26 House Colors Exterior Ideas
You know that moment when you’re driving through a neighborhood and one house just jumps out at you? Yeah, that’s usually because of the exterior color.
A good paint job can take a home from “meh” to “wow, I’d totally live there” in an instant.
I’ve rounded up 26 house colors exterior ideas that cover everything from classic whites to bold blues, earthy tones, and even some unexpected choices. Ready? Let’s get into it.
1. Crisp White
White is like the little black dress of exterior paint—timeless, versatile, and always chic.
It works with traditional homes, modern farmhouses, or coastal cottages. Plus, white makes trim pop like nothing else.
2. Soft Cream
If you think white feels a little too stark, cream tones add warmth without going beige. It looks especially stunning on older, historic-style homes.
Think “grandma’s house, but make it fashion.”
3. Warm Beige
Beige often gets a bad rap, but hear me out—it’s classy when done right. Pair it with dark shutters and lush landscaping, and suddenly you’ve got understated elegance.
4. Light Gray
Light gray has that modern-meets-cozy vibe. It’s not as harsh as black but still feels sophisticated. Toss in white trim, and you’ve got yourself a picture-perfect home.
5. Dark Charcoal
Now, if you’re ready to be the house that gets second glances, charcoal gray is your guy. It screams bold and modern but still feels approachable with the right accents.
6. Classic Black
Yes, you can absolutely paint your house black. It’s moody, dramatic, and unapologetically cool. Pro tip: pair it with wood or natural stone to soften the look.
7. Navy Blue
Navy has become a favorite because it’s bold yet timeless. Whether it’s paired with white trim or brass accents, navy houses always look sharp.
8. Sky Blue
For a softer take, sky blue adds a breezy, coastal vibe. It’s like bringing vacation energy home—without the sand in your car.
9. Sage Green
Green exteriors are huge right now, and sage is the MVP. It feels earthy, calming, and blends beautifully with natural surroundings.
10. Olive Green
Olive is like sage’s older, moodier cousin. It gives a more sophisticated, rustic look that works perfectly on craftsman-style homes.
11. Forest Green
Go deep with forest green, and suddenly your home looks like it belongs in a fairytale. Pair it with stone details, and you’re golden.
12. Sunshine Yellow
Want your house to literally radiate joy? Yellow is the way to go. But keep it soft and muted—nobody wants a neon banana house.
13. Burnt Orange
If you’re feeling adventurous, burnt orange makes a bold statement. It pairs beautifully with desert or southwest-style landscapes.
IMO, it’s criminally underrated.
14. Terracotta
Warm, earthy, and Mediterranean-inspired, terracotta feels cozy and welcoming. Add in clay pots and desert landscaping, and you’ve nailed the vibe.
15. Brick Red
Not every red house looks like a barn. With the right undertone, deep red exteriors can look striking, especially paired with black shutters.
16. Burgundy
Burgundy offers a rich, moody alternative to traditional red. It gives off luxurious, old-world charm that makes your house stand out in the best way.
17. Taupe
Somewhere between gray and beige, taupe is the neutral sweet spot. It’s safe, stylish, and works with basically everything.
18. Soft Pink
Yes, pink. Soft blush tones on exteriors look surprisingly chic, especially on beach cottages. Think “romantic, not Barbie Dreamhouse.”
19. Lavender
A soft lavender house whispers personality without shouting it. Pair with white trim, and it’s instantly charming. Bonus points if you plant lavender out front.
20. Slate Blue
Slate blue has a slightly gray undertone, giving it a modern, muted edge. It’s less bold than navy but more interesting than plain gray.
21. Teal
Feeling bold? Teal gives your home a vibrant, artsy character. It looks especially good in tropical or eclectic neighborhoods.
22. Chocolate Brown
Dark brown exteriors give off a warm, grounded, and earthy vibe. Paired with stone, it feels strong and timeless.
23. Light Brown / Tan
On the flip side, lighter browns keep things simple and inviting. Think suburban-friendly without being boring.
24. Stone Gray
Stone gray mimics natural stone colors, which means it looks killer with actual stonework. It’s neutral, modern, and super versatile.
25. Two-Tone Combos
Who says you need just one color? Two-tone exteriors (like white with navy trim or gray with black shutters) give depth and personality.
26. Natural Wood Stain
Technically not paint, but worth mentioning. If your home has wood siding, let it shine with a rich stain finish. It’s rustic, organic, and ages beautifully.
Tips for Picking the Right Exterior Color
Okay, now that you’ve got 26 ideas buzzing in your head, how do you actually choose one? A few things to keep in mind:
- Think about your roof color. A red roof and teal house? Yeah, that might be a crime against design.
- Factor in your neighborhood. You don’t need to copy your neighbors, but you also don’t want to stick out like a sore thumb (unless that’s your thing).
- Test before you commit. Always sample paint swatches on your exterior before making the final call. Sunlight can change how a color looks big time.
- Maintenance matters. Darker colors may fade faster, while lighter colors might show dirt more easily. Pick your battles.
My Personal Take
If you’re asking me? I’m a sucker for deep navy or sage green. Both feel bold but approachable, and they look good year-round. But hey, if sunshine yellow makes you smile every time you pull into the driveway, go for it. At the end of the day, your home should make you happy.
Final Thoughts
Your house exterior color is more than paint—it’s your home’s first impression, its personality, its “nice to meet you.” With these 26 house colors exterior ideas, you’ve got a wide palette to choose from, whether you lean classic, bold, or somewhere in between.
