Home Exterior Color Ideas & Inspiration

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Home Exterior Color Ideas & Inspiration

When painting the exterior of your house and other outdoor features, you have two important characteristics to keep in mind: how well it lasts and how good it looks.

Choosing the best paint color for the exterior surfaces of your home means picking colors that look great–and last. Benjamin Moore Aura® Exterior has you covered, with a line of durable paints that resist the punishing effects of weather—and offer a lifetime limited warranty to prove it.
A light gray colored house with vinyl siding and a dark gray front door

Foolproof Color Picks

To narrow down your color choices, build an exterior palette around the elements of the house that won’t change, such as roofing materials and stone or brick components.

If you want to highlight the architectural elements and add dimension, choose a contrasting trim color. Here, trim in Simply White OC-117 provides striking contrast against mid-tone Revere Pewter HC-172 siding. Conversely, if your home’s exterior is painted in a lighter hue, consider a trim in a darker color.
Colonial-style home with dark blue front door

Take a Look Around

The best inspiration may come from stepping outside. Select hues that are compatible with your neighborhood, architectural style and natural surroundings. For exterior colors inspired by classic American design and architecture, look no further than Benjamin Moore’s Historical Collection for tried and true favorites that are perfect for any home including Stonington Gray HC-170, Edgecomb Gray HC-173, and Narragansett Green HC-157.
Stucco exterior with colorful shutters and brick walkway

The Right Light

Just like interior paint colors, exterior colors shift depending on how the light hits them. Outdoors, surrounding landscapes also play a role in how a paint color is perceived.

Always “try on” your paint colors with a paint sample, available at your local Benjamin Moore retailer. Once you’ve applied color samples, observe the color during different times of the day to see how both light, and your home’s natural environs, impact the color you are considering.
Dark blue barn exterior with large stone walkway with stairs

Finish Lines

Color is only one aspect of an exterior paint choice; sheen is another important factor. Low Lustre finish is a top choice for the main siding color—the low-reflective finish adds a slight gloss, hides surface imperfections and cleans well. Semi-gloss paints add extra durability and clean up easily, making them a good choice for areas such as windowsills that bear the brunt of weather shifts. High gloss finishes make color look richer but magnify surface imperfections.
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Find the Perfect Color for Your Home Exterior

Make your home the envy of the neighborhood with a beautiful, elegant and striking exterior.

AURA® Exterior Paint

Aura® Exterior Paint

Get ultimate performance for rich, full color and unprecedented durability with Aura-exclusive Color Lock® technology.