When choosing an exterior paint color for your home, dark gray is a popular modern option. But is it truly a good choice for your house? There are several factors to consider when determining if dark gray is the right color for your exterior.
Pros of a Dark Gray House
Here are some of the potential benefits of choosing a dark gray exterior house color:
- It’s trendy – Dark grays are very on-trend right now, especially charcoal grays. If you want your home to look sleek and modern, dark gray is a great way to achieve that aesthetic.
- It’s neutral – While not strictly a “neutral” like white or beige, dark grays still have a neutral quality and versatility. They work with a wide range of architectural styles and accent colors.
- It’s sophisticated – Compared to a basic white or beige house, dark gray evokes a more refined, upscale look. It makes a statement without being overpowering.
- Low maintenance – Quality dark gray paints hold up well over time. Their dark color also helps disguise dirt and wear from weathering.
- Cohesive curb appeal – Painting your entire exterior dark gray can create a streamlined, cohesive look. Trim and other accents will seamlessly blend together.
Cons of a Dark Gray House
However, there are also some potential downsides to keep in mind with a dark gray exterior:
- Can look cold or dull – In the wrong light or setting, dark grays can read as cold and uninviting. Without proper contrast from lighter accents, they can also look flat or dull.
- Shows imperfections – Unlike lighter paint colors that help disguise flaws, dark grays will accentuate any imperfections in siding, stucco, etc. The house exterior needs to be in good shape for dark gray to look its best.
- Heat absorption – Darker colors absorb more heat from sunlight. This can lead to increased cooling costs in warm climates.
- Fades faster – While quality dark gray paints resist fading, UV exposure will cause them to fade faster than lighter paint colors over time.
- Limits future color options – Painting your whole house dark gray makes it harder to later switch to a vastly different color without a major repaint project.
Tips for Pulling Off a Dark Gray Exterior
If you want to use dark gray as your exterior house color, here are some tips to help ensure it looks its best:
- Provide plenty of contrast – Use white or light gray on trim, windows, railings and other accents so the dark gray doesn’t get monotonous. Warm wood tones also contrast nicely.
- Use warmer undertones – Go for grays with warm brown, taupe or greige undertones rather than straight charcoal which can read cold and sterile.
- Add bright pops of color – Plant flowers, decorate with boldly colored outdoor furniture/rugs, paint your front door a vivid hue like red or yellow. Pops of color bring dark gray schemes to life.
- Play up other exterior elements – Natural stone, wood siding, and other facade details take on more significance with a dark gray background. Let them shine.
- Light it up – Use ample lighting around entryways, patios and landscape features at night. This prevents dark gray schemes from feeling too somber or closed in after dark.
Is Dark Gray Right for Your House?
When weighing the pros and cons, is dark gray ultimately a good choice for your exterior house color? Here are a few key considerations to help decide:
| Factor | Best Suited for Dark Gray | Not the Best for Dark Gray |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural Style | Modern, contemporary, urban | Traditional, cottage, some craftsman |
| Climate | Cooler climates | Hotter climates |
| Facade | Textured facades like brick, stone, shingle | Smooth facades like stucco |
| Accent Colors | Bold, vivid accent colors | Muted or earthy accents |
| Landscaping | Minimal, modern landscape | Lush, flower-filled landscape |
As shown above, factors like your home’s existing architecture and climate should inform whether dark gray is a suitable exterior color choice or not.
Consult the Experts
Still undecided if you should paint your exterior dark gray? Consult a professional painting contractor or house color expert. They can assess your particular home and help determine if a dark gray scheme will work or not. A reputable contractor can also handle the prep work and painting process to get flawless, lasting results.
It’s also a smart idea to purchase a few paint color sample pots in different gray hues. Paint them on sections of your house’s exterior brick or siding to see how the color truly looks on your facade in different lighting at different times of day. Living with the painted samples for a few days is the best way to decide if a dark gray exterior is the right choice or not.
Conclusion
Dark gray is a trendy exterior house color that creates a sophisticated, elegant look when done right. But it also comes with some practical considerations around climate, maintenance and pairing with the right accents. Ultimately the pros and cons will vary for each individual home. Do your homework to determine if dark gray is a good aesthetic fit and practical choice for your particular exterior design and needs.
