We all know it. Choosing your home’s siding color is a big deal. Because with modern products designed to last up to fifty years, a regrettable choice today could be one you’re living with for decades to come.
However, the inverse is also true: choosing a color you love means appreciating your home for years and years. Plus, the right color choice has the power to transform even the most decrepit home into an admirable residence that passersby are quick to compliment.
But how do you choose the right color for your home? Well, we’re glad you asked. Give this guide a quick skim and learn the practical considerations for landing on the perfect color—one that brings a smile to your face for years to come.
Let’s break it down.
1. Consider The Big Picture (Neighborhood and House Style)
With thousands of color swatches on the market, your first step is to whittle down as many as possible. To do that, start with the big picture.
Take a stroll around the block. Are you seeing mostly neutrals (grays, beiges, and whites), or do your neighbors sport more creative palettes?
While you should choose a color that matches your style, it’s also important to fit into your surroundings. The reason is that clashing with nearby homes can create a jarring look—one with the potential to affect resale.
Similarly, choose a color that’s true to your home’s architectural style. More traditional homes often shine in classic hues like soft whites, light grays, and tans. In contrast, contemporary designs can pull off modern deep tones or bold accents.
In other words, go with a shade that’s proven to work—albeit unique to your tastes.
2. Study Landscaping, Rooflines, and Fixed Elements
Your siding does not exist in a vacuum. As such, your choice of siding color should complement the natural surroundings: landscaping and fixed structural elements on your home.
For example, a dark brown or charcoal roof may pair nicely with a brighter siding color. Similarly, if your home is nestled among tall trees, earthy greens and shades of brown can feel intentional and cohesive (see example below).
To ensure you’re making the best color choice for your new siding installation, set out samples to view on different days and at different times. The tones of colors can shift dramatically depending on the weather and time of day—so take your time!
3. Home Size Makes a Difference
The choice of light and dark colors has the same effect on a home’s exterior as it does the interior: Lighter hues make a home feel bigger and more open, and larger homes can handle the bold statements of darker tones.
- For a smaller home, consider light neutrals like creamy whites, beiges, and lighter shades of gray.
- For larger homes, explore the drama of deeper blues, charcoal greys, or even black (a color gaining popularity among short-term rental owners)
4. Climate and Material Choice Matters (Maybe More Than You Think)
Not many homeowners think of climate or material choice when choosing a color for their siding. They should. Here’s why.
Dark colors absorb heat. Additionally, they can fade faster under direct sunlight. There’s also the fact that various home siding options show color differently—with fiber cement (cement board siding), vinyl, or engineered wood all aging at their own pace.
Generally, products painted onsite don’t hold color as well as factory-finished materials like HardiPlankⓇ Siding or LPⓇ SmartsideⓇ. As such, our siding experts strongly suggest siding planks that come finished by the manufacturer.
5. Color Psychology (It’s Not All Woo-Woo)
Since you’ll likely be living with your siding’s color for many years, it’s a good idea to consider that color’s emotional impact.
For example:
- Soft greens and tans can feel welcoming and trustworthy
- Bold reds and blues have a lively, modern feel to them
- Neutral grays and charcoals carry a sophisticated, clean vibe
While color psychology may not be everyone’s cup of tea (admittedly, we tend to think any color you like that fits in with your neighborhood and natural surroundings is a great choice), colors can affect guests’ feelings in your home. So…
Do you want your space to feel calm? More spacious? Bold and confident?
Color makes a difference.
6. Don’t Forget Your Accent Colors
Monotone homes can be boring.
Instead, think in sets:
- Primary Color: The main body of siding
- Accent Color: Gables, trim, or architectural details
- Secondary Color: Windows, doors, and gutters
A quick online search can provide you with tools for matching various swatches. For additional inspiration (based on homes right here in southeastern PA), swing by our Gallery Page. You’ll find a whole slew of projects to steal color ideas from.
(And when you’re done at the Gallery Page, reach out for a free quote and consultation. We’ll get you mockups of various types of siding for homes, including photos of your house wrapped in your top choices.
7. Avoid These Common Mistakes
Here are a few traps you want to avoid in choosing your home’s siding color.
- Chasing Trends: Trendy colors can date your home in just a few years. Instead, opt for timeless with a personal twist.
- Ignoring Fixed Features: Your home’s landscaping, stonework, and roofing all get their say in your ultimate choice of siding color.
- Skipping Outdoor Samples: Setting large painted panels in front of your house to view in the light of day—and the setting sun—is the best way to choose a fantastic color.
You Don’t Have to Choose Your Siding’s Color Alone!
If you’re thinking about upgrading your siding, give the siding experts at Smucker Exteriors a call.
Because our team is ready to help you find the perfect siding products and colors for your home, your tastes, and your budget.
To get started, just give us a call. You’ll receive an initial consultation and quote absolutely free. Then, if you decide to work with us, your siding installation is covered by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty and the assurance that comes from working with crews who’ve kept Pennsylvanians safe and dry for over 25 years.
So don’t wait.
Smucker Exteriors knows how important your home is—and our crews have been keeping Pennsylvania homeowners comfortable, safe, and dry for over 25 years. All of our installations come backed by a Lifetime Workmanship Warranty. If you’re in Lancaster, Chester, or Berks counties, give us a call today.
