Color Palettes

Exterior house color palettes

The exterior is the first thing people see of a house, and it's exposed to sun, rain and pollution. These 12 palettes pair a main wall color with one for trim details like window frames, railings or the base, plus one for the front door, with hex codes to match at the paint store.

White and graphite

Modern and clean; graphite on window frames and the door.

Beige and brown

Classic and warm; hides dust better than white.

Colonial terracotta

Traditional on colonial and rustic-style homes.

Warm gray and wood

Contemporary; pairs with wood siding or cladding.

Black and white

High contrast; black on window frames and railings.

Sage and white

Soft and natural; for homes with a yard or garden.

Colonial blue and white

Fresh; blue on doors, windows or the base trim.

Ochre and white

Warm and bright; very common on traditional homes.

Sand and olive

Low-key and natural; blends nicely into the landscape.

Stone and clay tile

For homes with clay tile roofs or brick details.

Old rose or salmon

Typical of historic districts; cheerful without being loud.

Blue-gray and white

Understated and elegant; good for mild climates.

Tap a color to copy its hex code. The pencil icon opens the palette in the editor so you can change it.

Consider the climate and sun

Light colors reflect more sunlight and help keep the house cooler, which is useful in hot climates. Dark, highly saturated shades fade faster from UV exposure. Use good-quality exterior paint suited to your climate.

Check your neighborhood rules

HOAs, gated communities and historic districts may have rules about allowed colors. Check with your city or HOA before buying paint so you don't have to repaint.

Outdoors, color looks lighter

Sunlight makes colors look lighter and less intense than on the paint chip. That's why it's smart to choose one or two shades darker than what looks right in the store. Paint a large sample on the wall and look at it at different times of day.

Colors in these palettes

WhitePlatinumSilverDark grayAnthraciteLinenPearlTaupeNudeSiennaGreigeStone grayCafé au laitOxford grayWhite smokePearl gray

Frequently asked questions

What exterior house colors are trending?

White with graphite or black, warm grays, beiges and sands, and sage greens are everywhere, often paired with wood.

What exterior color shows the least dirt?

Mid-tones like beige, sand, warm gray or stone hide dust and stains better than pure white or very dark colors.

How many colors should a house exterior have?

Usually two or three: one for the walls, another for details like trim or the base, and an optional accent on the front door.

More palettes: Home

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