Choosing Home Exterior Colors: A Beginner’s Guide

Does your house need a new coat of paint?

Picking an exterior color scheme can feel like a huge decision. Not only will it have an impact on the style of your home, but it will also determine whether your home is inviting or unwelcoming.

Your choice of color will come with both benefits and drawbacks. Detailing the pros and cons of each color can help you pick the right scheme for your home.

Not sure where to start? Read on for our complete guide to choosing home exterior colors. Let’s get started!

Drive Around To See Other Colors in Your Neighborhood

If you’re not sure what color to paint your home’s exterior, looking at other homes in your neighborhood is a great place to start. You can do this by simply taking a walk around your neighborhood and taking note of the different hues you see.

Talking to your neighbors is also a great way to get gathering intel about popular home exterior colors. Ask them about their paint color choices and why they went with certain shades. You might even get a tour of their homes so you can see the colors in person.

Another way to gather color data is to make a mental note or, better yet, snap a photo of the homes that have colors you like. This is a low-key way to get an idea of what’s out there.

Consider the Style of Your Home

If you’re thinking of a modern home exterior, you’ll want to choose colors that are sleek and contemporary. This might mean opting for a monochromatic look, or choosing colors that are bold and eye-catching.

As for a traditional home, you will want to choose colors that are classic and timeless. Whatever style you have keep in mind to pick a house color palette that will match your surroundings. You don’t want your house to stick out like a sore thumb!

Use Color Swatches and Test Them Out

Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, you can start exploring your options. A good place to start is by looking at paint swatches or searching online for inspiration. Once you’ve found a few colors you like, it’s time to test them out.

You can begin to narrow down your choices by considering the trim, roof, and other features of your home. With so many color options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect color for your home.

You can test the paint with a large piece of cardboard or sample cans of paint and paint patching on your exterior walls. Live with your samples for a few days to see how they look in different lights and at different times of the day.

When it comes to painting the roof, you have to think about the type of material your roof is made of. If you have a shingled roof, you’ll want to choose a color that compliments the shingles. If you have a metal roof, you’ll want to choose a color that will contrast well with the metal.

You can check out Blue Raven Solar for more insights on what’s best for your roof.

Don’t Forget About Trim and Accent Colors

One of the most difficult aspects of choosing the best exterior house colors is based on trim and accent colors. A good rule of thumb is to use a light color for your trim if your home is a light color, and a dark color for your trim if your home is a dark color.

You can also select a color that is complementary to your home’s color scheme. For example, if your home is tan, you could use burgundy or green for your trim. If your home is blue, you could use yellow or white for your trim.

Think About the Climate

It’s always essential to take the climate into account. In general, warmer climates call for lighter colors to help reflect the heat, while cooler climates can handle darker hues. You have to be sure that the colors you choose will be appropriate for the climate you live in.

Different colors will look better or worse in different climates. For example, a light blue may look great in a coastal town with lots of sunshine, but that same blue may look drab and depressing in a cold, cloudy town.

Consider Lighting Conditions

When it comes to the lighting conditions of your place, the time of day and the amount of sunlight can impact the way colors are seen. You would want a color scheme that will look good in both natural and artificial light.

If you live in an area with a lot of sunlight, you’ll want to avoid dark colors that will absorb heat. If you live in an area with more artificial light, you’ll want to avoid colors that will reflect too much light and look washed out.

You also want to consider the color of your roof when choosing exterior colors. A dark one will absorb more heat in the summer, so  avoid dark colors if you live in a warm climate. A light roof will reflect more light, so try to avoid light colors if you live in a cool climate.

Tips For Choosing Home Exterior Colors

When it comes to choosing home exterior colors, there are a few things to keep in mind. However, with a little guidance, you can easily find the perfect colors for your home.

If you’re looking to choose exterior colors for your home, this guide is a great place to start. It covers the basics of color theory and gives you some tips on choosing the best outcome for your home. So what are you waiting for, get started today!

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