7 Most Popular Exterior Home Paint Colors

Of course, the first thing anyone notices when driving by your house is your exterior paint color. A house with eccentric exterior paint sticks out quite prominently in a neighborhood, so homeowners normally take a lot of time deciding on what color to paint their homes. Over the past few decades, many people opted for a natural yet lighter white color, but preferences have evolved a bit recently. Let’s take a look at the seven most popular exterior home paint colors. 
 
White
 
Starting with the most obvious color, a basic white exterior is a perfect go-to for many homeowners. These are good if you are not looking for some sort of cream color, as they just look like your typical white exterior. Some of these come with hints of yellow to brighten them more, whereas others might have tints of lighter blues. If you think your house would look best without any form of subdued coloring, look into simple white paint. 
 
Warmer Whites
 
While your typical, brighter white is still definitely in-style, warmer whites have started to become a much more popular option. Where these normally differ from your typical white paint is normally what the white paint is mixed in with. If you’re looking for a warmer white color, white paints that have hints of gray in them are one of the best choices but some also have more of a green tint to them. Cream color is also a great off-white option if you’re looking to stay neutral but not too plain. 
 
Green
 
Speaking of green, green has also become a more popular exterior home paint color throughout the past few years. While people may initially be repulsed at the idea, green is actually a great option due to the variety of options and how well it blends with the rest of a homeowner’s yard, lawn, and decor. You may think of a green house as eccentric and bright, but it may actually be the opposite. While brighter green paints usually have touches of yellow, darker greens like olive are more subtle and stick out less. Green exterior paint pairs well in areas with a lot of nature and is typically best for laid back homes like small bungalows. If you don’t want your entire exterior to be green, you may want to consider just painting your shutters and/or your trim green. 
 
Blue
 
While blues were previously thought to be a more “historic” option, they are now back in style and are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Blues range from extremely light to very dark, so you have plenty of options to choose from if you’re wanting a blue. One of the more popular blues at this time is a navy blue, which typically is a mix of blue and gray undertones. Unless you want pure navy, dark blue paint mixed with some gray lightens the paint a bit so it isn’t completely dark. The gray can also give it sort of a “shine,” which looks beautiful on a house. 
 
Lighter blues are a good option for homeowners who don’t want something extremely bold but are also tired of their plan, old white paint. Light blues add a touch of color without being over-the-top and flashy. 
 
An important thing to keep in mind when looking for a blue paint is that darker blues may look darker on a swatch than they do on a house. This is partially because the blues will seem lighter and make more of a statement on a house in the natural sunlight. Also, both dark and light blues are fun to mix and match with other colors on the exterior of your house, such as the door, steps and railings. An increasingly popular combination today is blue exterior paint with a red door and other red accessories. 
 
Yellow
 
Many homeowners will balk at the idea of a yellow house, but it doesn’t mean the yellow has to be vibrant and stand out. Similar to other colors, yellow paint comes in countless shades. While bright, loud yellow exterior home paint does exist, more and more people are choosing a more subtle, soft yellow for their homes. Light yellow is another color that matches well with surrounding foliage and looks great with decor such as white, wooden patio furniture. Of course, yellow brick homes are also a great option if it would “fit” in your neighborhood. 
 
Charcoal
 
Most people think of charcoal as being very dark and close to a black color, but several paint manufacturers have more neutral charcoal colors to choose from when painting the outside of your house. These are more neutral but definitely have a darker tone, so if you’re wanting something warmer, charcoal paint is a solid choice. These range from a lighter gray charcoal to a very dark color, so make sure to get a wide variety of swatches if you are looking for a charcoal paint. 
 
Black 
 
That’s right - last, but not least, pure black exterior paint is slowly starting to come into style. A complete 180 degrees from your traditional white exterior, black exterior adds a bolder and more dramatic feel to one’s home. Homes with black exterior paint are especially beautiful in areas with a lot of trees and plants, as the colors of the surrounding nature “pop” more than they do with a lighter exterior. Unfortunately for homeowners, black paint tends to fade and can also increase the temperature within the home. However, if you’re looking to make a statement and be part of a new trend, black exterior paint might be for you. 
 
Ultimately, the exterior paint color you choose for your house is totally up to you. All the way from bright, vibrant colors to pure black, there are options for you. The appearance of your house is extremely important for your own satisfaction as well as the curb appeal of your home, so take your time picking the color that is best for you.