Observe the colors used on other homes in your neighborhood. This can help narrow down your choices.
Lighter colors show less fading over time, and they also complement the surrounding greenery. If you live in a wooded area, consider earth tones for your siding and trim.
Online tools and physical samples can allow you to see how a color looks on your home.
Style
One of the most important factors when choosing a new siding color is the style of your home. For example, if your home is a traditional frame house with a steep roofline, a blue-gray siding color can complement the window trim and door for a look that’s unified and balanced. Similarly, a sable brown shade can coordinate with both light and dark trim colors to create a rich, warm aesthetic.
Another consideration is the color of surrounding landscaping, as this can impact the way your home looks when viewed from the street. If your yard is full of vibrant green plants, a bright siding color may not stand out well against the foliage. Likewise, if your home is situated in a neighborhood with sparse landscaping, it might be best to choose a more neutral color that will blend into the landscape instead of standing out too much.
It’s also important to keep in mind how different colors look in the sunlight. Be sure to obtain samples of your potential siding colors and check them at various times of day to see how the hues change with the sun’s movement throughout the day. Especially with a lighter color, the difference in sunlight can be dramatic and make a significant impact on how your home appears. A good siding color expert will know this and be able to help you find the right tone for your home.
The style of your home will also play a role in the siding color you choose. Victorian-style homes, for example, pair well with deep and somber colors, while craftsman-style houses may benefit from a warm or neutral shade. Likewise, French cottage-style homes tend to look best with soft colors, such as blues and grays.
If you prefer a more modern look, consider using neutral colors that closely match other exterior elements of your home, such as the roof, windows and doors, or the trim around the windows and doors. This can create a flow between the various elements of your house and make it appear more cohesive.
Climate
The climate where you live will play a role in the color you choose for your siding. The type of weather in your area will determine how your home looks during different times of the year, as certain colors are more vibrant when it’s warm than when it’s dreary. Choosing a siding color that reflects the beauty of your area is key to increasing your curb appeal.
The neighborhood also plays a major role in the look of your home, so take time to walk around or drive through several neighborhoods to get an up-close view of how homes are designed and colored. If the houses are all a similar shade, you might want to go with a contrasting palette that adds interest to your home.
For example, a dark gray with white trim can offer a classic appearance while still complementing the windows and doors. Conversely, a light brown might look more natural on your home and pair well with the trees and shrubs in your yard.
The size of your home should also be a factor in the siding color you choose. Larger homes can look overwhelming and even menacing when adorned with bright or dark colors, so consider keeping things neutral to make your house blend in rather than standing out like a sore thumb.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you’re looking to increase your home’s energy efficiency or simply update its look, the right siding color can help you achieve your goals. Darker colors and neutrals tend to block out sunlight better than lighter hues, which can keep your home stay cooler in warmer temperatures.