Choosing a paint scheme for your home’s exterior is one of the most impactful decor decisions you can make. With so many colors and styles to consider, it can feel overwhelming to settle on a design. The good news is that with some planning and research, you’re sure to land on a paint scheme that enhances your home’s architecture and suits your personal taste.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an Exterior Paint Scheme
Several key factors go into choosing exterior paint colors. As you explore schemes, keep the following in mind:
Architecture and Style of Your Home
Your home’s architectural style should inform your paint choices. For example, historically accurate colors work best for Victorian or Craftsman homes, while bold, modern hues suit mid-century modern houses. Make sure your colors enhance, rather than fight against, your home’s design.
Current Exterior Colors
Take stock of your home’s existing paint colors. Do you want to stick with the same palette or take things in a radically new direction? You may decide to retain an element or two of the current scheme for continuity.
Natural Landscape and Surroundings
Pay attention to how your home fits in with its environment. Complementary earth tones are a safe choice for blending with natural surroundings, while light neutrals stand out against a bold backdrop like the ocean or mountains.
Amount of Direct Sunlight
Consider how much sunlight your home gets. Darker colors can overheat in the sun, while lighter hues stand up better to ultraviolet rays over time. South or west-facing sides may call for brighter paint.
Personal Preference
While trends come and go, be true to your own taste above all else. An exterior paint job is a significant investment, so opt for colors you’ll enjoy looking at day after day.
Popular Exterior Paint Color Schemes
With nearly endless paint possibilities, it helps to narrow things down by looking at popular tried-and-true schemes. Here are some favorite exterior color combinations:
One Neutral Color All Around
An all-neutral scheme involving different tones of the same base color is a classic choice. For example, try light gray on the main house with charcoal accents on the front door and window trims. Crisp white is another one-color option.
Neutral Base Plus One Vibrant Accent
Mute the main siding and trim colors in soft white, gray, tan, or brown, then introduce a bold pop of color on the front door, window accents, or shutters. Turquoise, cranberry, and bright yellow make exciting statement touches.
Neutral Plus Two Accents
Build on the previous scheme by adding another vibrant accent shade. Keep the base neutral, then paint the front door one accent color and the window trims or shutters in the other complementary hue.
Modern Black and White
For dramatic high-contrast curb appeal, paint the main surfaces black or charcoal and use crisp white on trims, windows, columns, and railings. The bold classic combo suits modern homes.
Earth Tone Palette
Rustic earthy hues like sage green, brick red, clay orange, and warm grays play nicely together. Vary tones of the same shade from light to dark for a cohesive organic look.
Historical Colors
For period homes, research the original paint trends of that era and location. Historical colors lend authenticity to Victorian, Colonial, Craftsman, and other classical styles.
The Exterior Paint Color Selection Process
Now that we’ve covered the guiding principles and popular options, let’s run through the process for landing on your exterior color scheme:
Gather Inspiration
Spend time collecting and curating paint ideas that appeal to you. Search home websites and decor blogs for exteriors with schemes you love. Gardening, interior design, and even fashion magazines offer color inspiration too. Create an inspiration board to hone in on hues and combinations you’re drawn to.
Consider the Undertones
Once you’ve picked your top colors, examine their undertones. Coordinating warm shades like oranges, yellows, and reds with other warm paint colors creates harmony. The same goes for cool undertones like blues, greens, purples, and grays. Mixing warm and cool can potentially clash.
Order Color Swatches
Based on your inspiration, order exterior paint swatches in colors you’re considering. Samples allow you to view small amounts of colors on your home’s actual siding material. Order more swatches than you think you’ll need so you have plenty of options.
Paint Test Patches
Choose your top colors from the swatches and paint 2ft by 2ft test patches directly on your home’s exterior. Live with the test patches for a few days, viewing them at different times of day. Check how the paint interacts with your home’s features and landscape.
Narrow Down Your Favorite Scheme
With how the test patches look on your house, select your favorite colors for the final scheme. You may need to fine-tune the shades or assign different colors to different elements. Just make sure colors coordinate pleasingly.
Paint Small Sections
Before committing to the entire house, paint discrete sections like the front door or a side of the house to ensure you have the colors and assignments exactly as you want them. Tweaking is still easy at this stage.
Carry Out the Full Paint Job
Once fully confident in your colors and their placement, proceed to paint the entire exterior according to the scheme. Follow the manufacturer application instructions. Stand back and admire your visually appealing new exterior!
Popular Exterior Paint Color Combinations
Looking for tried-and-true exterior color schemes that are sure to suit your home beautifully? Here are some top combinations to inspire your own palette:
Classic White and Black
- Crisp white siding
- Black window trims and accents
- Vibrant red front door
This timeless and elegant combo adds great visual contrast. The bold red door serves as an eye-catching focal point against white and black.
Earthy Neutrals
- Light tan siding
- Dark brown window trims
- Weathered sage green shutters
- Rustic brick red front door
Organic neutral colors based on nature work in harmony and deliver welcoming curb appeal. Touches of red and green provide accent pops.
Coastal Blues and Grays
- Soft gray siding
- Misty blue porch ceiling
- White window and door trims
- Navy blue front door and shutters
These breezy seaside hues and crisp white accents evoke relaxing vacation vibes, perfect for a beach house.
Traditional Red, White, and Blue
- Classic white siding and columns
- Patriotic navy blue front door
- Cherry red window boxes and shutters
Recall small-town Americana charm with this combination representing the colors of the American flag.
Modern Black, Gray, and Yellow
- Charcoal gray siding
- Sleek black window trims
- Vibrant mustard yellow front door
This bold modern scheme makes quite a powerful design statement with strong black and yellow contrast.
Design Ideas for Your Home’s Exterior Paint Scheme
Ready to dive into planning the perfect paint scheme for your house? Incorporate these design elements for stunning curb appeal:
Paint the Front Door a Contrasting Color
Make the front door pop by painting it in a color that contrasts sharply with the main siding shade. Black, navy, red, and yellow doors stand out boldly.
Use White for Columns and Railings
White-painted columns, rails, and trimwork make beautiful accents against more colorful house siding. Crisp white also highlights home details.
Add Shutters in a Coordinating Color
Even if they’re just decorative, shutters offer a great opportunity to layer on another color. Navy blue, black, green, and red shutters complement most schemes.
Paint the Foundation a Dark Color
Ground the home visually by painting the foundation, skirt board, and steps in a darker color like black or charcoal. This also hides dirt well.
Carry Paint Color onto the Porch Ceiling
Extend your paint palette up to the porch ceiling for a more complete, enveloping look. Soft blue, sky gray, and sage green are pleasing porch ceiling colors.
Paint Planters and Window Boxes Too
For pops of color by entryways and windows, paint planters and window boxes to match or complement your scheme. Use waterproof exterior paint.
Add Bright Accents on Trims and Doors
Use accents like the window trims, doors, corners, and painting decorative designs in colors that pop against neutral wall colors. Bright yellow, red, and teal make great accents.
Consider a Two-Tone Exterior
Paint the main volumes or wings of the home in different colors for more dimension. For example, try light gray and soft yellow or blue and green two-tone schemes.
Best Paint Colors for Common Exterior Home Materials
Beyond the colors themselves, choosing paint formulated specifically for your home’s siding material is key for proper application and coverage. Here are top paint colors and finish options for common exterior surfaces:
Wood Siding and Shake Shingles
- Light, neutral, and earthy colors like white, gray, beige, brown, tan green, and red.
- Flat, satin, or semi-gloss exterior latex paint.
- Stain is another option that allows wood grain to show through.
Brick
- Earthy reds, browns, beiges, and terracotta colors resembling natural brick.
- Matte or flat exterior masonry paint.
- Clear water sealant to maintain natural brick color.
Concrete
- White, light gray, tan, earthy tones that disguise dirt and stains.
- Satin or semi-gloss exterior latex specifically for concrete.
Stucco
- Pastels like sky blue, sage green, and cream which complement the texture.
- Matte or flat acrylic latex exterior paint.
- Vibrant shades if the finish has been properly primed first.
Vinyl and Aluminum Siding
- Medium to dark greens, blues, browns, reds, and grays or white/off-white.
- Matte, satin, or semi-gloss exterior vinyl paint.
- Heat-reflective paint helps vinyl withstand sun exposure.
Exterior Paint Glossary of Terms
Navigating all the terminology around exterior paints and finishes can get confusing quickly. Here’s a breakdown of some key terms you’ll likely encounter:
- Latex Paint: Water-based paint made from acrylic or vinyl resins. More forgiving and flexible than oil paint.
- Alkyd Paint: Oil-based paint that creates a glossy, durable finish but carries strong odor and requires solvent for cleanup.
- Flat Finish: No shine, hides imperfections well. Susceptible to stains and dirt. Good for siding.
- Satin Finish: Minimal shine, stands up well to weather and scrubbing. Ideal for trim, doors.
- Semi-Gloss Finish: Some shine. Very durable and stain-resistant. Great for windows, doors, trim.
- Gloss Finish: High shine. Resists stains, moisture damage, scuffing. Can be too shiny for large surfaces.
- Penetrating Stain: Sinks into wood grain for transparent natural color. Doesn’t peel or crack.
- Opaque Stain: Sits on top of wood for solid color coverage. More durable than transparent stain.
With this handy glossary, you can decode any paint specifications to determine which type is right for your particular exterior surface.
Frequently Asked Questions About Exterior Paint Schemes
Still have some unanswered questions when it comes to choosing exterior paint colors? Here are answers to some common FAQs:
How many colors should I use on my exterior?
Two to three colors are ideal – one main color for siding with one or two accent colors on doors, shutters, trims, etc. Too many colors can look chaotic.
What if I’m not sure about my color scheme?
Paint large test patches on your exterior or invest in new paint for distinct sections to get a real-life preview before committing to the full house.
How often should I repaint the exterior?
Every 3-7 years is a good rule of thumb, depending on your climate and quality of paint. Look for fading, cracking, or peeling as signs it’s time.
Should I hire a professional or DIY?
Consider hiring a professional painter for complex prep work, hard-to-reach areas, and specialized application techniques for an expert-level paint job.
Does the direction my home face matter for color?
Yes, choose lighter and brighter colors for south- or west-facing sides that get more sun exposure to prevent overheating.
Final Thoughts on Selecting Exterior Paint Schemes
The choices involved in exterior paint schemes may seem endless, but keeping the architecture of your home, outdoor surroundings, preferred color palette, and other key factors in mind helps narrow down the options considerably. Test potential colors out first before fully diving in. And don’t be afraid to get creative and express your own style!
At the end of the day, look for an exterior color scheme that makes you happy each time you return home. Your home’s curb appeal and design impact your daily life. The right exterior paint colors can create feelings of comfort, inspiration and joy as you go about your life. So take your time, trust your instincts, and choose wisely for maximum exterior style!