Choosing the right exterior paint color is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your home. The right color can increase curb appeal, boost property value, and express your personal style. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular exterior house colors for 2026, with specific paint recommendations from Sherwin-Williams and Benjamin Moore.
🔥 2026's Most Popular Exterior Colors at a Glance
White & Off-White Exterior Colors
White exteriors remain the #1 choice in 2026. They're classic, versatile, and work with virtually any architectural style from Colonial to Modern Farmhouse. The key is choosing the right undertone.
Sherwin-Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)
WarmThe most popular exterior white for good reason. Creamy warmth without being yellow. Perfect for traditional homes, farmhouses, and Craftsman styles.
- LRV: 82
- Best with: Black, navy, or natural wood trim
- Avoid with: Cool gray roofs
Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
WarmThe designer's go-to white. Soft, sophisticated, and universally flattering. Works on any home style and pairs beautifully with most trim colors.
- LRV: 85
- Best with: Any trim color
- Avoid with: Nothing – it's that versatile
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (OC-65)
Pure WhiteThe purest, crispest white available. Modern, clean, and bright. Perfect for contemporary and minimalist homes where you want maximum contrast.
- LRV: 92
- Best with: Black windows, dark trim
- Avoid with: Traditional details
Sherwin-Williams Pure White (SW 7005)
NeutralClean white with minimal undertone. Incredibly versatile – neither too warm nor too cool. Works on almost any home.
- LRV: 84
- Best with: Any accent color
- Avoid with: Very warm fixed elements
Sherwin-Williams Greek Villa (SW 7551)
WarmSoft, warm white with European villa appeal. Beautiful in southern sunlight. Mediterranean and Spanish style favorite.
- LRV: 84
- Best with: Terracotta, iron accents
- Avoid with: Cool-toned landscaping
Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (OC-45)
WarmRich, creamy white with noticeable warmth. Elegant and upscale. Perfect for homes with natural stone or warm-toned brick.
- LRV: 83
- Best with: Natural stone, warm metals
- Avoid with: Cool gray elements
Gray & Greige Exterior Colors
Gray exteriors are the second most popular choice in 2026. They offer sophistication without being stark, and greige (gray + beige) provides warmth while maintaining modern appeal.
Sherwin-Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015)
GreigeThe perfect greige – warm enough to feel welcoming, cool enough to look modern. Sherwin-Williams' best-selling gray for exteriors.
- LRV: 58
- Best with: White trim, black accents
- Avoid with: Very warm tones
Sherwin-Williams Accessible Beige (SW 7036)
GreigeWarm greige with welcoming appeal. Great for traditional and transitional homes. Never looks cold or industrial.
- LRV: 58
- Best with: Cream trim, brown roofs
- Avoid with: Cool blue accents
Benjamin Moore Chelsea Gray (HC-168)
True GrayRich medium gray with depth and sophistication. Perfect for Craftsman, Transitional, and Contemporary homes. A statement color.
- LRV: 27
- Best with: White or black trim
- Avoid with: Very warm elements
Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter (HC-172)
GreigeThe original greige. Warm, welcoming, and endlessly versatile. Works with virtually any fixed element.
- LRV: 55
- Best with: Almost everything
- Avoid with: Nothing notable
Sherwin-Williams Mindful Gray (SW 7016)
GreigePerfectly balanced greige – not too warm, not too cool. Elegant and sophisticated for any home style.
- LRV: 48
- Best with: White trim, natural stone
- Avoid with: Very pink undertones
Sherwin-Williams Dorian Gray (SW 7017)
Cool GraySophisticated medium-dark gray with subtle complexity. Dramatic yet refined for contemporary homes.
- LRV: 39
- Best with: Crisp white trim
- Avoid with: Warm brick
Dark & Dramatic Exterior Colors
Dark exterior colors are a major trend for 2026. Black, charcoal, and deep navy create stunning modern statements. They work especially well on newer construction and minimal architectural styles.
Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore (SW 7069)
Dark CharcoalThe most popular dark exterior color. Rich charcoal with depth. Not quite black – sophisticated and versatile.
- LRV: 6
- Best with: White windows, natural wood
- Avoid with: Small homes (makes them look smaller)
Benjamin Moore Black Panther (2125-10)
True BlackDeep, rich black for bold statements. Modern, dramatic, and luxurious. Perfect for contemporary architecture.
- LRV: 3
- Best with: White trim, gold hardware
- Avoid with: Hot southern climates
Sherwin-Williams Naval (SW 6244)
Deep NavyRich, sophisticated navy blue. Classic yet modern. 2020 Color of the Year that's still going strong.
- LRV: 4
- Best with: White, gold, natural wood
- Avoid with: Red brick
Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal (HC-166)
CharcoalSophisticated charcoal gray with subtle warmth. Less stark than black but still makes a statement.
- LRV: 13
- Best with: White, cream, wood tones
- Avoid with: Small homes
Sherwin-Williams Urbane Bronze (SW 7048)
Warm Dark2021 Color of the Year. Warm dark brown-gray. Works with nature, earthy landscaping.
- LRV: 8
- Best with: Natural elements, wood
- Avoid with: Cool-toned materials
Benjamin Moore Hale Navy (HC-154)
Deep NavyClassic navy with timeless appeal. Works for traditional and modern homes alike.
- LRV: 8
- Best with: White, cream, brass
- Avoid with: Very warm elements
Nature-Inspired Green Exterior Colors
Green exteriors are surging in popularity for 2026. From sage to forest green, these nature-inspired colors connect homes to their landscapes and create serene, organic appeal.
Sherwin-Williams Pewter Green (SW 6208)
Sage GreenSoft, muted sage green. Sophisticated and calming. Perfect for homes in natural settings.
- LRV: 18
- Best with: White trim, natural wood
- Avoid with: Urban settings
Benjamin Moore Cushing Green (HC-125)
Historic GreenDusty, historical green. Perfect for Colonial and historic homes. Timeless and elegant.
- LRV: 25
- Best with: Cream, black, brick
- Avoid with: Modern architecture
Benjamin Moore Forest Floor (2146-40)
Dark GreenRich, dark forest green. Dramatic and sophisticated for modern cabins and nature-surrounded homes.
- LRV: 11
- Best with: White, natural wood
- Avoid with: Suburban settings
Sherwin-Williams Rosemary (SW 6187)
Muted GreenSophisticated gray-green. Subtle enough for traditionalists, interesting enough for trendsetters.
- LRV: 13
- Best with: Cream, white, stone
- Avoid with: Very bright accents
Popular Exterior Color Combinations 2026
The right color combination elevates your home's curb appeal. Here are the most popular schemes:
Modern Farmhouse
White Dove + Black + Natural Wood
Best for: Farmhouse, ModernCoastal Classic
Repose Gray + White + Navy Door
Best for: Cape Cod, ColonialModern Drama
Iron Ore + White + Brass Hardware
Best for: ContemporaryClassic Elegance
Alabaster + Forest Green + Black
Best for: Traditional, ColonialNature Inspired
Pewter Green + White + Cedar
Best for: CraftsmanBold Statement
Naval + White Dove + Red Door
Best for: Cottage, Cape CodHow to Choose the Right Exterior Color
Consider Your Fixed Elements
Your roof, brick, stone, and driveway color can't change. Choose paint that complements these elements. Warm roofs need warm paints; cool roofs work with cool paints.
Think About Your Neighborhood
While you want to stand out, extremely bold choices can affect property values. Look at what works in your neighborhood and add your personal touch.
Test Before You Commit
Paint large samples (at least 12"x12") on your actual house. View at different times of day. Colors look different in morning vs evening light.
Consider Climate
Dark colors absorb heat – not ideal in hot climates. Light colors reflect heat and keep homes cooler. Charlotte's climate works with most colors.
Think Resale Value
If you might sell soon, stick to popular neutrals. Personal favorites like bright purple can limit buyer appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
White and off-white shades remain #1, particularly Benjamin Moore White Dove and Sherwin-Williams Alabaster. Dark colors like charcoal and navy are trending for modern homes.
Neutral colors like white, gray, greige, and black typically increase home value. Well-chosen neutral exteriors can sell for 1-5% more than comparable homes with polarizing colors.
Light colors make homes appear larger and work well in hot climates. Dark colors create drama but absorb heat. Consider your home's size, style, and climate when choosing.
Warm whites, creamy off-whites, warm grays/greiges, and sage greens complement brown roofs. Avoid cool-toned colors which can clash.
Free Color Consultation
Can't decide on the perfect color? Carolina Renew Painting & Finishes offers free color consultations with every exterior painting project. We'll help you choose colors that complement your home, neighborhood, and personal style.
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