Home Exterior Colour 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.

Painting a house is no small investment, so choosing the best paint colour for the exterior surfaces of your house means picking colours that look great and last. Benjamin Moore Aura® has you covered with durable paints that resist the punishing effects of weather—and have a lifetime limited warranty to prove it.

Blue bench outside home with plants in windowsill

Foolproof colour Picks

To narrow down your colour choices, build an exterior palette around the elements of the house that won’t change, such as roofing materials and stone or brick components. Pick contrasting but complementary colours to highlight architectural elements and add dimension. Similar colour undertones will link the elements together.

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 colours 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.

Stucco exterior with colourful shutters and brick walkway

The Right Light

Just like interior paint colours, exterior colours shift depending on how the light hits them—and can look different when applied than they do on a chip. Make regret-free choices by buying a quart of paint and applying it on inconspicuous areas of all sides of your house. Visit your samples throughout the day until you’re comfortable with your choice.

Dark blue barn exterior with large stone walkway with stairs

Finish Lines

Colour 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 colour—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 colour look richer but magnify surface imperfections.