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70 Exterior Paint Colors For a Better Looking Home

Upgrade your curb appeal with paint color ideas that range from neutral to bold

Choosing exterior house colors when repainting your home is a big decision that will have daily consequences for years to come. There are three main areas of the home to consider when choosing exterior paint colors. The main color of your home is called the field color, which comprises the exterior walls. Paint trim in a second complementary or contrasting color, and choose a third accent color for doors, shutters, porch ceilings, and other architectural elements that you would like to highlight.

exterior house colors

Mindy Gayer Design Co.

How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors

Choosing a light neutral exterior paint color such as white, beige or gray is a safe bet that won't upset the neighbors and will ensure that your house remains buyer-ready if you don't plan to live in it forever. Darker neutrals such as charcoal or black are a popular choice with a bit more edge but require more elbow grease to repaint if you or your real estate agent decides it's time to brighten the mood.

Timeless, crowd-pleasing colors like blue, yellow, red, or green are go-to exterior paint colors that add a hint of personality without stealing the show. And if you love bold color, live in a place where you are allowed to paint your house any color that you want, and are looking to make a statement, there is a world of vibrant hues to choose from that will give your home some stand-out personality and unforgettable curb appeal.

Check out these exterior paint color ideas on a variety of house in a range of settings that will help you to choose a paint color to complement your home.

What to Consider When Picking a Paint Color for Your House

There are several factors to consider when choosing an exterior paint color, from the history and architectural style of your home to the construction materials used on the facade, to the natural setting and surrounding landscape.

It's up to you to decide whether you want an exterior paint color that blends in or provides a vivid contrast, whether you live in a beachfront cottage, a suburban new build, a cabin in the woods, or a historic country farmhouse.

While painting the house red can give it a whole new lease on life, keep in mind that you can also create a new mood with something as simple as changing the door color.

FAQ
  • What is the most popular color for a house exterior?

    The most popular exterior house color is undoubtedly white. Other popular colors include light neutrals such as beige, gray, light blue and green, as well as earthy, natural tones, and darker colors including midnight blue, brown and black. Keep in mind that different regions have their own architectural traditions and color preferences, making it impossible to come up with a definitive answer to the question.

  • What exterior house colors are timeless?

    Timeless house colors include white, gray, blue, green, red, and black. To save on your exterior paint budget, choose a classic neutral and accent with a trendy door color that is inexpensive and easy to change.

  • What exterior colors help sell a house?

    Real estate experts generally recommend playing it safe to appeal to as wide a buying pool as possible. This usually means choosing a crowd-pleasing light neutral exterior paint color such as white, beige or gray. But depending on your house style, neighborhood, and local market, darker earth tones and neutrals such as charcoal or navy can make a house stand out from the crowd. 

  • Which exterior house color lasts the longest?

    Lighter shades such as white, beige, tan, gray, or blue will fade less quickly than darker colors when exposed to the sun and the elements. How long your paint color lasts also depends on the quality of the paint and the workmanship, and the weather in your region. If the time to paint your house exterior has come more quickly than you imagined, consider a lighter color for more durability. Keep in mind that paint sheen is another factor, with higher gloss finishes lasting longer.