How to Choose the Right Siding Color for Your Home
If you’re planning to update the outside of your home with some new siding, there are several important questions to ask. What type of siding should I choose? How much insulation will I need? But the most exciting decision to make is - which color do I want to use? Picking a new color for the outside of your home can be fun, and there are a lot of options!
Before you make the final decision, there are a few things to consider. For example, you should take a look at the other homes in your neighborhood and consult with the homeowner’s association (HOA) if necessary. You should also think about how long you intend to live in your home. If you’re going to sell it soon, it might affect your color choice. Let’s take a closer look at siding color options and the factors that might influence your decision.
Know Your Home
When it comes to comparing color swatches, looks can be deceiving. A color may look great on that little square, but when you put it onto the side of a building, it will take on a whole new look. Consider the size and architecture of your home to help you make the right color decision for your siding.
Be careful with very bright colors. A small home on a large landscape often looks even smaller and toy-like when covered in lively colors, but on a larger home these same colors feel inviting. On the other hand, using a darker color on a large home can make it seem gloomy and overpowering, while using a lighter or neutral color will make it feel more homey and welcoming.
It’s also important to consider your roof. A well-made roof will last decades, so you need to take its color into consideration as you pick out your new siding. If you have a lighter colored roof, a darker siding color scheme can offer a beautiful contrast. Similarly, lighter siding looks great with a darker colored roof. Contrasts are much easier to put together than trying to match different textures and materials with the same color.
Updating Old Siding
People frequently choose to change the siding style on their homes. No matter what type of old siding you have, you can pick from a wide variety of styles and go with either horizontal or vertical siding, depending on how you want the building to look.
Look Around the Neighborhood
Check out the designs and styles of the houses around your own. From color to style, the siding you choose should go with the flow of the neighborhood (unless you want your home to stand out from the crowd). This doesn’t mean that you’re completely limited in your choices. You can take your own style into consideration too, but you can glean important information by taking a look at homes that are styled similarly to yours and note which color combinations they chose. This can help you decide if a color will look good when placed on the entire building.
If you have an HOA, it’s crucial to contact them before making any changes to the outside of your home. They might have restrictions on siding colors and styles, and some even control all external alterations. You don’t want to be halfway through a project before realizing that you’re overstepping the bounds of HOA regulations. Some HOAs don’t allow vinyl siding, which is a shame, since the new premier vinyl siding is very attractive and extremely durable.
Siding Colors to Avoid when Selling
When choosing a siding color, you should consider whether or not you plan to sell the home anytime soon. Inside and out, the color of your home can affect the speed and price at which your home sells. If you’re updating your home with the intent to sell in the near future, here are a few tips:
- Bright primary colors can limit your pool of buyers, since many people have strong feelings about certain colors.
- Ask a realtor about current style trends. Colors that seem old and outdated one year can pop right back up in popularity the next.
- Don’t worry too much if you have your heart set on a color that might not be popular once you’re ready to sell. There are plenty of buyers in the market, and not all of them will want a neutral option.
Great Siding Color and Trim Pairings
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So which color choices are the best? There are definitely some colors that have withstood the test of time and always remain popular. Below are a few suggestions for siding colors and the trim choices that go particularly well with them.
- Blue - Most shades of blue are good options and pair well with white trim. If using a darker blue, grey and black are also good trim color options.
- Beige - This earthy tone goes well with most any landscaping. Beige pairs well with both stonework and brick.
- Gray - Gray siding is a color trend that’s here to stay. Whether it’s a light or dark gray, it’ll look great with white trim and stonework. In fact, gray is so versatile that it can compliment any color.
- Red or Brown - These warm colors are very popular in certain areas of the country and go great with brickwork.
Updating the exterior of your home is an exciting project that involves many choices. As you think about your siding color options, take all of the above into consideration before you make your final decision. Will the color look as good on a huge wall as it does on the swatch? Does the color go well with the roof, trim, and neighborhood style? Will the color help or hinder the eventual sale of the house? Whether you plan to retire in your current house or sell it within a few years, installing a siding color that looks great will really make a difference in the curb appeal of your home!
