Choosing the right color for your home’s exterior can seem like a daunting task. With a large number of factors to consider, it is pertinent that the homeowner consider several different aspects of their home before choosing the perfect color.

First, consider the amount of sunlight that reaches the house. The sun is responsible for absorbing, and eventually fading, the color of your home. If your home is exposed to a great deal of sunlight, it is best to choose a color that is a bit more vibrant in appearance because the color will begin to fade with time. Also, color can affect the amount of sunlight absorbed by the house, which will affect the temperature of your home. For example, dark colors can absorb more of the sun’s rays, which in turn will help to heat the home, whereas lighter colors absorb less sunlight and help keep the home cooler.

The style of your home should also be taken into account when choosing a color for your home. Cape Cod homes should select light blues and grays, and don’t be afraid to add some color by painting your door with a bright accent color. Classic ranch homes should use pale colors to make the home appear larger than they are. Craftsman homes should use colors that reflect the materials from which the home was made, so stick with earth tones. Finally, Postmodern homes should use neutral colors with the use of bright colors for accents. If the style of your home was not mentioned, information is available online that will offer color recommendations for your particular style.

Once you have narrowed your options down to a few colors, try painting a few swatches on each side of the house (we use Sherwin Williams Color to Go). Try two coats of each sample, painting about a two-by-two foot square for each color. After you have applied these different samples, be sure to observe these colors at different times during the day, as they will appear slightly different in color as the sun hits it differently.

Finally, don’t be afraid to use your resources. There are several paint stores that provide advising on how to choose the right color for your home. Some of these stores have the software that allows a homeowner to scan a photo of their home to which they can then apply different colors to the home’s exterior. This will allow you to develop a better understanding of how each color will appear on your home.

Hopefully these tips help to ease the stress of choosing the perfect color for your home. Good luck!