How to Choose Exterior Colors for Your Home
Choosing colors for your home’s exterior can be an intimidating process. There are hundreds of colors to choose from and a fear that if you choose the wrong color, you’re stuck with it. Unlike painting a room, choosing colors for the exterior of your home is more long term.
That’s why we created this guide to help. We’ll walk through the different areas of your home’s exterior where color can be added and how to choose a color that will complement the rest of your home’s decor.
Your Guide to Choosing Exterior Colors for Your Home
How to Choose Siding and Stone Colors
When choosing siding and stone for your home remember the rule of three. It can be tempting to use as many cladding materials and colors as possible, but limiting yourself to three cladding options can help prevent your home from looking like a patchwork quilt.
First, choose your main body color. Then, choose two materials, like stone veneer or cedar shake siding, to complement it. Learn more about the rule of three here.
Research shows siding preferences among homeowners have shifted to deeper, more saturated hues. In the past, there was a tendency for darker siding colors to absorb more heat, increasing the chances of heat distortion. Ply Gem’s colors have undergone extensive testing and are backed by an industry leading warranty, so you no longer have to fear choosing dark siding colors for your home. Learn about Ply Gem’s six new, on-trend siding colors here.
How to Choose Window Colors
Did you know that windows come in more colors than just white? In fact, black windows are a hot new color trend that won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
When choosing a window color it’s best to choose a color that complements or matches your home’s trim. See all of the window colors Ply Gem offers here.
How to Choose a Roofing Color
There are a few things to consider when choosing a roof color.
1. If you have brick on your home use a roof color that will complement the brick.
The red tones of most brick goes well with darker brown roofing.
2. Match your roof color to your home’s architectural style.
For example, Victorian or Colonial homes look best with slate, while stucco homes look best with red or orange colors.
3. Consider how the sun can affect the roof color.
Sun can greatly affect the color of your roof. Make sure you ask for samples of the roofing colors you’re considering so you can take them home and look at them in full daylight.
How to Choose Trim Colors
Trim is often an element that isn’t given much thought, but it actually helps define a home’s overall style, adding character and dimension.
There are several factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a trim color:
1. Classic white trim works well with almost any color scheme.
White trim is definitely a safe trim color choice and, when paired with a bold siding color, it becomes a focal point.
2. Don’t rule out bold trim colors.
Because trim has a small surface area going with a yellow or blue can add pop of color to your home. However, if you do choose a colorful trim, your siding color should be more neutral and subdued.
3. Lastly, consider black trim.
Black trim definitely makes a statement and it timeless, so you don’t have to worry about it becoming quickly outdated. Plus, black trim provides a perfect frame for your windows and doors.
How to Choose Shutter Colors
Shutters provide a finishing touch that brings a home together and allow you to change the look of your home without breaking the bank.
Here are the two most important things to consider when choosing a shutter color:
1. Your house style can help determine your shutter color.
If you have a more traditional house style white or black shutters tend to look best. Whereas, contemporary or modern house styles can handle bold shutter colors, such as a bright red or teal blue.
2. Consider the color of your trim.
Because shutters and trim are close in proximity, many people choose to keep their shutters and trim the same color.
Pro tip: No matter what you choose, your shutter color should always be different from your primary siding color.
Ply Gem recently added two new, on-trend shutter colors, Coastal Blue and Sand Dollar. Find them here.
How to Choose Gutter Colors
When choosing your gutter color there are a couple questions to ask yourself:
1. Do you want your gutters to blend in with the rest of your home? Or do you want your gutters to standout?
This is really a personal preference. If you want your gutters to blend in, it’s best to choose a gutter color that’s similar to your roof color. Then your gutter will look like it’s just an extension of your roof. If you want your gutter to standout, consider a contemporary color, like Copper Penny or Misty Shadow.
2. Is gutter maintenance a concern?
Lighter colored gutters tend to show more dirt and debris.
3. Lastly, does your HOA have any gutter color restrictions?
If so, check with the HOA before you make any decisions.
And don’t forget the most important part of your gutters – gutter protection. Gutter protection, like Leaf Relief, will keep leaves and twigs from clogging your gutters, which means you won’t have to clean your gutters as often.
Visualize Your Home in a New Color
Are you in love with a color, but not sure what it would look like on your home? Take the fear out of choosing exterior colors with Ply Gem’s visualizer. Our visualizer lets you see what it colors will look like on your home before you make a commitment. Try a color scheme our design experts put together or create a color palette that’s all your own. You decide.