm golden hue perfect for traditional home styles. This bright yet mellow shade adds vintage character and pairs nicely with white or black trims.
7. Corn Silk by Behr
Corn Silk from Behr is a pale, airy yellow with the slightest hint of green. This cheerful pastel color works well on Craftsman or cottage style homes. Corn Silk has a soft, welcoming presence while still adding a pop of color.
8. Samovar by Farrow & Ball
Samovar from Farrow & Ball is a muted golden tone with rustic appeal. This laid-back yellow-gold shade complements country style homes or exteriors with lots of natural wood elements. The earthy color has an artisanal charm.
9. Warm Stone by Sherwin-Williams
Warm Stone from Sherwin-Williams is a versatile golden beige exterior paint color. This welcoming hue works with all styles of homes and provides a soft glow when illuminated. It plays nicely with greenery.
10. Casa Blanca by Behr
Casa Blanca from Behr is an elegant, creamy off-white exterior color with the subtlest hint of yellow. This nuanced neutral shade adds refinement and brightness to home exteriors in an understated way.
11. Accessible Beige by Sherwin-Williams
Accessible Beige from Sherwin-Williams is a neutral paint color with warm undertones. The pale beige-yellow shade works as an exterior color for any home style. It provides a clean, welcoming backdrop.
Tips for Exterior Paint Application
Once you’ve selected the perfect yellow or gold paint color for your home’s exterior, follow these tips to ensure optimal application:
- Prep surfaces properly by cleaning, repairing cracks, removing loose paint, etc. Proper prep improves adhesion.
- For best results, opt for high-quality exterior paints that can withstand weathering. Consider satin or semi-gloss sheens.
- Paint in dry conditions when temperatures are between 50-90°F to allow proper drying/curing. Avoid painting in direct sunlight.
- Use angled paint brushes for trim and edges. Apply paint in smooth, even strokes. Use rollers for large surfaces.
- Allow adequate dry time between coats as specified by the manufacturer, usually 2-4 hours. Two coats are recommended.
- Be sure to paint all exposed sides of exterior materials (i.e. porch ceilings, overhangs, etc.) to protect from elements.
- Consider hiring a professional painter for multi-story homes or to paint safely from ladders/scaffolding.
With the right prep and application techniques, your chosen yellow or gold exterior color will maintain its bold, beautiful presence for years to come.
Complementary Exterior Color Combinations
To give your yellow or gold exterior house paint the most appealing look, make sure to select complementary accent colors. Here are some pleasing color combinations:
- Pale yellow with crisp white or light gray trims
- Yellow ochre with dark charcoal accents
- Mustard yellow with navy blue shutters
- Golden beige with olive green doors
- Rich gold with classic black details
- Buttery cream yellow with reddish-brown brick
- Bright yellow with dark gray stonework
Play around with varied accents until you find a combination that highlights and balances your chosen yellow or gold in an attractive way. Avoid pairing it with other vibrant hues, which can overwhelm the exterior’s color palette.
Style Ideas for Yellow and Gold Exteriors
Yellow and gold paint colors are versatile enough to work with any home architectural style. Here are some examples of how these warm shades complement popular home styles beautifully:
Farmhouse Style: Soft creamy yellows or antique golds enhance the charming simplicity of farmhouse exteriors. Accent with bright white trims for contrast.
Craftsman Style: Mustard yellows or golden beiges fit nicely with the earthy, handcrafted look of Arts & Crafts homes. Contrast with dark wood tones.
Cape Cod Style: A buttery colonial yellow nicely accents the quintessential New England charm of a Cape Cod. Pair with black or navy shutters for traditional flair.
Colonial Style: Colonial Revival homes shine with rich golden hues or pale yellows reminiscent of the era. Use as the main color with crisp white accents.
Mediterranean Style: Vibrant yellow ochres or deep golden rods pop against the textured stucco of Spanish or Italian inspired architecture.
Modern Style: Clean, bright golden yellows give a striking flair to sleek, contemporary home designs. Contrast with gray, black or white.
The color possibilities are truly wide open with yellow and gold exterior paint choices. Select a shade that fits the personality of your home and enhances its unique architectural details.
Maintaining Your Yellow or Gold Exterior Paint
To keep your yellow or gold exterior house paint looking its bright, beautiful best:
- Allow the paint to fully cure for at least 30 days before washing
- Gently wash with mild soap and water using soft bristle brushes; avoid abrasive scrubbing
- Rinse thoroughly and allow to fully dry
- Touch up any nicks/scratches immediately to avoid moisture getting underneath
- Prep, prime and repaint about every 4-7 years depending on climate/exposure
- Monitor annually for any cracking/peeling and address those areas promptly
- Consider using mildew resistant exterior paints if high moisture is an issue
With proper care and maintenance, you’ll enjoy the vibrant curb appeal your new yellow or gold exterior provides for years on end!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about using yellow and gold paint colors on home exteriors:
What are the best shades of yellow/gold for exterior house paint?
Softer muted yellows and antique gold tones tend to suit most home styles well. Go for creamy off-whites, pale buttery yellows, or subdued golden beiges for versatile neutrals. Deeper shades of goldenrod, mustard or metallic gold are best for modern homes.
Which architectural styles work best with yellow/gold exteriors?
Farmhouse, craftsman, Cape Cod, colonial and Mediterranean style homes are particularly lovely with yellow or gold hues. But any style, from traditional to contemporary, can be enhanced with the right shade.
How do I select the right shade for my home exterior?
Consider your home’s architectural details, neighboring exterior colors, landscaping, and the amount of direct sunlight exposure to select a yellow or gold that complements these factors.
What type of exterior paint finish should I use?
Satin and semi-gloss exterior paint finishes are your best bet for durability. Flat and matte finishes can chalk and fade faster.
Will bright yellows and golds fade faster than lighter shades?
Deeper, brighter shades may require touch ups and re-painting more frequently than lighter pastel yellows and golds which hold up better over time. But all exterior paints will fade to some degree when exposed to sun and weather.
How often should I repaint my yellow or gold exterior?
Plan on repainting every 4-7 years to keep the color fresh. More exposure to weathering elements may require repainting on the earlier side of this timeframe. Annual inspections will help determine if touch ups or full repaints are needed.
Final Thoughts
The exterior of your home makes a strong first impression. A coat of vibrant yellow or timeless gold paint is an appealing way to give your home’s facade a spirited yet sophisticated look.
When thoughtfully chosen, these lively colors can enhance your home’s architectural details, complement the surroundings, and give your property standout curb appeal. We hope this overview of 11 brilliant yellow and gold exterior paint color options stimulates ideas for your own home.
No matter which shade you land on, prep properly and use high-quality exterior paints suited for the job. With the right color and care, your home’s facade will radiate warmth, welcome guests, and wow passersby for years to come. Your curb appeal will shine bright as gold!