Dark exterior house colors are growing in popularity and are even preferred over lighter exterior colors in many areas. Dark exterior paint colors can be very striking and can help your home stand out in a neighborhood of primarily white or pastel houses.
The most popular dark exterior house colors include black shades, dark gray, and dark blue. However, dark brown and green can also be stunning for those looking for more earth-tone neutrals.
However, selecting the right color and shade of dark paint is essential to avoid making your home look too sad or uninviting. These dark exterior house ideas will make your home look fabulous!
Our Favorite Dark Exterior House Colors
Design professionals use the light reflectance value (LRV) to show how much light reflects from a surface. The LRV can be any number from 0-100%. A surface with an LRV of 100% reflects all the light that hits it and appears pure white. A surface with an LRV of 0% would absorb all the light that hits it and appear black.
1. Iron Ore (7069) by Sherwin-Williams
Iron Ore by Sherwin-Williams is a beautiful dark shade of gray that would be perfect for the exterior of a house. This color will make your home stand out and add a touch of sophistication and elegance. Iron Ore is versatile and can be used for modern and traditional homes. It has an LRV 6 rating but can look lighter in direct sunlight. It pairs well with copper or wood accents and either white or black trim.
2. Tricorn Black (6258) by Sherwin-Williams
Tricorn Black is one of the best black exterior paint colors. It has an LRV of 3, so it’s darker than Iron Ore. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a dark exterior house color, nearly pure black! This beautiful shade of black is perfect for adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any home.
Tricorn Black is also versatile, making a perfect modern dark exterior house color. It looks great with most shades of white, black, or gray. Tricorn is the best black paint color for exterior trim when paired with a neutral siding like Peppercorn or Cityscape.
3. Black Magic (6991) by Sherwin-Williams
Black Magic by Sherwin-Williams also has an LRV 3 rating and is the perfect dark exterior paint color for homeowners looking for a bold yet elegant look. The deep charcoal black hue of Black Magic pairs beautifully with any style home, from the farmhouse and traditional to modern and contemporary.
Its sleek, mysterious quality has made it an increasingly popular option for creating a dramatic statement on the outside of homes. Black Magic is an easy hue to coordinate with lighter accent colors and natural wood like cedar.
4. Soot (2129-20) by Benjamin Moore
Soot by Benjamin Moore is ideal for a dark exterior house color. It has a 6.19 LRV, and a beautiful dark gray exterior paint is the perfect way to create sophistication outside of your home, adding a touch of luxury to its appearance. Its subtle depth and richness make it the ideal shade for making a bold statement that can stand up to whatever comes it’s way.
5. Onyx (2133-10) by Benjamin Moore
Onyx by Benjamin Moore is an excellent choice for creating an eye-catching look on any modern or traditional home style! Onyx has an LRV of 4.99, making it a dull black that pairs well with natural wood accents and other neutral colors. Whether you’re looking to make an impactful entrance or add some drama to the exterior of your home, Onyx is the perfect choice for a dark exterior house color.
6. Kendall Charcoal (HC-166) by Benjamin Moore
The classic charcoal hue of Kendall Charcoal gives your home an air of sophistication yet still manages to remain understated simultaneously. With an LRV of 14.61, this dark gray exterior paint color will pair well with traditional white or cream trim or a darker black accent color. Kendall Charcoal by Benjamin Moore is an excellent choice to give your home a stylish new look without going overboard.
7. Raccoon Fur (2126-20) by Benjamin Moore
Raccoon Fur (2126-20) by Benjamin Moore is a rich and dark exterior paint color that can give your home an elegant and timeless look. The deep shade has an LRV of 8.28, making a bold statement, so it’s best suited to homes with strong architectural features. Raccoon Fur incorporates well with natural wood or copper accents and black windows, trim, and fascia boards.
8. Greenblack (6994) by Sherwin-Williams
Greenblack (6994) by Sherwin-Williams has a 4 LRV rating and is an excellent choice for dark exterior paint. The deep and rich black paint has a subtle green undertone that can give your home an elegant and timeless look. Greenblack is a complementary color to a light brick, copper, and cedar shake or trim.
9. Black Satin (2131-10) by Benjamin Moore
Black Satin (2131-10) by Benjamin Moore has an LRV of 4.58. Black Satin has a slight sheen, giving it a bit of depth and making it perfect for modern and traditional homes. It also has excellent durability, making it ideal for use on the exterior of your home. White doors bring a classic contrast with the black exterior.
10. Inkwell (6992) by Sherwin-Williams
Inkwell 6992 by Sherwin-Williams is a deep dark navy blue with an LRV of 4 that can create a dramatic look for your home’s exterior. It’s perfect for homes with brick or stone exteriors, as it will help them stand out against the other houses on the street. Inkwell is also great for creating a sense of luxury and sophistication.
11. Peppercorn (7674) by Sherwin-Williams
Peppercorn (7674) by Sherwin-Williams is a popular dark hue for the exterior of homes. Peppercorn is deep charcoal-black with an LRV of 10, making this color a great contrast to the landscape while adding a bold statement and interest to your home’s exterior.
12. Wrought Iron (2124-10) by Benjamin Moore
Wrought Iron (2124-10) by Benjamin Moore is a fantastic dark exterior paint color choice. Wrought Iron has an LRV of 8.17 and a slight blue undertone that contrasts with lighter neutrals such as whites and greys. Yellow cedar used as trim or an exterior accent wall also pairs lovely with this beautiful dark grey exterior paint.
13. Gauntlet Gray (7019) by Sherwin-Williams
Gauntlet Gray is an attractive choice for dark exterior paint. With an LRV of 17, this color is the perfect medium for a dark exterior while staying in your comfort zone. Gauntlet Grey pairs wonderfully with earthy color tones such as burnt oranges and dark emerald greens.
14. Iron Mountain (2134-30) by Benjamin Moore
Iron Mountain is a soft black with an LRV of 10.96. With rich undertones, this exterior color complements warm and cool color schemes. Combined with a bright white exterior trim, Iron Mountain provides a classic appeal with the perfect touch of modernness.
Iron Mountain is a rich, dark shade of grey that provides an elegant and sophisticated look to any home. The deep tones of Iron Mountain add a classic and timeless look that will last and stay in style for many years to come.
15. Naval (6244) by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams Naval 6244 is an excellent choice of paint for the exterior of your home. The navy blue hue has an LRV of 4, giving your house a timeless look while adding subtle yet stunning contrast to the rest of your landscaping and decor.
Whether painting an entire house or just touching up the shutters, this is the perfect navy exterior paint color to get the job done. Regarding quality and value, Sherwin-Williams Naval 6244 stands out among other exterior paints.
16. Indigo Batik (7602) by Sherwin-Williams
Indigo Batik (7602) by Sherwin-Williams is an outstanding exterior house paint that will give your home an updated, modern look. It has an LRV of 8, making it brighter than Naval. It’s a deep and rich color that is perfect for any home style and will bring out the best in your property.
Indigo Batik (7602) by Sherwin-Williams is an excellent choice for updating your home’s exterior paint. Not only will it look great and stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws your way, but it will also add value to your home. With Indigo Batik (7602) by Sherwin-Williams, you can be sure that your home’s exterior will look stunning for years to come.
For more, see our best blue exterior paint colors.
17. Newburyport Blue (HC-155) by Benjamin Moore
Newburyport Blue (HC-155) by Benjamin Moore is ideal for dark exterior paint. It’s a rich, deep shade of blue that brings a sense of sophistication and elegance to any home. At an LRV of 10.31, its light reflective properties will keep your home cooler in the summer and makes for an excellent neutral blue color that is stunning in direct sunlight.
Whether your home’s traditional or modern style, Newburyport Blue will add a touch of class and timeless beauty. Its versatility makes it a great choice for trim and accent colors. Newburyport Blue is an excellent option if you’re looking for a beautiful paint color that will stand the test of time.
18. Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20) by Benjamin Moore
Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20) by Benjamin Moore is a highly sophisticated gray exterior paint that will make your home stand out. It has a lower LRV of 7.26 than Newburyport Blue, which is perfect for those looking for a modern yet timeless look for their home. It features gray and blue undertones, creating an elegant and polished look.
Gentleman’s Gray’s modern hue and superior durability, this paint is perfect for creating an exterior that will turn heads and make your home the envy of the neighborhood.
Pair with Benjamin Moore grays and whites for a classic nautical theme. It pairs nicely with warm accent colors such as yellows and oranges but can also be paired with bolder, more dramatic colors like browns, navy blues, or burgundy. You can create the perfect look for your home’s exterior with a wide range of complementary hues.
19. Charcoal Blue (2739) by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams Charcoal Blue (2739) is an excellent choice for exterior house paints. It’s a deep, dark blue shade that can give homeowners a unique and aesthetically pleasing look for their homes. The color’s LRV of 6 is elegant and highly versatile; it can create various looks, from a modern, sleek style to a classic, timeless look.
For best results, pair Charcoal Blue with lighter shades of gray or white to create contrast and depth in the final finish. Coordinating colors include Gossamer Veil SW 9165 and Creamy SW 7012.
20. Ripe Olive (6209) by Sherwin-Williams
Sherwin-Williams’ Ripe Olive (6209) is an excellent exterior house paint choice. Its LRV 6 is a warm, dark green hue and is perfect for adding charm and sophistication to the facade of any home. The rich color will make your home stand out from the rest in a crowd, and with Sherwin-Williams’ high-quality paint products, you can be sure that your home will look beautiful for years to come.
Ripe Olive (6209) is an excellent choice for homeowners looking to add some character and depth to their exterior walls without compromising on quality. Complementing colors include Oyster White SW 7637, Comfort Gray SW 6205, and Green Onyx SW 9128.
21. Sea Serpent (7615) by Sherwin-Williams
Sea Serpent (7615) by Sherwin-Williams has an LRV of 7. It’s an excellent exterior paint perfect for anyone looking to give their home an attractive new look. The color has a beautiful deep teal, sure to make your home stand out from the rest in the neighborhood. It also has a matte finish, which gives it a modern and sophisticated look.
Sea Serpent (7615) by Sherwin-Williams is sure to be a great choice for anyone looking to give their home a refreshing new look. Coordinating colors include Lullaby SW 9136, Uncertain Gray SW 6234, and Ice Cube SW 6252.
What to Consider When Selecting Modern Dark Exterior House Colors
Choosing the right dark exterior house color for your home is a big decision that should not be taken lightly! Here are some things to consider when selecting dark colors for your home:
- Aesthetics: Think about how the color will look against the rest of your home’s architecture and other nearby houses. Dark colors can make a home look sleek and modern or make it seem sad.
- Maintenance: Dark colors tend to show dirt and grime more easily than lighter colors, so you’ll need to be prepared for more frequent maintenance.
- Cost: Darker colors may cost slightly more in paint and supplies since they require additional coats to achieve a deep, saturated finish.
Chenise Bhimull, an Interior Designer and Licensed Realtor with ZFC, told us two great options are Sherwin-Williams’ Black Magic SW 6991 and Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron 2124-10. These colors offer a deep, dramatic look that will make your house stand out. Black Magic provides a strong yet sophisticated look that gives your home a bold and modern feel, while Wrought Iron has a classic look that helps bring a timeless elegance to your home.
She warns that when painting the exterior of a house with a dark color, it’s important to consider how much light your home will get. Dark colors can make a house look smaller and cause it to overheat in direct sunlight. To ensure that your home looks its best, consider the amount of natural and artificial light it receives.
Kristina Davis, Interior Designer at Letti & Co, suggests people considering a dark exterior that neutral accent colors are usually the go-to choice. White trim and shutters can brighten the look and add a classic touch. Beige and grey can also create a welcoming contrast to the dark exterior. Bright colors like yellow, orange, and pink can create a bolder look.
Dino DiNenna, a Broker and Realtor at Southern Lifestyle Properties, told us from his experience that a dark color like black may be one of the hottest color paints in the current housing market when it comes to increasing the home’s resale value.
While some buyers may feel repulsed by the idea of an all-black visual, a black front door can push your resale value to increase by $6,000 or even more in the current market climate. Some buyers will pay more than $20,000 for a black exterior painted home.
Ultimately, unless you intend to sell your home shortly, you should consider your personal preferences when selecting an exterior paint color. You should paint your house a dark exterior if it fits the home’s architectural features and will complement neighboring homes.
The Advantages of Dark Exterior Paint Colors
Dark Exterior Paint Colors Stand Out
If your home stands out, opt for a black exterior paint job—it’s sharp against green landscapes and other houses. Dark colors like navy, blackish-green, and charcoal gray might not be popular, but they’re still neutral enough to work with different trim colors, materials, etc. Plus, these shades add a touch of sophistication and drama.
Choosing black or other darker colors for the exterior of your home will give it a dramatic appeal. These hues are already beautiful and make a bold visual statement. If you want to add more character to your dark-colored exterior, you can always choose light-colored accents like white window frames or doors, so they stand out more against the darkness.
Dark Exterior Paint Offer Modern Aesthetics
Exterior paint colors are usually safe bets regarding value and popularity, but you can add a touch of modernity by going black or navy. I’ve seen that ultra-contemporary homes were some of the first to have dark exteriors, which could give your home an updated look if it’s more traditional. If you’re not ready for such a drastic change, consider painting your front door, shutters, and trim in a darker color instead.
Pairing black with diverse textures and elements can create many unique looks, even if they appear conflicting. Black is a versatile color that can complement many different styles. It has a modern and fresh aesthetic and can also be dramatic, luxurious, mysterious, powerful, classy, or glamorous. Black is mainly used for an industrial or contemporary style of exterior design.
Dark Exterior Colors Accentuate the Natural Surroundings
If your home is close to mountains or has a lot of foliage, making it dark will bring out its natural features. It gives a modern rustic style and makes the eye pay more attention to its surroundings. This color palette allows for better distinguishing between different green hues, making plants appear lusher against darker backgrounds such as black walls or fences.
The Disadvantages of Dark Exterior Paint Color
Dark Exterior Colors Make Your House Look Smaller
Alex Capozzolo, Co-Founder of SD House Guys, warns that if you sell your home, buyers have different preferences regarding the exterior paint colors of a home. Generally speaking, light colors tend to be more popular than dark colors because they can help make a house look larger and create an inviting atmosphere.
Dark Exterior Colors Can Fade Faster
Andre Kazimierski, Founder & CEO of Improovy Painters Chicago, told us that when considering a dark exterior for your home, remember that dark colors tend to fade faster than light colors. If you do paint your exterior home dark, you’ll have to commit to doing more general upkeep. In addition to fading, dark colors show more weather damage and surface flaws than lighter hues. The trendy dark exterior is great if you’re comfortable with these things!
Darker colors will fade more quickly than light hues, but exterior elements like sunlight can speed up the process. If you want your dark color scheme to last, take extra care during installation and use materials that can withstand weather changes.
Black paint may not be the best investment in the long run, as it tends to fade faster than lighter colors. If you’re considering black paint for your house exterior, keep in mind that It will be exposed 24/7 to sunlight and other elements. You might have to touch up your black paint job more regularly than with another color, even though anti-fade technology has improved.
Dark Exterior Paint May Need Frequent Maintenance
Although you’ll have to do more general upkeep, the dark-colored siding will make surface damage and weathering more visible. On the other hand, lighter colors can help conceal architectural features and dirt. Furthermore, dark paint is likely to peel more than light colors.
Dark Paint Colors Absorb More Radiant Heat
As I’m sure you’re aware, dark colors absorb more heat than lighter colors. As a darker exterior color absorbs heat, a home’s interior can be hotter, while a lighter-colored home will reflect the sunlight, keeping the interior cooler.
However, in newer homes that are well-insulated, this is not as much of a problem as in older homes that may lack adequate exterior wall insulation. However, black should not be used in sunny climates as dark colors absorb sunlight and make air conditioners run more frequently, raising energy costs.
Alex Capozzolo confirms that light-colored exteriors are better for reflecting sunlight and keeping homes cool during hot summer. However, dark colors can create a dramatic look and provide a strong contrast against the natural environment.
Shade trees can help block direct sunlight from the darker exterior. However, darker exterior paint colors in cold climates can help keep a home warmer in the winter.
When considering heat absorption, it’s important to note that dark-colored exteriors absorb more solar energy than light shades like white, cream, and other pastels. This could lead to increased cooling costs during the summer months.
What Colors Go Well With Dark Exterior Colors
Consider using bright whites or pastels for trim and accents to contrast your dark exterior house colors. A nice pop of color can make the dark color stand out. Warm neutrals like beige, tan, and ivory are also excellent choices when selecting accent colors for a dark hue.
FAQs about Dark House Exterior Colors
Are dark exteriors a trend?
Dark exteriors are becoming a popular trend in home design. Many homeowners opt for dark colors to give their homes a modern, sleek look that stands out from their neighbors. Dark exterior house colors can help create an edgy, contemporary look.
What color goes with a dark brown exterior?
One color that goes particularly well with a dark brown exterior is a warm neutral, like beige, tan, or ivory. These colors complement the rich hues of your chosen dark brown and will contrast its deep shades without clashing. They won’t look too bright and garish against the shadowy backdrop.
Do dark exterior paint colors make a house look smaller?
Dark exterior paint colors can affect the perceived size of a home. While a dark color can’t make a house physically smaller, it can create an illusion of a smaller house. Hence, this is why designers suggest staying away from dark exterior colors on a one-story house.
What exterior colors make your house look bigger?
Neutral and light colors can make a house look bigger. Lighter colors reflect more light and thus make a house appear larger. Neutral tones such as beige, off-white, and light gray are excellent choices for helping create the illusion of a larger home.
Does painting your house dark make it hotter?
Painting your house dark can make it hotter, although the effects may not be as pronounced as one might think. The paint color does not directly transfer heat from the environment to the house. A well-insulated house should feel little to no effects from dark exterior house colors.
Conclusion
Dark house exterior colors can give your home a unique and eye-catching look. There are many dark shades to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find one that works for your home. Consider what colors will go well with your dark hues, such as bright whites or warm neutrals. With the right shade of dark paint, you’ll make your home stand out in no time!
