Planning to paint your home’s exterior? We pooled paint companies along with real estate and industry pros for their top-selling colors that help homes sell faster. But where do you even begin?
For starters, don’t complicate your home’s exterior by trying to get too colorful. Valspar’s Sue Kim advises paint color combinations should be kept to around three colors. “Try a clean white for the siding like Valspar's Swiss Coffee, Dark Kettle Black on details, and Heirloom Red on the front door for a traditionally classic scheme that won’t go out of style,” she says. Read on for more of the top exterior paint colors that could help your home get off the marker quicker.
Best Neutral Exterior Paint Colors
Color is very personal and subjective, so selecting a hue that appeals to many is a great approach. Here are the best neutral exterior paint colors, according to the experts.
Behr: Painter's White
Behr color expert Erika Woelfel recommends leaning toward earth tones, neutrals, and mid-tones. She adds that Behr’s Painter’s White "calls attention to the outside of your home, and plays well with almost any color.”
Benjamin Moore: Simply White
In addition to Simply White, many of the expert color suggestions comprise Benjamin Moore’s historical collection, which has become a go-to offering for exterior colors. Collection highlights include Coventry Gray, Van Courtland Blue, Alexandria Beige, and Putnam Ivory.
Dutch Boy Paint: Shorebird
“Let a neutral shade be the hero color of the exterior, like Shorebird,” suggests Ashley Banbury, senior color designer for Dutch Boy Paint.
KILZ: Antique White
KILZ representatives listed Antique White, Barely Mocha and Porpoise Gray as their exterior favorites.
Sherwin-Williams: Accessible Beige
Interior designer and Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate agent Sheree Douglas Brock notes preferences vary throughout the country but backs universal neutrals like Sherwin-Williams’ Accessible Beige and Benjamin Moore’s Simply White.
Ashley Banbury, who also acts as the senior color designer for HGTV Home by Sherwin-Williams, says airy shades such as blue, gray, and beige appeal to home buyers. She says Krypton, Repose Gray, and Maison Blanche are among some of the most popular neutral shades.
Valspar: Warm Putty
Sue Kim, color marketing manager for Valspar Paint says a nice warm neutral like Valspar Warm Putty is "inviting and homey.”
Best Paint Colors for Architectural Features
Don’t overlook your home’s architectural details when selecting the perfect exterior paint. “You should use materials, such as brick or stone on the exterior, to inspire the color palette,” says Andrea Magno, Benjamin Moore’s director of color marketing and development. And just because you have a stone or brick facade doesn't mean you can't add color via soffits, trim, or doors. KILZ color expert Rob Hellander advises homeowners to “complement preexisting features, such as the roof, stoneware, or brick while keeping the home’s surroundings and landscaping in mind—including how much light it receives and its relation to the sun.”
You might be tempted to use an unexpected exterior color before wrapping your paint project. But be careful. “Bold shades of pink, yellow, or orange can feel overwhelming and clash with the natural landscaping of the home,” Kim says. Be sure to let your home’s lovely fixed details like wrought iron and paneled windows steal the spotlight instead.
Best Paint Colors for Front Doors
Your front door is where you can have some fun with color. “Navy blue is said to be one of the most favorable colors on the front door,” says Banbury. She recommends Dutch Boy’s eye-catching Deep Sky to greet guests. Or try a pop of color for an eye-catching focal point. Hellander says KILZ’s Summer Chartreuse can go a long way in the entry.
Related: How to Paint a Front Door
If you have additional architectural details like shutters, consider painting them the same shade. “It’s a thoughtful way of accenting charming elements on the exterior that tie it all together,” Kim says. Looking to make a bit more of a statement? Behr’s recently announced 2020 Color of the Year, Back To Nature, is a stunning meadow-inspired green that's a great way to add a burst of color on shutters or other front entry accents.
