Updating the color of your house exterior makes a massive difference in style. And the right combination of siding and trim color can make your architectural features stand out. If you want to paint your exterior, you would like to consider the most popular siding colors for houses. This post shares the top choices with tips and tricks on choosing the right house exterior color!
What are the most popular siding colors for houses?
White is the most popular choice for siding color. Whites are a timeless classic that falter many different architectural styles. Also, you can choose between a cool and a warm tone depending on the style. Warms are reserved for traditional and rustic styles, while the cool ones go with modern and contemporary styles.
Neutrals are another favorite when designers talk about the most popular siding colors for houses. Light gray and greige are sophisticated color options that flatter many architectural styles. Plus, they give you plenty of freedom to experiment with trim and accents to achieve the desired look.
Blue is a popular choice for transitional homes. Light blue and blue-gray tones are some of the most popular siding colors for houses.
Cool white
A cool white has a blue undertone and looks clean. The bright color makes your house stand out while flattering modern styles. It is the perfect choice for modern farmhouses and contemporary styles. The most popular manufacturers, such as Benjamin Moore and Sherwin Williams, have an extensive collection of whites to choose from. Enhance the crisp white with contrasting trim and shutters for a dramatic effect. Or tone it down with a light gray roof and white trim. Metal and glass accents nicely complement the crisp white tones, creating your desired modern aesthetic.
Off white
When the crisp white looks too harsh, you can go for an off-white. It has the right amount of creamy touch to appear less bright than a cool white. Introduce stone, brick, or terracotta accents to bring the rustic look.
Light gray
Paired with sophisticated accents, light gray is a gorgeous color choice for your siding. Soft neutrals bring a modern feel while not looking as bright as whites. Keep in mind that light gray can look different due to the varying shade during the day, so sample first.
Earthy tones
If you want your house to blend in with the surrounding, the earthy tones are the ultimate choice. The rich brown shades make your home feel like part of the natural environment, as opposed to the crisp white colors. The earthy colors look cozier, perfect for traditional and rustic styles. Brick or stone accents perfectly complement the warm colors, creating a relaxed look that reminds you of a cabin in the woods.
Red
Red is a bold color that makes a remarkable statement. While it is the best pick for a barn house, its implementation isn’t strictly limited to that. A red siding flatters farmhouse and traditional styles, adding a touch of coziness.
Deep gray
Deep gray is a good starting point if you are a fan of bold colors. A charcoal tone is a dramatic choice for a house exterior and can be completed with lighter trim to highlight the house contours.
Blue-gray
Blue-gray is a classic choice for transitional-style houses. The color choice has that rich look but doesn’t overpower the curb appeal with vividness. Highlight the trim and accents with crisp whites or dark gray for the ultimate look.
Green
A calming green tone is considered one of the most popular siding colors for houses. The green siding immerses the color in nature, creating a cohesive setting. However, make sure to stick with calmer tones, such as sage green, to achieve the desired effect.
Blue
Blue is a calm color available in various shades. We already explained how blue-gray is on the list of the most popular siding colors for houses. But other good choices depend on the fact you want to achieve. You can make your home stand out with a rich navy tone or bring the coastal vibe with a dusty blue.
Black
Although dramatic, black is another good option on the list of popular siding colors. It fits various styles and looks effortlessly elegant. Complement with wooden touches for a modern barn vibe. Or, go with sleek features for a modern look. However, you would want to ensure it is the proper fit for your house since it can get hot under sun exposure. Despite heat retention being a problem, black can fade faster than other colors. But this doesn’t have to deter you from painting your house black. You will want to rethink it if your house is in an area with a hot climate.
Things to consider when choosing siding colors
Various factors would determine the siding color you choose. Despite style and aesthetics, there are a few more things to consider. The first one is to get in touch with your local municipality and find out if there are any restrictions regarding the house exterior. Some neighborhoods have buildings with historical value. Any alterations to the siding can disrupt the neighborhood’s look, so some municipalities will impose the specific colors you are allowed to use. This sounds reasonable since you don’t want your house to stand out in the surroundings.
Another thing to consider when choosing a siding color is the location. Selecting the most popular siding colors for houses can be tricky, depending on whether your home is in the shade or in direct sunlight. Light siding colors can look too bright if your house is exposed to direct sunlight. On the other hand, dark houses won’t be prominent when located in the shade.
Each color looks different under different lighting conditions or when positioned in other colors. You might see a gorgeous tone in the store and think it would be the best fit. But when you paint the siding, you might not be satisfied with the result because the color looks different. Keep in mind that everyone looks different under artificial and natural light.
When shopping for siding paint colors, sample first before you buy. Most stores offer a paper patch of the available colors. You can stick these on the wall and see how the color behaves under specific lighting conditions. Based on the sample, you can decide if you want to commit to that color.
Cool or warm undertones?
You don’t need to be a color expert to understand the difference between warm and cool undertones. This is very important when you choose colors, especially whites. White is a classic choice that fits many architectural styles. However, there is a difference between a white with a warm and cool undertone.
Warm whites come with a warm undertone, such as yellow. The warm whites look creamy and softer when compared to the cool ones. The soft and cozy look is ideal for traditional, rustic, and cottage-style homes. Remember, the creamy whites tend to look more rustic and welcoming.
Cool whites come with a cool undertone, such as blue. A crisp white is stark and bright, especially under direct sunlight. It has a clean and refined look, mainly used with modern styles.
Avoid mixing cool and warm whites when choosing colors for the siding and trim. The blue undertone in crisp whites can make the yellow undertone stand out since these are contrasting colors opposite the color wheel. Therefore, the warm white will make the apparel yellowish.
Which color is best for resale value?
Painting the house exterior is one of the ways to increase the resale value. Regardless, homeowners should play carefully with this one. Choosing the right colors is essential in terms of resale value. If you aren’t sure which color to choose, play it safe with neutrals. The neutral colors fit various styles and don’t have a strong personality. Therefore they allow the potential buyer to envision the perfect home. Gray and white are popular choices for homeowners who plan to sell their property soon. Tan and brown are another safe option to go for. Therefore future homeowners can easily customize the home to their preference by altering the accents. Also, you don’t want your house to stand out in the neighborhood with the color. Go for a color that looks similar to the neighbor’s house to be safe.
Final thoughts
Crisp white, off-white, gray, blue, tan, and brown are the most popular siding colors for houses. The choice depends on your preferences and local codes. Remember that lighter shades have a greater LRV or light-reflecting value, meaning they can look visually larger. Also, check with your local association to find out if there are any color restrictions in your area.
