
5 Factors to Consider when Choosing Exterior Paint Colors
By: MacFarland Painting May 27, 2022
Choosing the right paint color for your exterior can be extremely stressful, especially because it is the first thing potential buyers, neighbors, and friends/family will see upon arriving at your home! When it comes to choosing your exterior paint colors, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure you end up with a beautiful and timeless result. Here are 5 essential tips for choosing the perfect exterior paint color(s) for your home!
1. YOUR SURROUNDINGS

The last thing you want is for your home to be “that home” in the neighborhood… you know, the one that sticks out like a sore thumb. As you decide on your exterior color, take some time and tour your neighborhood to understand the overall color scheme and see if any color in particular catches your eye.
The general rule is to not paint your house the same color as your next-door neighbor, or one that clashes with your neighborhood scheme.
If you live in a neighborhood that is governed by a homeowners association, make sure you check with them before painting your home’s exterior. Some neighborhoods have strict rules against color choices.
2.DON’T RELY ON PAINT CHIPS, ALWAYS TEST THE COLOR
It is a known fact that paint can look one way on one person’s home, and completely different on your own. There are many different factors that go into the appearance of your paint color – natural lighting, texture, and surroundings – so, it is most defiantly important to test your color before you make any final decisions.
It is a good idea to put your color sample on ALL sides of your home. Seeing the color in different lighting conditions can help you decide whether you need to lighten up or not.
💡 Paint tends to darken as it dries. ALWAYS allow your samples to dry completely – AT LEAST 24 hours – before you make a final decision.
3. Home Style
When choosing paint colors for your exterior, it is extremely important to take your home’s style into consideration. Whether you have a modern farmhouse or a standard colonial, your exterior color scheme should feel appropriate to the style.
Many paint manufacturing companies such as Sherwin-Williams offer a Historic Paint Color Collection. Sherwin-Williams Historic Palette, in particular, pays homage to key architectural styles throughout history.
If you are stuck for inspiration, our color consultant can help you come up with a combination that works beautifully for your home’s style.
4. USE COLOR VISUALIZER APPS
