I’ll never forget the first time I picked out paint for the outside of my house.
I stood there, paint swatches in hand, staring at the walls, feeling both excited and totally overwhelmed.
There were so many options—warm neutrals, crisp whites, bold blues—and I wanted to get it just right. It was like choosing an outfit for my home.
I wanted it to feel inviting, cozy, and in tune with the surroundings, but also a little bit special.
After trying out a few samples and having plenty of “what was I thinking?!” moments, I finally found the color that felt like home.
It got me thinking—picking the perfect exterior paint color isn’t just about the shade you choose.
It’s about the vibe you want to create, the first impression you want to give, and how the color will look at sunrise, in the glow of sunset, and on a rainy afternoon.
The right color makes your home feel like it belongs in its space, almost like it’s telling a story.
If you’re standing in that same spot I was, feeling a little lost among the hundreds of color choices, don’t worry.
I’ve gathered 23 of the best exterior paint colors for houses—ones that have stood the test of time and worked for so many homes.
Let’s dive in and get your home looking as beautiful as you’ve always dreamed.
How to Choose the Perfect House Paint Colors?
Choosing the perfect house paint colors can feel like a daunting task, but with a little guidance and a clear plan, you can create a home exterior that reflects your personal style while complementing the surrounding environment. Here’s how to choose the perfect house paint colors:
1. Consider Your Home’s Architecture
The architectural style of your home plays a significant role in determining which colors will look best. For example:
- Traditional Homes: Opt for classic colors like whites, creams, and soft pastels, or rich tones like navy or deep green.
- Modern Homes: Bold, sleek shades such as charcoal, deep blue, or even black work well.
- Cottage or Coastal Homes: Light and airy colors like pale blues, soft greens, and whites can evoke a relaxed, beachy vibe.
2. Take Inspiration from the Environment
Your home’s surroundings can help guide your color choice. If your house is surrounded by greenery, earthy tones like soft browns, tans, and muted greens can blend in beautifully.
For coastal properties, consider shades of blue, seafoam green, or even sandy neutrals that evoke the ocean and beach. On the other hand, if your home is situated in an urban setting, you might go for bolder, more modern colors.
3. Use the 60-30-10 Rule for Color Balance
When selecting paint colors, try using the 60-30-10 rule to create a balanced color scheme. This involves:
- 60% of the color being the dominant shade (usually the exterior walls).
- 30% being a secondary color (like trim or accents).
- 10% being an accent color (often the front door or shutters).
This rule ensures your color palette is visually pleasing and well-balanced.
4. Test Samples Before Committing
Color can look different depending on the lighting and time of day. Always test your chosen paint colors on a small section of your house’s exterior before committing.
Consider applying samples to a larger area to see how they look in various lighting conditions throughout the day. This step will give you a much clearer idea of how the color will appear once it’s applied to the entire exterior.
5. Factor in Trim and Accents
The trim of your house is just as important as the main color. Whether you want a stark contrast or a subtle complement, choose trim colors that either highlight the main color or blend seamlessly for a more understated look. For example:
- White trim is a classic choice that looks clean and crisp against any color.
- Dark trim (like deep grays or blacks) adds sophistication and can make the house look more modern or dramatic.
- Wooden or natural finishes work well with earthy or rustic color schemes.
6. Consider Maintenance and Longevity
Some colors require more upkeep than others. Lighter colors tend to show dirt, dust, and grime more easily, while darker shades can fade faster in direct sunlight.
Consider the climate of your area and how much maintenance you’re willing to do when selecting a color. For instance, darker colors might need to be repainted more frequently than lighter hues, especially if your home gets a lot of sun exposure.
7. Think About Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home in the future, think about colors that will appeal to a wide range of potential buyers. Neutrals and earthy tones tend to be safe bets for increasing curb appeal.
Bold, vibrant colors can be wonderful, but make sure they align with the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood and don’t overwhelm the home’s architecture.
8. Don’t Forget the Front Door
Your front door is one of the most important accents of your exterior. Choose a color that contrasts nicely with the rest of your home’s exterior paint but still feels cohesive. For example:
- Bright colors like red, navy, or yellow can add a pop of personality and make your home more inviting.
- Dark colors like charcoal or deep green create an elegant, sophisticated look.
- Neutral colors like black, gray, or white give a timeless and classic appeal.
Top 23 Exterior Paint Colors for House
Here are my 23 most favorite exterior paint colors.
1. Sherwin Williams Pure White
Sherwin Williams Pure White is a crisp, fresh, and clean color that has become a favorite for both modern and traditional exteriors.
Its versatility shines in various settings, from contemporary homes to classic cottages.
Whether under the bright sun or in shaded areas, this white remains a neutral that balances warmth and coolness.
It works wonderfully with any trim color, from bold contrasts to subtle pastels.
Pure White is a timeless choice for anyone seeking a bright, inviting facade with a touch of elegance.
2. Sherwin Williams Eider White
A soft, delicate white with hints of gray, Sherwin Williams Eider White brings an understated warmth to exterior spaces.
Unlike stark whites, it’s a warmer, more inviting shade that complements a range of architectural styles.
This color pairs beautifully with darker trim or natural stone accents, making it a popular choice for homes surrounded by nature.
Its subtle sophistication makes it ideal for homes looking for a serene, clean finish without the harshness of brighter whites.
3. Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter
Revere Pewter is a soft, balanced greige (a blend of gray and beige) that exudes warmth without being overpowering.
It’s a classic choice for homeowners looking for a neutral that adds both character and elegance to their exterior.
The color’s muted tones bring a sense of calm and sophistication to traditional or transitional-style homes.
When paired with crisp white trim or rich accent colors, Revere Pewter effortlessly creates a welcoming and timeless facade.
4. Sherwin Williams Pussywillow
Sherwin Williams Pussywillow is a cool, soft gray that leans toward an earthy taupe.
It’s perfect for creating a modern, yet cozy atmosphere on the exterior of your home.
The color works well in both city and rural settings, providing a subtle backdrop for lush greenery and natural elements.
Pussywillow’s understated elegance makes it an ideal choice for homes that blend with their surroundings while still standing out with style and refinement.
5. Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black
For a bold and dramatic look, Sherwin Williams Tricorn Black is the go-to color.
A deep, rich black with neutral undertones, Tricorn Black creates a striking contrast when paired with light trim or vibrant door colors.
It’s perfect for contemporary or industrial-style homes looking to make a statement.
This color also enhances architectural details, creating a sophisticated, modern exterior that exudes confidence and style.
6. Sherwin Williams Night Owl
Sherwin Williams Night Owl is a deep, moody shade of blue-gray that evokes a sense of tranquility and depth.
This color is ideal for homes looking for a dramatic, yet subtle, exterior.
Night Owl pairs wonderfully with white or light trim and accents, creating a serene atmosphere with a modern twist.
It’s especially stunning on homes with architectural features such as large windows or angular designs, giving them a sophisticated and timeless look.
7. Sherwin Williams Urbane Bronze
Urbane Bronze is a rich, dark brown-gray with deep undertones that add warmth and depth to your home’s exterior.
This color works beautifully with natural materials like wood, stone, or copper, making it an excellent choice for a more rustic or nature-inspired aesthetic.
Urbane Bronze has grown in popularity due to its ability to create a serene, almost cocoon-like atmosphere.
Its dark yet inviting shade enhances architectural features and pairs perfectly with a variety of accent colors.
8. Sherwin Williams Alabaster
Sherwin Williams Alabaster is a soft, creamy white with warm undertones that offer an inviting and cozy feel.
Alabaster’s subtle warmth helps it stand out from more traditional cool whites, creating a soft, welcoming appearance.
It’s a fantastic choice for homeowners looking to add warmth and elegance to their home’s exterior.
Alabaster pairs wonderfully with natural stone accents, vibrant front doors, and dark trim, making it an excellent choice for both classic and modern homes.
9. Benjamin Moore Soot
Benjamin Moore Soot is a deep, charcoal black with a hint of blue undertones.
It creates a bold, luxurious look on the exterior of your home, making it perfect for modern or contemporary designs.
Soot works wonderfully in urban settings or for homes aiming for a chic, dramatic look.
It pairs well with light-colored trim and landscaping, creating a stunning contrast that makes your home stand out.
For those who love a sophisticated, high-impact exterior, Soot is a showstopper.
10. Benjamin Moore Fatigue Green
Fatigue Green is an earthy, muted green that brings a sense of nature and calm to your home’s exterior.
This color draws inspiration from the great outdoors, making it an excellent choice for homes surrounded by greenery or natural landscapes.
Fatigue Green has a subtle depth, making it a great choice for those looking for something more unique than traditional neutrals.
Pair it with natural wood accents or dark trim for a grounded, stylish exterior that blends seamlessly with the environment.
11. Benjamin Moore White Dove
Benjamin Moore White Dove is a soft, warm white with subtle undertones of gray.
It’s a timeless choice for any exterior, offering a clean, fresh look without being too stark.
White Dove creates a welcoming atmosphere, making it perfect for traditional and modern homes alike.
Whether used as a main color or an accent, it pairs beautifully with both bold and muted tones, enhancing architectural features while maintaining a bright, airy feel.
It’s a versatile shade that adds sophistication and charm to your home’s facade.
12. Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray
Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray is a deep, smoky gray with subtle purple undertones that give it a unique, rich look.
It’s a perfect choice for homeowners looking for a darker hue that still feels warm and inviting.
Grizzle Gray works wonderfully as an accent color or on larger exterior surfaces, especially when paired with lighter trim and natural materials like wood or stone.
This color evokes a sense of depth and elegance, making it ideal for modern or traditional homes looking for a sophisticated touch.
13. Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme
Sherwin Williams Dried Thyme is a muted green with brown undertones, offering an earthy and organic feel to your home’s exterior.
It’s a great option for homes surrounded by lush landscaping, as it blends harmoniously with nature.
Dried Thyme creates a calming atmosphere and works beautifully on a variety of home styles, from modern to rustic.
Pair it with stone accents or crisp white trim for a balanced, inviting exterior that feels grounded and timeless.
14. Benjamin Moore Wethersfield Moss
Benjamin Moore Wethersfield Moss is a soft, muted green with a hint of gray, evoking the natural beauty of moss-covered rocks and forests.
This color brings a peaceful, earthy quality to any exterior, making it ideal for homes nestled in natural surroundings.
Wethersfield Moss pairs well with both dark and light accents, creating a serene and harmonious facade.
It’s perfect for those looking for a color that feels connected to nature, while still offering a sophisticated and timeless appearance.
15. Sherwin Williams Navajo White
Sherwin Williams Navajo White is a warm, creamy beige with soft yellow undertones that evoke a sunny, inviting atmosphere.
It’s a beautiful choice for homes looking for a softer alternative to white, providing warmth and charm without overwhelming the space.
Navajo White pairs effortlessly with dark trim, natural wood accents, and vibrant door colors, making it a flexible and versatile option for any style of home.
It’s a perfect choice for creating a welcoming, sunny exterior with a classic feel.
16. Sherwin Williams Deep Sea Dive
Sherwin Williams Deep Sea Dive is a rich, dark blue with green undertones that exudes sophistication and tranquility.
It’s a stunning color choice for homes looking to make a bold statement while maintaining a serene, coastal vibe.
Deep Sea Dive pairs beautifully with white trim and natural stone, making it an excellent choice for homes near the water or with a nautical-inspired design.
Its deep hues create a sense of depth and elegance, making it perfect for modern or traditional homes alike.
17. Sherwin Williams Concord Buff
Sherwin Williams Concord Buff is a warm, golden beige with a slight yellow undertone, offering a cheerful and welcoming exterior color.
It’s a versatile shade that complements a variety of architectural styles, from traditional to contemporary.
Concord Buff is perfect for creating a light, inviting atmosphere, and it pairs beautifully with both dark and light trim.
Whether used on the main body of the home or as an accent, this color adds warmth and charm to your exterior.
18. Behr Nature’s Gift
Behr Nature’s Gift is a rich, earthy green with subtle brown undertones, bringing the calming beauty of the outdoors to your home’s exterior.
It’s a great choice for homes surrounded by lush landscaping or natural elements.
Nature’s Gift evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, making it perfect for rustic or contemporary homes looking to blend in with their surroundings.
Pair it with warm wood accents or neutral trim for a grounded, sophisticated look that feels fresh and inviting.
19. Behr Soft Pink
Behr Soft Pink is a gentle, muted pink with beige undertones, offering a soft, romantic look for your home’s exterior.
It’s a charming choice for those who want to add a unique and welcoming touch to their facade.
Soft Pink works beautifully on smaller homes or as an accent color, especially when paired with crisp white trim and natural elements.
It brings warmth and cheer to the exterior, making it an ideal option for homes with a more whimsical or vintage style.
20. Behr Submarine Gray
Behr Submarine Gray is a deep, cool gray with blue undertones, offering a sleek, modern look for your home’s exterior.
It’s an excellent choice for contemporary homes or urban settings, where it pairs effortlessly with dark trim, metallic accents, or natural materials.
Submarine Gray has a subtle depth that adds sophistication to any home, making it perfect for homeowners looking for a bold, yet refined color.
Its cool tone creates a calming and elegant atmosphere, making it a top choice for a modern, chic exterior.
21. Sherwin Williams Homestead Brown
Sherwin Williams Homestead Brown is a rich, earthy brown with subtle red undertones that exude warmth and rustic charm.
This color brings a sense of coziness and natural beauty to your home’s exterior, making it ideal for farmhouse-style homes or those surrounded by wooded landscapes.
Homestead Brown pairs well with stone accents, white trim, and dark green or muted blue doors, creating a balanced and inviting look.
Its earthy appeal is perfect for creating a grounded, welcoming atmosphere that feels timeless and cozy.
22. Behr Sweet Chamomile
Behr Sweet Chamomile is a soft, buttery yellow with a warm undertone, offering a cheerful and welcoming vibe for your exterior.
This color is perfect for homeowners looking to add a touch of sunshine and happiness to their home’s facade.
Sweet Chamomile creates a light, airy atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for cottage-style homes, coastal designs, or houses with a more whimsical aesthetic.
Pair it with white trim and natural wood accents for a classic, charming exterior that radiates warmth and friendliness.
23. Behr Awning Red
Behr Awning Red is a bold, rich red with a touch of brown, giving it a classic and sophisticated look that still feels vibrant and lively.
It’s a striking choice for those who want to make a statement with their home’s exterior, offering a timeless, yet modern appeal.
Awning Red pairs beautifully with white or black trim and can work wonderfully on both traditional and contemporary homes.
Whether used as the main color or as an accent, this deep red brings energy and elegance to your exterior, making it a perfect choice for those who want their home to stand out.
