How Do I Choose Home Exterior Siding Colors?

As complementary colors, a pink house makes a striking impression in a green environment.

Choosing an exterior color for your house is a big decision, especially when it comes to vinyl siding, which is more permanent than paint. An exterior color has to be an expression of your aesthetic sensibilities as well as an attractive element in the surrounding landscape and neighborhood. Make a decision based on thorough inquiry to ensure a color that you can happily live with for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Digital camera
• Color swatches

Instructions

1. Look at the colors of the existing elements on your home that will not receive siding, including the roof, doors and shutters. The siding color should go well with the colors of these elements. Take a close-up photo of these elements so that you have an image of just the colors. Hold the picture next to possible siding color swatches to see how they go together.

2. Look at the dominant colors of fauna and other landscape elements that surround your house. If you want your home to stand out in the environment, choose a complementary color. For example, if you are surrounded by green, choose a red tone. If you live in the desert where you are surrounded by shades of yellow and orange, choose a blue-green tone. If you want your house to blend with the environment, choose a similar color. If you want your house to be neutral, use a gray or earth tone.

3. Take into consideration the color scheme of your home's interior. Think about your home as a whole composition that includes the inside and out. Pick a color scheme that is in harmony with your interior design.

4. Talk with your neighbors and ask for their opinions. They might have some good notions about color. You may also want to consult your neighbors to ensure you are not choosing a color that will offend them. Otherwise, a bright color may be just what the neighborhood needs.

5. Choose a second color for the vinyl trim. Look at shades and tints of the same colors you are considering for your siding.

6. Take a digital photo of your home and upload it into a color visualizer program. Several painting manufacturers including Behr and Benjamin Moore have programs available via their websites. The program will allow you to "fill" your home's exterior walls and trim with your color possibilities.

References

• Better Homes and Gardens: How to Choose and Place Exterior Colors
• This Old House: How to Choose Exterior Paint Schemes

Resources

• Behr: Virtual Color Centers
• Benjamin Moore: Personal Color Viewer