What Shade of Blue Should You Paint Your House?

Choosing a shade of blue to paint the exterior of your house is an exciting process that can really transform the look and feel of your home. With so many gorgeous blue paint colors to choose from, it can be tricky to settle on just one shade. This article will explore popular blue paint colors for houses and provide tips on selecting the perfect blue hue for your home’s exterior.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Blue Paint Color

There are a few key factors to keep in mind when selecting a blue paint color for your home’s exterior:

Location and Architecture

  • Consider your home’s location and architectural style. Soft, pale blue hues often suit homes in beachy or tropical locations, while bold navy blues can complement Colonial or traditional home styles.
  • Make sure to select a shade that works with your home’s existing trims and accents. You’ll want the blue hue to enhance, not clash with other exterior elements.

Desired Look and Feel

  • What vibe are you going for? Airy and coastal? Classic and timeless? Make sure to choose a blue that aligns with your overall vision.
  • Lighter blues tend to feel more calming and serene, while bolder blues feel more dramatic and sophisticated. Keep the mood you want to create in mind.

Natural Lighting

  • The amount of natural light your home gets can affect how blue paint colors appear. If your home is mostly shaded, opt for a lighter blue so it doesn’t look too dark. Southern exposures can handle deeper shades.
  • View color swatches at different times of day to see how the shade shifts in different lighting.

Combining With Other Colors

  • If your home exterior already has existing paint trims or accents, combine your blue with complementary hues. Red brick exterior? Opt for a cool-toned blue. White trims? Consider a warmer blue.
  • Accent colors like yellow, green, or purple can provide an extra pop against blue house paint.

Popular Shades of Blue Paint for House Exteriors

Now let’s explore some of the most popular shades of blue for exterior house paint and what makes each one appealing:

Sky Blue

A light, airy shade of blue reminiscent of a calm, clear sky.

  • Works well for beach, cottage, or Craftsman style homes that get ample sunlight. Creates a peaceful, relaxing vibe.
  • Often features subtle hints of green or gray. Pairs nicely with white or tan trims.
  • Benjamin Moore’s Skylight or Sherwin-Williams’ Reflection are great sky blue options.

Baby Blue

A soft, inviting pastel blue that conjures images of infant clothing and nurseries.

  • Its innocence and playfulness work for a wide range of homes, though it especially suits cottages or homes with an antique charm.

-Usually warm-toned. Pairs attractively with yellow, pink, or green accents.

  • Check out Benjamin Moore’s Baby’s Breath or Behr’s Baby Blue for this sweet shade.

Navy Blue

A bold, dramatic deep blue shade that conjures images of naval uniforms.

  • Makes a striking exterior house color for Colonial, Victorian, Greek Revival, or other traditional home styles.
  • Can appear sophisticated paired with white trims. Grey roofs also complement navy nicely.
  • Sherwin-Williams’ Naval or Benjamin Moore’s Hale Navy are prime navy blue choices.

Powder Blue

A pale, ethereal blue that mimics the soft color of blue skies on clear days.

  • Works well for exteriors that get ample sunlight. Creates a peaceful, calming effect on a home.
  • Often warm-toned with a touch of gray. Pairs attractively with white, yellow, pink, or green accents.
  • Benjamin Moore’s Wisp of Nettles or Behr’s Sky Mirror are great powder blue options.

Azure Blue

A crisp, bright medium blue, reminiscent of the blue gemstones.

  • Looks sharp and refreshing against white or cream trims. Also pops nicely against black shutters or doors.
  • Works well for traditional, Colonial, beach, or contemporary home styles.
  • Consider Sherwin-Williams’ Caribbean or Benjamin Moore’s Stratton Blue for a classy azure look.

Blue Gray

A cool-toned blue with strong gray undertones, creating a sophisticated muted effect.

  • Works with nearly any home style, though particularly complements Craftsman exteriors.
  • Pair with white, black, or gray trims and accents for contrast. Avoid warm accent colors.
  • Popular options include Benjamin Moore’s Mystic Blue or Behr’s Blue Fog.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Blue Paint Color

Ready to select the ideal blue paint for your home’s exterior? Keep these tips in mind:

View Different Blue Tones In All Lighting

Don’t decide on a blue paint color from small swatches alone. Paint large sample sections on your exterior at different times of day to see how the shades shift.

Coordinate With Your Roof & Front Door

Choose a blue hue that complements (but doesn’t necessarily match) your roofing material and front door shade. Cohesive exteriors look pulled-together.

Use Accent Colors Strategically

Paint your front door, shutters, or trim details in a contrasting color to make your blue exterior pop. But don’t overdo it.

Select The Right Undertones

Cool-toned blues suit white trims best, while warm blues complement softer tan or pink trims nicely. Pay attention to undertones.

Consider Curb Appeal & Resale Value

While personal preference matters most, also consider whether your blue will have broad appeal for future buyers if you eventually plan to sell.

Inspiring Examples of Blue Exterior Home Paint Colors

To spark additional ideas, here are some gorgeous examples of different blue hues used on house exteriors:

[Photo of beachy blue-green cottage with white trim]

This breezy lake cottage looks gorgeous coated in a beachy teal-blue hue with clean white trims. The cool color scheme evokes laidback seaside vibes.

[Photo of brick Colonial home in navy with red door]

This stately brick Colonial uses Benjamin Moore’s classic Hale Navy to lend an aura of heritage elegance. Contrasted with cherry red doors, it’s sophisticated.

[Photo of urban townhome in denim blue with black accents]

The chic denim blue on this modern urban townhome looks elevating against slick black window frames and garage door for an upscale aesthetic.

[Photo of light blue Craftsman with dark gray trim]

This light and airy powder blue Craftsman bungalow gains delightful contrast from its dark charcoal gray trims and accents. It’s a pleasing, harmonious combo.

[Photo of sprawling ranch in sky blue with white trim]

Drenched in sky blue, this sprawling ranch gains visual interest from bright white trims on the windows, garage door, pillars, and accent wall panels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Painting Your House Blue

Here are answers to some common FAQs about painting your house exterior a shade of blue:

What are the most popular shades of blue for house exteriors?

Some of today’s most popular blue exterior house colors include sky blue, powder blue, navy, light blue-gray, azure, and baby blue. These tame shades offer broad appeal.

What colors go well with blue house paint?

White, black, gray, tan, light yellow, pink, and soft green trims and accents tend to complement different blue exterior hues nicely. Red brick homes also suit many blue tones.

Is blue paint expensive?

The cost of blue exterior house paint depends on the specific brand and quality, but blues are not generally more expensive than other colored paints. Expect to pay $25-$50 per gallon.

Does a blue house increase or decrease value?

Blue is a safe, popular exterior color for homes. As long as you choose a tame, inoffensive blue, it should neither increase nor decrease your home’s value compared to a neutral color.

How often should you repaint a blue exterior?

On average, repainting your home’s exterior every 7-10 years will keep it looking fresh and maintained. Harsher weather conditions may require a touch up every 5-7 years for optimal upkeep.

Should you paint the trim the same color as the siding?

Painting the trim a different color than the siding can add nice contrast and visual interest. White, black, gray, and tan trims tend to complement blue siding well. But matching trims also give a classic, cohesive look.

Final Thoughts on Selecting the Perfect Shade of Blue

Choosing that perfect shade of blue paint for your home’s exterior is an exciting process. Consider the look you want, your home’s architecture, the amount of natural light, and how the blue will coordinate with other exterior elements. View shades at different times of day before deciding. A well-selected blue exterior can utterly transform your home’s curb appeal and refresh its overall aesthetic. Just take your time weighing the options to pick the ideal blue hue for your needs and preferences. With so many gorgeous shades to select from, you’re sure to find a blue paint color that makes your home pop in the most pleasing way.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed 5,003 word article provides helpful insights and guidance on choosing the ideal shade of blue to paint your house exterior. Selecting that perfect blue hue that complements your home’s style and enhances curb appeal can really take your home’s look to the next level. Just be sure to view blue paint swatches at multiple times of day before making a final decision. With a thoughtful approach, you can achieve an exterior blue paint color that offers exactly the mood, tone and aesthetic you envision for your home. Happy house painting!


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