How to Choose Exterior Paint Colors

In addition to striking the aesthetic tone for a home, exterior paint colors create important curb appeal and give homeowners a unique opportunity to express themselves. However, choosing exterior colors have different criteria than interior palettes, 

 “When choosing an exterior paint color, homeowners should consider many different factors, says Emily Kantz, Sherwin-Williams color marketing manager. That includes their own personality and preferences, climate, long-term satisfaction, regional influences, and maintenance, she says. 

 While white exteriors still reign supreme, it’s not the only color choice on the block. Here is how to choose exterior colors that will make an impression and be functional too. 

What Exterior Paint Colors Are Trending? 

Not surprisingly, white is the most popular exterior paint color. It’s adaptable to different architectural styles and works well with a variety of accents. A home’s exterior occupies a lot of space visually, so white is a safe bet. 

However, likely as part of broader color trends that celebrate bold, dark hues, homeowners are opening the door to other exterior color possibilities, including black and other dark shades, states Kantz. 

“While deep tones have long been a go-to for accents like doors and trim, recent sales show that more homeowners are embracing them for full-home exteriors,” says Kantz. 

Other trending choices include: 

• Blues 

• Yellow 

• Green 

• Natural wood 

• Gray 

• Red 

Tips for Choosing Exterior Paint Color  

Think about your home’s natural setting, and how that might enhance, or battle with, color choices. A home surrounded by greenery or mountains will work well with earthy colors. An urban home might work well with neutrals, and a high-density neighborhood home might benefit from bolder colors, to stand out amongst the other, similar homes. 

While following color trends is fun, there is more at stake with exterior paint, explains Kantz. Using a paint visualizer app is a great way to narrow down color selections. 

 “Since exterior paint projects require more effort and investment, it’s also best to avoid trendy bold colors and choose something you’ll enjoy for years. If you want to add personality, do so through front doors, trim, or décor, which are easier to update,” says Kantz. 

 Follow a similar approach applying color on your exterior as you might inside, where your dominant color is neutral, setting an overall tone, and accents, such as front door, shutters, or window trim, are colorful, she says. 

“This adds personality without overwhelming the color scheme. Always consider existing finishes like stone or brick and decide whether to highlight or soften them. For example, pair a dark stone with lighter neutrals to reduce the visual weight of the stone, or use cooler tones to balance the warmth of a red or orange brick. This creates instant harmony and enhances overall curb appeal,” Kantz says. 

Matching Your Home’s Paint to its Architectural Style 

While ultimately you should choose exterior paint colors that you love, pros advise that considering your home’s architectural style is important, as some colors are better suited for specific styles. 

For example, the delicate features of a Victorian-style home benefit from lots of color and contrast, with bright and jeweled-toned shades. Think of the iconic Painted Ladies in San Francisco.  

 Meanwhile, wood-heavy Craftsman homes look good with earthy hues, greens or blues. Modern farmhouses are most commonly white, but red, yellow, or black are all trending choices for this housing style. Contemporary homes often feature boxy design, combined with glass and steel, so neutral colors are a good choice to make the architecture more prominent. 

Climate and Regional Considerations 

Love the sleek look of a classic black house? This aesthetic is undeniably chic, and trending in some regions, but if you live in the south, you may want to choose a lighter shade for better heat transfer. Dark colors absorb heat from the sun, transferring into the home, while lighter shades reflect heat better, cooling your home more efficiently. 

Moreover, certain colors may appear more often in different regions, beyond the climate. For example, coastal areas may see more white and nautical blues, while you’ll see more terracotta and earth tones in desert climates.

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Hero image is courtesy of Sherwin-Williams